Gold Coast: Jet Ski Safari to South Stradbroke Island & Bar Stop

Summary

Jet ski adventure from Gold Coast weaving to island bars and wild mangroves

You’ll race along Gold Coast waterways on your own jet ski safari, weaving past mangroves toward South Stradbroke Island with a local guide leading the way. There’s a stop at Tipplers bar for drinks or snacks right on the sand before you ride back through open water — that feeling of wind and salt stays with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing before we even got on the jet skis — there’s just something about squeezing into those life jackets that makes you feel like a kid again. Our guide, Sam, was checking everyone’s straps and cracking jokes about “rookie mistakes.” I’d never driven a jet ski before (honestly, I was a bit nervous), but he made it sound like no big deal. The water had that salty, humid smell you only get near the Gold Coast, and my hands felt weirdly sticky gripping the handlebars at first. Then we took off — not too fast at first, but once we hit open water, wow. The engine’s hum mixed with shouts and laughter behind me as we zigzagged past sandbars and mangroves. I kept losing count of how many tiny islands we passed.

About halfway through the jet ski safari, we slowed down near South Stradbroke Island. Sam pointed out some birds (I think he called them ospreys?), and for a second everything went quiet except for water lapping against the hulls. It’s funny — I didn’t expect to notice the color of the mangroves or how cool the breeze felt after all that sun. We pulled up right onto the sand near Tipplers bar, which you can only reach by water. A couple of locals were already there with sandy feet and cold drinks in hand; one guy gave us a nod like he’d seen this scene play out a hundred times before.

I ordered an iced coffee (maybe not the classic choice for an island bar, but it just felt right) while my friend tried to chat with one of the bartenders about what it’s like living out here year-round. She laughed when he asked if she ever gets bored — “Not when you’ve got this view,” she said, waving at the tangled trees and bright blue water. We didn’t stay long, just enough to cool off and listen to some stories before heading back on our jet skis for another 20 km ride home. My arms were sore by then but in that good way where you know you’ll remember it later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jet Ski Safari to South Stradbroke Island

• Arrive 30 minutes before session
• Check in for Jet Ski Safari
• Ride Jet Ski north for 20 km
• Weave past islands, beaches, mangroves
• Stop at Tipplers bar on island
• Enjoy refreshments at tropical bar
• Return 20 km back to start

Top questions

How long does the Gold Coast jet ski safari take?

The tour includes 1.5 hours on the jet ski plus extra time at South Stradbroke Island.

Do I need experience or a license to join?

No license or previous experience is required for this jet ski safari.

Is there a stop during the tour?

Yes, there is a stop at Tipplers bar on South Stradbroke Island for refreshments.

Are safety equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes, all safety equipment including life jackets and wind jackets are included.

Can two people share one jet ski?

Each jet ski can hold up to two people.

What is the minimum age for passengers and drivers?

Passengers must be at least 7 years old; drivers must be 12-15 with an adult or 16+ alone.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety equipment—life jackets, wind jackets, waterproof containers—and guidance from local staff throughout your 1.5-hour jet ski safari adventure to South Stradbroke Island with time to relax at Tipplers bar before heading back across the water.