Skip to main content

Buffet Lunch Cruise

Gold Coast’s Best Lunch Cruise Experience

SWC Wines Dark

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, scenic Broadwater cruising, and spectacular views of the Surfers Paradise skyline

Step aboard the Spirit of Elston for a memorable Gold Coast lunch cruise along the calm Broadwater. Enjoy a chef-prepared buffet lunch featuring fresh seasonal produce, including local seafood, fresh salads, and delicious desserts, complemented by locally brewed beers, locally blended wines, and refreshing cocktails available onboard.

As you cruise past the Gold Coast’s most iconic sights — including Marina Mirage, Sea World, luxury waterfront homes, and the Surfers Paradise skyline — relax and take in panoramic views from the comfort of the air-conditioned cabin or open-air viewing decks. Entertaining commentary from our friendly crew adds insight and local stories, enhancing your experience on the water.

Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, family gatherings, or simply enjoying one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast, this lunch cruise offers a relaxed and unforgettable daytime experience. Whether you’re visiting the Gold Coast or celebrating a special occasion, this scenic cruise combines delicious dining with breathtaking views.

What to Expect

svg+xml;charset=utf

Lunch Cruise Highlights

Chef-prepared buffet lunch featuring fresh local produce
Cruise the Broadwater with stunning Surfers Paradise skyline views
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, and special occasions
Relax aboard a spacious vessel with indoor and outdoor viewing decks
Convenient Surfers Paradise departure
Lunch Cruise Tickets

Save on Mid-week Dining

Adult

Ages 14+

From
$89.00
Concession
Pensioners / Seniors
From
$79.00
Child
Ages 3-13
$59.00
Family
2 Adults + 2 Child
$316.00
$279.00
* Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
Find out more

The Vessel

Our fleet of vessels was designed and built here in South-East Queensland, drawing on a deep understanding of local sea conditions to ensure smoother cruising and maximum passenger comfort.

Spirit of Elston

Dining Vessel

About Your Cruise

Cruise Times

Daily departures between 11am & 1.30pm, 365 days per year

Check-In

Please check-in at least 20 minutes prior to your cruise departure time, at the Surfers Paradise departure location (the Ferry Wharf, in Appel Park). Paid parking is available across the street at Bruce Bishop Car Park or Circle on Cavill.

Food Menu

– Lunch Selection –

Gold Coast ocean king prawns (GF, LF)
Natural New Zealand mussels (GF, LF)
Maple-glazed baked ham off the bone (GF, LF)
Lightly seasoned roast chicken pieces (GF, LF)
Summer garden salad (VE, GF, LF)
Mediterranean pasta salad (VE, LF, N)
Classic coleslaw salad (V, GF, E)
Damper-style bread rolls (VE)

– Sweet Selection –

Sliced seasonal melons and tropical fruits (VE, GF, LF)
Pavlova served with mango, pineapple & passionfruit with optional fresh cream (V, E, GF)
Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as a delightful conclusion to your buffet lunch experience.

(V)  Vegetarian |  (VE)  Vegan | (GF)  Gluten Free | (LF) Lactose-Free | (N)  May Contain Nuts  | (E)  May Contain Egg

Allergen information is a guide only. While all care is taken, we cannot guarantee a total absence of allergens in any of our items. All items are subject to availability, the operator reserves the right to make substitutions of items of an equivalent value.

Download Menu

Seating - Inside & Outside

Inside Seating

Kick back in the main cabin and enjoy air-conditioned comfort with our inside seating option. With large viewing windows framing the cabin, enjoy your meal against the backdrop of the stunning Gold Coast.

Lunch Resize
Outside Seating (weather dependent)

Make the most of the glorious Gold Coast sunshine and dine al fresco style on the top deck. Soak in the scenery with guaranteed waterside views from our two outdoor seating areas; the top deck & bottom balcony (on rear of vessel).

Our crew assign seating based on daily passenger numbers and weather conditions. Visit our Spirit of Elston vessel guide for further information. If you have a specific preference of balcony or top deck seating, please contact our reservations team.

