Gold Coast’s best city tours combine waterways, skyline views, and family adventures.
The standout Aquaduck tour transforms from street vehicle to water vessel in 60 minutes – a crowd-pleasing highlight that shows off both cityscapes and waterways. For the money, nothing beats the quick 10-minute helicopter hop over Surfers Paradise – you’ll get postcard-worthy photos and a perfect city overview.
Families especially appreciate the interactive Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise, where kids can try their hand at captaining the vessel.
The evening City Lights Cruise offers a relaxing 90-minute glimpse of illuminated mansions and peaceful canals – it’s the most atmospheric way to see the city.
Let’s explore these top Gold Coast tours in detail.
Good To Know
- The Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 Hour City and River Tour offers a unique amphibious experience, transitioning from bus to boat, with a high rating of 4.5 based on 319 reviews.
- The Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight provides a 10-minute helicopter tour with exceptional aerial views of iconic sights like Q1 Resort and Surfers Paradise.
- The Gold Coast: Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise is a 1-hour adventure in an amphibious vehicle, with a high rating of 4.7/5 based on 172 reviews and activities for children.
- The Gold Coast: City Lights Cruise is a 1.5-hour cruise along picturesque waterways, offering scenic views of the sunset, Marina Mirage, and million-dollar homes.
- These tours offer a variety of pricing options, flexible booking, and high-quality experiences, making them some of the best city tours in Gold Coast.
Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 Hour City and River Tour
For an exhilarating sightseeing adventure along the Gold Coast, consider the Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 Hour City and River Tour. Aboard an amphibious vessel that transitions from bus to boat, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Surfers Paradise, Millionaire’s Row, and local landmarks like Marina Mirage.
The live English commentary enhances the experience, and children can even take the wheel and receive a captain’s certificate.
Priced at $36.18 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.
With a maximum capacity of 90 travelers, seating is pre-allocated by staff, and you’ll need to arrive 20 minutes prior to departure for check-in.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps, it’s a fun experience for all ages. The overall rating of 4.5 based on 319 reviews highlights the unique land-to-water transition and engaging activities for children, though some negative feedback notes limited commentary and customer service issues.
Read our full review: Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 Hour City and River Tour Review
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Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight
Soaring high above the shimmering coastline, the Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight offers an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of this vibrant Australian city. At just $103.42 per person, this 10-minute helicopter tour provides an exceptional value, allowing you to experience the stunning beauty of the Gold Coast from a unique perspective.
You’ll embark on a luxury Airbus helicopter, fully air-conditioned and limited to only 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. During the flight, you’ll be treated to live commentary from your pilot as you take in the iconic sights below, including the Q1 Resort, Sea World Theme Park, and the high-rises of Surfers Paradise.
The scenic route encompasses the Broadwater, Main Beach, Broadbeach, Point Danger, Burleigh Heads, and South Stradbroke Island, giving you a comprehensive look at the region’s stunning natural landscape.
With a safety briefing before takeoff and flexible booking options, this helicopter tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable aerial adventure in the Gold Coast.
Read our full review: Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight Review
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Gold Coast: Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise
The Gold Coast: Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise offers a unique and engaging way to explore the vibrant city of Gold Coast. For just $35.55 per person, you’ll embark on a 1-hour adventure in an amphibious vehicle, transitioning seamlessly from land to water.
Accompanied by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, you’ll witness the famous ‘Surfers Paradise’ sign and enjoy a “splash down” as the Aquaduck enters the Gold Coast Broadwater.
Cruise along the waterway, observing the beautiful scenery and marine life. Children can even steer the Aquaduck and receive a personalized captain’s certificate, making it a fun activity for all ages.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, this tour provides flexibility and convenience.
Based on 172 reviews, the Aquaduck tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.7/5, with praise for the informative and entertaining experience.
Read our full review: Gold Coast: Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise Review
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Gold Coast: City Lights Cruise
Set out on a captivating 1.5-hour City Lights Cruise along Gold Coast’s picturesque waterways. Priced from $35.55 per person, this English-language tour departs from Surfers Paradise and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Witness the spectacular sunset over the canals as you pass by the Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, and Sea World, while enjoying cheese and crackers. Cruise past million-dollar homes and keep an eye out for Australian wildlife like dolphins and sea eagles.
The spacious sundeck provides the perfect vantage point to soak in the sights, while the fully licensed onboard bar offers beers, wine, champagne, cocktails, and soft drinks. Insightful commentary will provide deeper insights into the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise.
Although the vessel is wheelchair accessible, the toilets are not. With an overall rating of 3/5 based on one verified review, the City Lights Cruise offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Gold Coast from the water.
Read our full review: Gold Coast: City Lights Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Take a tour of the Gold Coast to explore the city’s vibrant skyline, scenic waterways, and natural beauty. Whether you choose a leisurely river cruise, a thrilling helicopter ride, or an amphibious Aquaduck adventure, you’ll discover the best the Gold Coast has to offer. These tours provide a well-rounded experience, showcasing the city’s diverse attractions and unique charm.