Gold Coast: Jet Boat Ride with Broadwater Landmarks

4.89

(219 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — that deep, throaty rumble of the jet boat engine before we even left the dock at Main Beach. I could smell salt and sunscreen in the air, and there was this nervous excitement buzzing between everyone. Our captain, Pete (who had that easy Queensland humor), grinned and said, “Hang onto your sunnies!” Honestly, I thought he was joking until we did our first spin near the Southport Yacht Club and my stomach did a little flip. Water sprayed everywhere — not cold exactly, but sharp and salty on my lips.

We zipped past these wild-looking mansions on Sovereign Island (I couldn’t stop staring at one with a gold statue out front — someone said it belonged to a footballer). Pete pointed out Seaworld in the distance and slowed down just enough for us to spot a pod of dolphins off to the right — I almost missed them because I was still wiping water from my face. There were birds skimming low over the water too, and for a second everything felt quiet except for the hum of the engine. Then someone’s hat flew off and everyone laughed — even Pete shook his head like it happens every day.

I didn’t expect how far we’d go — over 35km up through Moreton Bay Marine Park. At one point, we passed some wallabies grazing near the shore (or maybe kangaroos? I’m still not sure). The wind made my eyes water but it felt good, kind of freeing. It’s hard to explain how alive you feel when you’re clinging to your seat with spray in your hair and strangers shouting “wooo!” beside you. By the time we pulled back in, my shirt was soaked through and I couldn’t stop grinning. If you’re up for a bit of chaos and don’t mind getting wet, this Gold Coast jet boat adventure is honestly worth it.