NB: During inclement weather, indoor bookings will continue to be welcomed onboard to delight in our fully enclosed indoor dining space as normal. We will endeavour to relocate outdoor bookings to our indoor seating areas where possible. Alternatively, we will provide customers a choice of rescheduling their experience to a later date or a refund.

Accessibility Information for Outside Seating

Top deck seating can only be accessed by stairs, and unfortunately is not wheelchair accessible. For more information about accessibility on Sea World Cruises, visit our accessibility guide. If you require any further information or need special assistance on the cruise, please contact our reservations team prior to booking.

Balcony seating
Untitled 1

Cruise Route

tourMap scaled

Our lunch cruise departs from Surfers Paradise, cruising past some of the region’s key highlights along the scenic canal system before heading out into the beautiful open Broadwater. Enjoy views of local hotspots including Sea World, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, and more. Take in the Gold Coast’s best views while savouring delicious food and refreshing beverages.

T&C's

Booking changes and cancellations are available without penalty up to 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, 100% of the fare is forfeited. For groups of 10 or more, 72 hours notice is required. All cruises are weather, minimum passenger number, and Queensland Health advisory dependent. In the unlikely event of a cancellation by the operator, you will be provided with a full refund (excl. gift vouchers) or a 12-month credit to use towards another cruise. The operator reserves the right to substitute the vessel or change the itinerary without notice. All return times are approximate. Conditions of travel may vary if you have booked with a travel agent as your booking is subject to their terms and conditions. For more information and to access the full Conditions of Travel, please visit thetourcollective.com.au/conditions.

Getting Here:

10 Ferny Ave, Appel Park,
Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

Directions

You Might Also Be Interested In

Save up to $45 per person!

SWCSWCTP Combo MenuThumbnail

Sea World Combo

Tick off a bucket-list weekend with a fantastic Whale Watching Cruise and Sea World Entry Combo.

$234.00

$189/ Adults

Best Seller

swc whale watching tour

Whale Watching Cruise

Witness the breathtaking migration of 45,000 humpback whales first-hand with the industry’s leading whale watching tour.

$119.00

$89/ Adult

Best Seller

Untitled 1 1

Buffet Dinner Cruise

Featuring unforgettable skyline views and an indulgent buffet, enjoy the Gold Coast’s most scenic dinner experience.

$129/ Adult

Plan Your Adventure

FAQs

Read FAQs

Access Guide

Read Guide

Getting Here

More Info

Lunch Cruise FAQs

What is the best lunch cruise on the Gold Coast?

Sea World Cruises offers one of the highest-rated Gold Coast lunch cruises, combining buffet dining, scenic Broadwater cruising, and views of the Surfers Paradise skyline.

What is included in the Gold Coast lunch cruise?

Your cruise includes a chef-prepared buffet lunch featuring fresh local seafood, seasonal dishes, and desserts, along with scenic cruising and entertaining onboard commentary.

How long is the Gold Coast lunch cruise?

The lunch cruise runs for approximately 2 hours, cruising through the Broadwater and Gold Coast canal system.

Where does the lunch cruise depart from?

Departures are from Surfers Paradise at Appel Park, offering easy access for visitors staying in Surfers Paradise and surrounding areas.

Is the lunch cruise suitable for birthdays and celebrations?

Yes, the cruise is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and special occasions, offering a relaxed and memorable experience.

Is the lunch cruise one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast?

A Gold Coast lunch cruise is widely considered one of the best daytime experiences, offering sightseeing, dining, and relaxation all in one experience.

Can locals do the lunch cruise or is it just for tourists?

The lunch cruise is popular with both visitors and locals celebrating birthdays, hosting guests, or enjoying a special day out.

What will I see on the Gold Coast lunch cruise?

You’ll cruise past iconic landmarks including Surfers Paradise skyline, luxury waterfront homes, Marina Mirage, Sea World, and the scenic Broadwater.