Aquaduck Gold Coast: 1-hour city and river tour

Kids steer the Aquaduck and earn a captain's certificate.

The Aquaduck Gold Coast is a 1-hour amphibious tour departing from Surfers Paradise that combines a city drive with a river cruise. You travel past waterfront mansions and Gold Coast landmarks aboard a vehicle that transitions from street to water, with live English commentary throughout. Children get to take the wheel and receive a captain's certificate at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Aquaduck city and river tour

• Depart from Surfers Paradise
• View Surfers Paradise landmarks
• See waterfront mansions
• Enjoy Gold Coast waterways
• Pass Surfers Paradise Beach
• Pass Main Beach area
• Return to departure point

The Experience

You board the Aquaduck at Surfers Paradise and spend the first part of the tour on the streets, seeing the high-rise skyline and the restaurants and bars that line this entertainment hub. The commentary covers the area's evolution from social playground to one of the Gold Coast's best-known precincts. Then the vehicle enters the water and the river cruise begins, passing the three-kilometre stretch of golden sand that makes Surfers Paradise Beach the postcard version of the coast, and continuing past the waterfront mansions of the wealthy before heading toward Main Beach at the northern end.

The whole experience runs one hour from start to finish. Infants under one year must be pre-booked due to regulations, and they sit on an adult's lap during the tour. Children cannot bring strollers on board, but you can leave them at the Cavill Avenue shop while you cruise. Seating is assigned by the Aquaduck staff, and the tour runs at a pace suitable for all fitness levels.

At the end, children get to sit in the captain's seat for a photo and receive a captain's certificate to take home. The guide delivers live commentary in English throughout, so you hear the story of each stop as you pass it.

What’s included

• 1-hour city and river tour aboard the amphibious Aquaduck.
• live English commentary from the guide.
• kids get the captain's seat and a captain's certificate.
• Surfers Paradise and Main Beach viewpoints.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aquaduck Gold Coast

Is this one for you?The tour runs one hour from start to finish with no walking required—you stay seated the entire time, making it easy for families with young children, elderly travellers, or anyone wanting a quick overview without leaving the vehicle.

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Top questions

What happens when the Aquaduck enters the water on the Gold Coast tour?

The Aquaduck transitions from the Surfers Paradise streets to the river, and you cruise past the three-kilometre golden sand beach, waterfront mansions, and Main Beach at the northern end of the coast, all while the guide provides live commentary on the landmarks and views.

Can I bring a stroller or large bag on the Aquaduck?

The Aquaduck has no storage for strollers or large bags on board or at the departure point, but you can park strollers at the Cavill Avenue shop while you tour, and it's best to leave large bags in your car or hotel room.

Do children really get to drive the Aquaduck?

Yes, children get to sit in the captain's seat at the end of the tour and receive a captain's certificate as a keepsake.

Is the 1-hour Aquaduck tour suitable for infants?

Infants aged 0–1 year can join the tour but must be pre-booked due to regulations and passenger restrictions, and they sit on an adult's lap throughout.

What is Surfers Paradise like as a starting point for the tour?

Surfers Paradise is an entertainment hub on the Gold Coast with a world-class beach, high-rise skyline, and some of the best restaurants, bars and attractions on the coast; the tour departs from the heart of this area and passes through it before heading to the river.