Gold Coast: Aquaduck City & River Tour with Kids Captain

Summary

Surfers Paradise to waterways by duck boat city sights laughter

You’ll climb aboard the Aquaduck in Surfers Paradise, roll through city streets with live stories from your local guide, then splash straight into Gold Coast waterways for a river cruise where kids take the wheel as captain. Expect laughter, skyline views, and moments that make you see Surfers Paradise differently—even if just for an hour.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I saw was that bright yellow Aquaduck parked right in Surfers Paradise — honestly, it’s impossible to miss. We piled in, a bit awkward with my bag (should’ve left it at the hotel like they said), and the driver grinned at us like he’d seen this all before. There’s something about sitting up high above the street, windows open, sun bouncing off all those glass towers. The city felt almost toy-like from up there, people waving as we rolled past cafes and that wild tangle of souvenir shops. Our guide — I think her name was Mel? — started telling stories about which mansion belonged to who, but I got distracted by a kid behind me trying to pronounce “Main Beach” in an American accent. It was weirdly comforting.

Then suddenly we were splashing into the river, and you could smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the air. The engine changed pitch — kind of a low hum instead of that bus rattle — and everyone went quiet for half a second. The water looked greenish-blue, with little flecks of sunlight everywhere. Mel pointed out some celebrity house (I forget whose) but what stuck more was how she waved at a fisherman on the bank and he just nodded back like this was totally normal. My niece got to “drive” for a minute (they give you this funny captain’s certificate), and she took it so seriously I almost teared up laughing.

It’s only an hour but it didn’t feel rushed; more like someone hitting pause on all the noise outside. You see Surfers Paradise Beach from the water and it looks different somehow — quieter, even though you know there are crowds just over those dunes. There’s no storage for big bags or prams so don’t bring much (learned that one). By the end my hair smelled faintly of river wind and sunscreen, and I kept thinking how easy it is to forget that cities can be playful too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long does the Aquaduck Gold Coast tour last?

The tour lasts 1 hour from start to finish.

Where does the Aquaduck tour depart from?

The tour departs from central Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Can infants join the Aquaduck tour?

Yes, infants aged 0-1 can join but must be pre-booked due to regulations.

Is there storage for prams or large bags on board?

No, there is no storage for prams or large bags; leave them in your car or hotel room.

Do kids get to drive the Aquaduck?

Yes, children can take a turn driving while on water and receive a captain's certificate.

Is live commentary included during the tour?

Yes, there is live commentary in English throughout both city and river sections.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transport is available close to the departure point in Surfers Paradise.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No meals are included; it's just a one-hour sightseeing experience.

What’s included

Your hour includes pre-allocated seating aboard the amphibious Aquaduck vehicle departing from Surfers Paradise, live English commentary as you explore both city streets and Gold Coast waterways, plus a chance for kids to drive on water—with their own captain's certificate as a keepsake before you step back onto dry land.