Surfers Paradise River Cruises
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When my parents were coming over for a visit from England, they had said they wanted to go in a river cruise. So I started to research and found - previously Bluewater - to be the best value at $20 per person for an hour and half tour.
Living on Chevron Island so pretty much on the Nerang River, I wasn't sure I would be overly impressed as I guess I see it all every day. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did changing the view point allow me to see Surfers Paradise in a whole new way but it was really interesting and fun too.
We went on the morning cruise which starts at 10am and you get coffee and cakes ($20). You have two other options - The lunch one starts at 12:30pm and you get a buffet lunch on board with licenced bar ($25), then the afternoon one which leaves at 2:30pm and you get cheese and biscuits and licenced bar ($20).
There is a covered downstairs and an openroof deck which was great for those who wanted the sun and for those that wanted a bit of shade. Plus you are free to move around so it was great to do a bit of both. The views are stunning and the person who was doing the commentary was informative without being boring. I learnt some interesting facts and history about the people, places and land which I see - and don't really pay attention to - everyday.
The tea and coffee and cakes and biscuits were good and there was plenty of it. I would love to try the lunch cruise and have a few drinks - I quite like the idea of relaxing on top deck with a lovely cocktail.
One of the best bits was as we headed to marina mirage and learned about some of the famous boats in the marina, plus the views were lovely. Despite the people and commentary and the fact that I have a 2 year old, I found the trip very relaxing - there is something about being on the water that is just calming.
We even saw some dolphins swimming in the river. Not close up but just seeing them bob up amongst the boats was amazing. You can see them of course at SeaWorld but there is nothing like seeing them in the wild - even if it is from a distance.
My parents had a great time and so did I. My daughter was fascinated by the water and the movement of the boat.
It was a great hour and a half which seemed to fly by. It was hot though and the top deck was a bit of a sun trap, so hats and suncream are a must.
The staff were super friendly and informative and loved to chat to guests and customers. You can book online or at the ticket desk at the bottom of Cavill Avenue.
There are party hire options too which would be fun. It was a great experience and I would recommend to anyone wanting to see the Gold Coast from a different perspective. When you live somewhere, you almost stop seeing it, and this was a lovely reminder to stop and retake it all in.
#adventure
#afternoon_tea
#boating
#central_gold_coast
#cruises
#day_trips
#surfers_paradise
%wngoldcoast
177287 - 2023-06-15 18:26:39