Gold Coast: Parasailing Flights over Broadwater & Surfers

Summary

Gold Coast parasailing adventure with friends or family

You’ll feel your heart race as you’re lifted 400ft over Gold Coast’s Broadwater on a tandem or triple parasailing flight. With a friendly local guide for safety, views of Surfers Paradise below, and all gear included, it’s equal parts thrill and calm — a memory that’ll stick with you long after your feet touch back down.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing before we even left the dock at Marina Mirage — something about the way the harnesses looked on us, or maybe just nerves. Our guide, Matt, handed out bright orange life jackets and did this quick but super clear safety chat. He had that local Gold Coast accent and cracked a joke about “not dropping your sunnies from 400 feet.” I tried to act cool but my hands were definitely fidgety. You could smell sunscreen and salt in the air, and there was this low hum from the boat’s engine as we pulled away from shore.

The actual moment when they winched us up — I mean, it’s fast. One second you’re on deck waving awkwardly at strangers, next you’re floating above the Broadwater with Surfers Paradise all glittery in the distance. It’s quieter up there than I expected. Just wind and a bit of distant shouting from below. My friend kept pointing out boats and laughing at how tiny everything looked. I tried to spot dolphins (no luck), but honestly just being up there was wild enough. The view is huge — water everywhere, city behind you, sky just… open.

Eight minutes sounds short until you’re actually flying; then it feels like forever and not long enough at the same time. Coming back down felt weirdly gentle — like landing after a dream or something cheesy like that (sorry). We got unhooked with wobbly legs and Matt gave us a thumbs up. They stashed our stuff safely on board so nothing got wet or lost, which was good because I always forget where I put things when I’m excited. Still thinking about that feeling of being weightless above Gold Coast — not sure anything else compares.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Parasailing experience on Gold Coast

• Receive safety training session
• Get harnessed with safety equipment
• Fly 8 minutes at 400ft height
• Enjoy views of Gold Coast and surrounds

Top questions

How high do you go during Gold Coast parasailing?

You’ll be winched up to around 400 feet (about 120 meters) above Broadwater during your flight.

How long does the parasailing flight last?

The actual flight time is about 8 minutes per session.

Where does the Gold Coast parasailing tour depart from?

The departure point is Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast.

Is there a safety briefing before parasailing?

Yes, there’s a pre-flight safety briefing and instructions before harnessing up.

What should I bring for Gold Coast parasailing?

You’ll need valid photo ID and the card used for payment; storage for valuables is provided onboard.

Are children allowed to join this parasailing activity?

Kids must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult if under 12.

What are the weight limits for tandem or triple flights?

The minimum combined weight is 65kg; maximum is 200kg per group in harness.

Is pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet directly at Marina Mirage before your session time.

What’s included

Your experience includes a pre-flight safety briefing with your local instructor, use of all necessary safety gear like harnesses and life jackets, secure storage for any valuables onboard during your flight over Gold Coast Broadwater, plus easy check-in right at Marina Mirage before heading out onto the water together.