Discover the Beautiful Canals and Waterways of Gold Coast
As if Gold Coast wasn’t an exciting and adventurous place to begin with, now you’re faced with the prospect of exploring the vibrant natural world that surrounds it – so get ready, because you’re in for an exploration tour of a lifetime. Many people would say that the best things to do in Gold Coast are located in the city, up in the sky (looking at you, parasailers), on the beach, and of course, in the ocean. However, you haven’t had the true taste of the region before you’ve embarked on an exploration journey of the surrounding canals and waterways.
The destinations and activities we’ll be mentioning today are some of the most popular and beloved tours that Gold Coast has to offer, and will take you through the beautiful Instagram-worthy sights of the mesmerising locations not far from the city itself. Here are the tours you shouldn’t miss.
Explore the sights of the Gold Coast Broadwater
Sailing the Broadwater is a unique and calming experience, rich with sights and sounds of the still waters that grace the shores of the city. Soak in the local scenery that crowns the coast, learn about the local culture from your skipper, and just sit back and relax as the catamaran takes you past the most interesting sights that Gold Coast has to offer.
The catamaran is yours to explore, and you can choose to enjoy the view from numerous spots on the ship. Some of the most prominent sights on this tour include the superyachts, Sea World, Palazzo Versace, South Stradbroke Island, Wavebreak Island and the Gold Coast Seaway. Depending on your sightseeing preferences, you can choose charter a private catamaran, or join a group of up to 30 other tourists.
Hop on an amphibious bus tour
One of the more popular tours on the Gold Coast is the Aquaduck Safaris tour – taking you on an exploration journey of the city’s waterways in an amphibious vehicle, which means that you will be transitioning from land to the sea without leaving the bus! This is a popular family activity you shouldn’t miss because the kids are going to love it.
The bus, named the Duck, departs daily from Cavill Avenue in the centre of Surfer’s Paradise, and will take you through the heart of the city and many of its major landmarks. Be sure to get your camera ready for the transition into the Gold Coast Broadwater, because it surely is a sight to behold.
Hire your very own round boat
Probably the most popular tour on the Gold Coast nowadays is the round boat hire, because who doesn’t want to enjoy a private scenic tour of the city’s canals, waterways, wildlife, and cityscape while sipping on their favourite cocktail in good company. You don’t need to have a licence to commandeer and steer this vessel, as it’s easy to operate even if it’s your first time.
You’re allowed to bring food and beverages on board, as well as children, however, don’t forget to bring your family travel insurance with you in order to stay safe at all times. Once on the water, you can take your boat to a carefully-curated selection of the best sightseeing spots and have yourself a picnic of a lifetime. This option is also excellent for special events such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Take on a kayaking adventure
Kayaking is also a beloved activity in this region, simply because it offers a more personal experience with the local marine life and a closer look at the pristine natural world surrounding the Gold Coast itself. The tour will take you on an exploration journey of Stradbroke Island, where you will get the chance to snorkel and discover the bustling marine life hidden beneath the waves.
Among the top sights are the wild stingrays, turtles, and dolphins, while the breath-taking scenery around you provides the perfect backdrop for some rest and relaxation. You might even be so lucky as to spot migrating whales if you book a kayaking tour between May and November.
Enjoy a BBQ escapade while cruising the waterways
And lastly, why not enjoy a BBQ picnic aboard your very own pontoon that accommodates up to 12 people – perfect for a whole-day social gathering on the water. BBQ tours are excellent for families looking to spend quality time with their loved ones while exploring the Gold Coast’s waterways and revelling in the beauty of the local scenery. Fire up the grill, pull out your fishing gear, and crack open a cold one because this tour is tailor-made for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Parting words
The Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Australia, but there is so much more to see and do aside from surfing and basking on the Main Beach. Be sure to hop on these exciting tours in order to experience the other, thrilling side of the region.
About the author
Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. On her travels, she likes to read poetry and prose and to surf the Internet. Her favourite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. Most of her free time at home she spends walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography who loves to talk about her experiences. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.
