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Best Tours & activities in Gold Coast (2026)

Tours on the Gold Coast make it easy to see the region from different angles without a car. On the water, Paradise Jet Boating runs 50-minute high-speed rides from Cavill Avenue that also take in South Stradbroke Island, while Aquaduck's amphibious vehicles drive through Surfers Paradise before splashing into the Broadwater, a good choice for families with younger children.

Inland, Southern Cross Tours collects guests from hotels between Broadbeach and Southport for day trips to Springbrook's Natural Bridge and waterfalls, Lamington and O'Reilly's, Tamborine Mountain and an evening glow worm tour. For a special occasion, Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast flies over the hinterland and Scenic Rim at sunrise, with breakfast options at a vineyard. To learn to surf, Currumbin Alley Surf School has taught at one of the coast's most learner-friendly spots since 1993. Book popular tours ahead, especially during school holidays, and check what is included, such as pick-ups, meals or equipment. Several operators sell combination packages, which can save time if your stay is short, and early-morning activities such as ballooning leave the rest of the day free for the beach or a theme park.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 tours & activities in Gold Coast

  1. Paradise Jet Boating Jet boat ride, Surfers ParadiseGold Coast jet boat operator since 2004, running 50-minute rides with high-speed spins and drifts and a sightseeing run along South Stradbroke Island.
  2. Aquaduck Gold Coast Amphibious road and river tour, Surfers ParadiseOne-hour amphibious tour from Cavill Avenue that drives past Surfers Paradise landmarks before splashing into the Broadwater for a cruise past waterfront mansions.
  3. Southern Cross Tours Hinterland and rainforest day tours, Surfers ParadiseSurfers Paradise-based operator running guided day and evening tours to Springbrook's Natural Bridge, the glow worms, Lamington, O'Reilly's and Tamborine Mountain.

Tour operator

2. Aquaduck Gold Coast

Amphibious road and river tourSurfers Paradise

One-hour amphibious tour from Cavill Avenue that drives past Surfers Paradise landmarks before splashing into the Broadwater for a cruise past waterfront mansions.

View details — Aquaduck Gold Coast

Tour operator

3. Southern Cross Tours

Hinterland and rainforest day toursSurfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise-based operator running guided day and evening tours to Springbrook's Natural Bridge, the glow worms, Lamington, O'Reilly's and Tamborine Mountain.

View details — Southern Cross Tours