Gold Coast to Brisbane cruise

If you are keen for a relaxing day on the water at low cost, this trip is just for you. There is no input required, except to kick back and soak up the magnificent scenery along the intricate waterways between the Gold Coast and Brisbane (you can do the trip in reverse if you wish). The trip we took was cruise from Coast to Brisbane with coach return in the afternoon. Morning and afternoon snack, and lunch provided. We had been meaning to do this trip for years and will definitely do it again; it was just such a nice day. This is the boat we went on.



Boat Cruise between Gold Coast and Brisbane

There were 70+ people on board but there was no sign of any crowding, as you can see from these pics. Some chose to sit under cover inside for the whole trip, others wandered in and out.



Two undercover decks

Outdoor undercover area



This cruise (click here for details) has been in operation for nearly 30 years. The crew really know their way around these waterways. Interesting features are pointed out along the way; commentary not intruding on conversation. Morning and afternoon tea is served as well as an excellent barbeque lunch.
You travel between two large cities, through the World Heritage listed Moreton Bay Marine Park  and see high rise, huge waterside homes, camping and mooring sites along the water's edge, sea birds and ... Oh yes, and the occasional dolphin or dugong.

The route meaders between islands that lie between North and South Stradbroke Islands and the mainland; passing well known island such as Peel, Russell, St Helena (former jail), Lamb, Goat :) and dozens more. You do get a detailed map showing many geographic features.

We had lunch outside to keep enjoying the view. It was fabulous.




Lunch with view and pleasant conversation

Safe mooring















The boat was peacefully quiet as it glided along. We said next time we'll bring a hammock and really get into the relax mode. The cruise took about 6 hours. We were never bored.
Once in Brisbane, the coach was waiting to bring us back to the Gold Coast.
This was an excellent venture for a Sunday Drive.

If you have a day spare, do yourself a favour and book this cruise.


Have a great day on your next Sunday Drive

Day of fun. Council sponsored free activities.

 

Sand sculpting anyone?

The Gold Coast has a list of activities too big to detail. From free to super exotic and expensive. Today we share the fun we had at a free activity sponsored by the City Council as part of its popular Active and Healthy Program. This program has fantastic activities throughout the year, right across the Gold Coast. For the latest program of events, go here. You will find something to suit all tastes and all ages.

We had a fabulous day out. If you have kids, this event is for you. There was free facepainting, gymnastics, classes on painting, knitting and sculpting, drum classes to make loads of rhythmic noise, plus more. Who wouldn't want to go? Even the big kids had fun watching all manner of performance, set around a peaceful lake next to the Nerang River, right in the heart of the Gold Coast.

This site is a must for all





 

Crowd spoilt for choice of what to do, what to see

Scrunch a balloon into your favorite animal

Bash a drum rhythm and relax

Painting multi-colored anything

 

Aerial daring

With such a fun filled afternoon on offer where just about everything was free, how could you not have a great time? Kids' time filled. Adults relax. I spent some time sitting under a tree with coffee in hand just watching the day go by. Snoring blissfully.


Painting by the Nerang river

 

Chill with a drink and bite to eat. Relaxing music

Events like this are run all over the Gold Coast. This one is annual, as are some of the others. Most are run weekly or monthly. If you are a visitor or local, it is well worth checking out the website to see what is on around your area. This event was in the centre of the Gold Coast, accessible easily by bus or car.

Have fun

Cruising Gold Coast Canals

We discovered this great activity. If you are staying anywhere on the Gold Coast, try this. Catch a bus into central Surfers Paradise and get on a boat for a canal cruise. We went on a lunch time cruise with Blue Water Cruises for the fantastic price of $29 which included a one and a half hour cruise and lunch of fish or schnitzel, both with salad and chips when we finished the venture. They offer cruises at all time of the day, even private party cruises can be booked, so check them out for times and prices.

Blue Water Cruises

Ready to board for a leisurely cruise

Seating on board suits everyone, even in showery weather; the whole top deck is open air, then there is a large undercover seating area, and a smaller area undercover at the rear of the boat.


Outdoor undercover seating with relaxed passenger



Open air top deck

Undercover lower deck seating

Cruising was at a leisurely pace. We travelled through an amazing canvas depicting a chunk of the Gold Coast lifestyle and amenity: schools, luxury mansions, resorts, moorings securing all manner of craft, and much more. A friendly, unobtrusive commentator tied it all together.

Gold Coast Arts & Cultural Centre

Mixture of residential buildings

Luxury riverside home

View along Nerang River

Huge yacht moored in Broadwater

A wing of Palazzo Versace - 6 star accommodation

Moorings near Southport Yacht Club

A section of the trawler fleet

So relaxing. The cruise really overviews the Surfers Paradise to Spit part of Gold Coast life. Visitors can get the feel of what it means to live on or visit the Gold Coast.
Then slowly we glided along the canals back to central Surfers Paradise and lunch.

Two relaxed travellers, fully chilled