Our most recommended things to do in Southport

Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

1. Spirit of Gold Coast 2.5-Hour Whale Watching Tour

Come join this family-owned and operated business with over 20 years whale watching experience, committed to offering you the best customer service and memories to last a lifetime. With caring and knowledgeable crew who are focused on your comfort and safety as well as guaranteed whale sightings, you can travel with peace of mind. Within minutes of departure, Spirit of Gold Coast will have you up close and personal with these majestic creatures as they embark on their annual migration along the east coast of Australia. This amazing journey is a truly captivating experience, as right before your very eyes these 40-ton Humpback Whales breach, wave their pectoral fins and slap their tails. Join us for the journey of a lifetime - a memorable adventure to be shared with friends and family.

Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise

2. Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise

Board The Spirit of Elston and become immersed in this unique and delectable dining experience. Departing from Sea World Cruises Terminal, enjoy an evening of sightseeing and dining on the sparkling Gold Coast waterways. Enjoy live entertainment as you indulge in a chef-prepared menu, made from the best local seasonal produce, perfectly paired with local craft beer, wine and tasty cocktails. Wander upstairs to our 360-degree view open-air deck and marvel at the stunning city skyline. This cruise is ideal for celebrating that special occasion or simply experiencing an unforgettable night out.

Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight

3. Gold Coast: Coastal City Scenic Helicopter Flight

Join a luxury helicopter experience in the city of Gold Coast with live commentary from your pilot. Start from a state-of-the-art terminal and get onboard an air-conditioned helicopter to enjoy aerial views of the city, Broadwater, Main Beach, and Gold Coast Hinterland. Fly over the Broadwater before crossing the golden sand beaches of Main Beach. Head south along the coastline passing Surfers Paradise, home to the cities towering high-rises, including the iconic Q1 Building which stands at 1056 feet tall. As your helicopter soars towards Broadbeach, see distant stunning views of Point Danger and Burleigh Heads. Over Broadbeach, buckle up as your pilot helicopter makes a descending turn. On the journey north, enjoy views of Surfers Paradise and Porpoise Point. Then, make a turn over South Stradbroke Island. As you head back to the terminal, experience spectacular views of the city, the Broadwater, and the Sea World Theme Park from above.

Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

4. Gold Coast: Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Discover the Gold Coast in luxury and embark on a sightseeing cruise while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch. Gaze at panoramic views on the upper deck, and watch the city skyline pass you by. Taste delicious king prawns, roast chicken, or fresh-baked ham, then enjoy a tasty cocktail. Step aboard the luxurious vessel, Spirit of Elston, and enjoy one of the best sightseeing and dining experiences on the Gold Coast. Take in views that showcase some of the city's most famous landmarks, such as the glittering waters of the Gold Coast Broadwater, Sea World, and the glamorous Palazzo Versace. Satisfy your appetite with an irresistible buffet lunch, including locally sourced king prawns, succulent roast chicken, freshly baked ham off the bone and delicious salads. Pair lunch with wine, craft beer, or treat yourself to a tasty cocktail. Head upstairs to the open-air top deck and soak in the sunshine with a drink in hand, while listening to entertaining commentary from our expert crew about the iconic Gold Coast.

Surfers Paradise: Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour

5. Surfers Paradise: Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour

Discover the best of the Gold Coast, from both land and sea, with this guided tour by amphibious bus. Experience a sightseeing activity with a twist, as your tour vehicle transforms from a bus into a cruise boat. Set off from the heart of Surfers Paradise on a tour that journeys from roads into the Gold Coast Broadwater. Kids and adults will feel the thrill as the duck-themed vessel splashes into the water, transitioning from a bus tour into a relaxing cruise. See homes of the rich and famous in Paradise Waters, and admire super yachts in Southport Yacht Club. Keep a look out for local wildlife, and enjoy the informative commentary, before returning to Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer

6. Gold Coast Airport Arrival Shared Transfer

With over 20 years of experience in providing reliable and friendly service, this shuttle service offers guaranteed door-to-door pick up and drop off for all customers. This is a cost-effective and efficient service, as well as the staff members’ extensive knowledge of the Gold Coast’s world-famous attractions and hidden gems that make it such a unique, family friendly place to visit. Your professional driver (wearing a blue top) meets you at a designated location outside of the arrivals area in Gold Coast Airport (OOL). Receive assistance with your luggage as you go to your air-conditioned shared vehicle, which boasts ample legroom and space for luggage storage. Travel to your Gold Coast accommodation in safety and comfort with this reliable and efficient transfer service. Relax and soak up the sights during your ride. Upon booking, you will receive a travel voucher to present to the driver. You can pre-book your return transfer too.

Parasail in Surfers Paradise

7. Parasail in Surfers Paradise

Scale the heights of adventure with a tandem or triple parasailing adventure in Surfers Paradise. Accompanied by an instructor, hop on a parasailing boat specifically designed for the job. Feel your cares slip away as you drift softly on warm air currents and drink in the gorgeous views below. After you’ve been briefed about your flight, sit back on a boat and listen to music on the water. After the boat reaches the fly zone on the Broadwater, it's time to make your way to the platform at the back to get ready for your flight. Get fitted into your harness and clipped to a parachute by deckhands. Once the skipped gauges the perfect conditions, be released high into the sky (at a controlled rate) to begin your parasailing adventure. Once you are high enough, enjoy 360° views ranging from the Surfers Paradise skyline to South Stradbroke and WaveBreak islands and around the mountain ranges of the Gold Coast, including Springbrook and Tambourine Mountains. Down below, spot schools of fish, pelicans, and other water birds on the Broadwater. If you're lucky, you can see bottle-nosed dolphins, sea turtles, and the odd dugong. After your flight, get back on the boat.

Main Beach: Gold Coast Jet Boating Adventure

8. Main Beach: Gold Coast Jet Boating Adventure

Experience 360-degree spins, high-speed drifting, and other exciting maneuvers while exploring the waterways of the Gold Coast. With approved access to the exclusive National Marine Park, the service provides the opportunity to spot dolphins, wallabies, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Then you’ll experience more amazing sights as you pass Sovereign Island’s spectacular, multi-million dollar mansions. Enjoy the highest levels of safety, performance, and passenger comfort aboard first-class, purpose-built jet boats. The highly trained, professional skippers have your safety as their priority and all passengers wear life jackets on the tours. Services operate from the Adventure Terminal marina, where you’ll find secure storage, undercover/comfortable waiting areas, full-length rain wear, tea and coffee facilities, in-house photography, and free parking all available.

Gold Coast: 55 min Surfers Paradise Jet Boat Ride

9. Gold Coast: 55 min Surfers Paradise Jet Boat Ride

Welcome to Surfers Jet. The only 8.3 litre V8 Chevy powered boat in Surfers Paradise. Hear the roar, feel the thunder as we make our way along the Gold Coast's famous Broadwater. As the engines blast into high powered action the jet boat flies across the water as speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. Experience fish tails, wave surfing, beach blasting, massive sideward slides and incredible 360-degree spins, on the Gold Coast’s most powerful jet boat. Weaving around Wavebreak Island and across the Gold Coast Seaway, the jet boat executes quick spins and slides while blasting along the fringe of Gold Coast's pristine white beaches. Your jet boat ride is 55 minutes of non-stop excitement and thrills. This is Gold Coast entertainment at its best!

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What people are saying about Southport

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 307 reviews

Its worth for the money and we really enjoyed that 45 mins....The guide was funny and clearly explained all the places he could during this ride.

Fantastic experience- weather was perfect. Fantastic organisation - awesome food - staff friendly and helpful- would so again in a heartbeat

Easy to book. Excellent tour. Very informative and enjoyable. Fun for all the family. I definitely would recommend to take this tour.

A thriller ride filled with fun and joy. You guys are amazing and doing great job.

Very good experience, enjoyed the ride. Tour guide was excellent