Did you know the Gold Coast boasts more than 260 kilometers of navigable waterways—even more than Venice? As winter fades and the days grow longer, these sparkling waters come alive with sun-drenched adventures.
This spring, it’s the perfect time to experience the best water activities on the Gold Coast. Adrenaline junkies can chase high-speed thrills, while those seeking a more relaxed experience can enjoy a peaceful water adventure. Here’s a list of what awaits you this season.
Best Time to Enjoy Water Activities on the Gold Coast
Spring (September – November) is the perfect time to dive into water sports and outdoor adventures. The Gold Coast climate begins to warm up, with average temperatures ranging between 18°C – 27°C, which is comfortable for swimming, surfing, and other water activities.
- Best time of day? Mornings are generally calmer, with clear skies and gentler waters, making them ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and whale watching.
- Ideal conditions? Spring brings longer daylight hours and fewer crowds, so you can make the most of Gold Coast’s stunning beaches and waterways.
Thrill-Seeking Water Activities on the Gold Coast
GC Jet Boat and Parasail – High-Speed Fun with Ocean Views
📍 Mariners Cove Marina, Main Beach
💰 Jet boating from $69 | Parasailing (Solo) $149
For those who love high-speed water adventures, GC Jet Boat and Parasail offers the ultimate thrill. The jet boat ride delivers a full-throttle experience through the Broadwater, featuring sharp twists, turns, and high-speed drifts.
Looking to take the adventure up a notch? Try parasailing for breathtaking views of the Gold Coast skyline from 300 feet above the water. For the best experience, book a morning session when the waters are calmer and the ride is smoother.
Paradise Jet Boating – Extreme Adventure on the Water
📍 Mariners Cove Marina, Main Beach
💰 From $79 per adult (55 mins)
For a wilder, more adrenaline-packed experience, Paradise Jet Boating offers a thrilling ride with speeds up to 80 km/h, plus exciting spins, slides, and wave jumps. The ride also takes you through beautiful scenery, including secluded islands and marine wildlife spotting areas.
Jet Ski Safaris – Explore the Broadwater at Full Speed
📍 Mariners Cove, Main Beach
💰 From AU$299 per person (1.5 hr)
Here’s another exciting way to experience the Gold Coast on the water: Jet Ski Safaris. This guided jet ski tour takes you through the stunning Gold Coast Broadwater, giving you the option to race through the waves or cruise at your own pace. Come with your partner, friends, or simply yourself if you’re looking for an exhilarating way to explore the coastline.
Family-Friendly Water Fun – Theme Parks & Water Playgrounds
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast – The Ultimate Water Park
📍 Pacific Motorway, Oxenford
💰 Prices vary according to ticket type
If you’re looking for water theme parks, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast is the place to be. Packed with giant water slides, lazy rivers, and Australia’s tallest water coaster, it’s perfect for cooling off on warm spring days. This venue is best for families and thrill-seekers who want non-stop water fun.
GC Aqua Park – Inflatable Fun on the Water
📍 Broadwater Parklands, Southport
💰 From $55 (All Day Pass)
With a giant inflatable obstacle course, GC Aqua Park has an action-packed water playground that features climbing walls, slides, balance beams, and floating trampolines.
Aquaduck Gold Coast – Land & Water Adventure
📍 Surfers Paradise
💰 From AU$44 (1-hr tour)
For families with young kids looking for a relaxed and interactive tour, Aquaduck Gold Coast has a unique mix of sightseeing and water fun that lets you explore the Gold Coast by land and sea in a tour bus that transforms into a boat. Exciting, right?
Scenic & Wildlife Water Experiences
Sea World Whale Watch – Spot Majestic Humpback Whales
📍 Main Beach
💰 From $89 per adult
Oh, before we forget—spring is prime whale-watching season. This is the perfect time to book a Sea World Whale Watch tour. Witness humpback whales breaching, tail slapping, and swimming alongside your boat as they migrate along the coast.
Australian Kayaking Adventures – Peaceful Paddleboarding & Kayaking
📍 Surfers Paradise
💰 Single Kayak hire from $47 (2 hrs) | SUP hire from $37 (1 hr)
Discover the beauty of the Gold Coast at your own pace with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental at Australian Kayaking Adventures. Glide across tranquil waters, keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and stingrays, or paddle to HOTA for a coffee break.
This adventure offers a relaxing yet exciting way to explore hidden gems like Macintosh Island, home to peacocks, swans, and geese.
Kokomo Cruises – Luxury Water Experiences
📍 Mariners Cove Marina, Main Beach
💰 From AU$88 per person (2.5hr Whale Watching Cruise)
For an exclusive water experience, Kokomo Cruises offers magnificent humpback whales as they journey along the ‘Whale Highway,’ an ancient underwater passage just 20 minutes from the marina. Experiencing these gentle giants up close in their natural habitat is nothing short of breathtaking.
Safety Tips
While water adventures are exciting, it’s essential to keep safety in mind to ensure a fun and risk-free experience. Here are some key safety tips for thrill-seekers taking part in high-speed water activities like jet boating, parasailing, and jet skiing.
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket that meets safety regulations, and for activities like jet skiing, a helmet may also be required.
- Pay close attention to the safety briefing, as guides provide crucial instructions on emergency procedures, hand signals, and proper positioning.
- Check the latest weather updates before heading out, as Gold Coast conditions can change quickly, with early mornings offering calmer waters for activities like parasailing and jet skiing.
- Adhere to speed limits and maintain safe distances from other vessels, as operators enforce strict no-go zones to ensure rider safety and protect marine life.
Plan Your Water Adventure & Stay in Broadbeach
Remember how the Gold Coast has more waterways than Venice? Now it’s your turn to explore them! With the warmer months just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your Gold Coast water adventures. From thrilling jet boat rides to relaxing kayak tours and family-friendly water parks, there’s something for everyone.
For a perfect base near all the best water activities, stay at Oceana on Broadbeach. It has spacious, beachfront apartments just minutes from water parks, jet boating, and parasailing experiences. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of fun.
Start planning your Gold Coast spring getaway and make the most of water activities on the Gold Coast!
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