Whatever brings people together, the Broadwater does it better than a function room ever could.
Spirit of Elston
Private Boat Charter · Gold Coast
Private Sit-Down & Cocktail Events, On the Water
- Spirit of Elston is a 130-guest venue that happens to move.
- Below deck: enclosed with water views all sides, air-conditioned, set for a plated dinner or an awards presentation.
- Above: open air, daybeds and alfresco tables, best at the hour Surfers Paradise lights up with a champagne in hand.
- She sits low enough to pass beneath the bridges and into the calm Broadwater’s canals where other large boats can’t follow. However you’re celebrating, Spirit of Elston turns it into the event people still talk about long after the last drink.
What It's Best For
Corporate Events
Awards Nights
Conference Dinners
Milestone Birthdays
Christmas Parties
Functions & Event Hire
70 – 100 Seated Buffet
from $89pp
100 – 130 Cocktail Style
from $43pp
Available for exclusive private hire from 7am til late, daily.
Two Decks, One Charter
A unique premium floating waterfront venue that delivers atmosphere, movement and skyline views.
The Dining Floor
Air-conditioned and fully enclosed, with its own bar, kitchen and three bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling glass on both sides keeps the Broadwater in view. Where a sit-down dinner, an awards presentation or a conference breakfast belongs. Weather is never a factor. The floor plan flexes banquet-style, theatre-style or cocktail rounds, with AV ready and a dedicated bar team pouring all night.
Capacity: 70 Seated | 100 Cocktail
The Sundeck
Open-air, across daybeds, lounges, picnic benches and alfresco tables. Best at sunset, cocktail in hand, city lighting up around you. Room to spread out and mingle, with uninterrupted views over the Broadwater in every direction. By day it’s shaded corners and sea breeze; by night, string lights, skyline glow and an atmosphere no marquee can fake.
Capacity: Total 60 guests | 30 seated at tables, 30 seated at lounges/daybeds/benches
Together: 100 guests seated · 130 guests cocktail-style · 70 Minimum | Fully licensed. Wheelchair-accessible embarkation at both Main Beach and Surfers Paradise terminals.
Charter Packages & Pricing
Customise your event by changing the duration, catering and entertainment. Get an instant estimate with our Quote Builder.
Package
Duration
Includes
Total Cost*
Sunset Cruise
1 Hour
Cheeseboards, playlist, cash bar
$5,486
from $43pp
Breakfast Buffet
1.5 Hours
Continental breakfast buffet, tea/coffee, playlist
$8,990
from $89pp
Sunset Drinks Package
1.5 Hours
Cheeseboards, playlist, drinks package
$13,682.50
from $105.25pp
Canapés All-Inclusive
2 Hours
Canapés, drinks package, live musician
$16,012
from $124pp
Buffet Dinner
2.5 Hours
Buffet dinner, live musician, cash bar
$12,450
from $124.50pp
*The above are based on exclusive use of the vessel on an off-peak weekday. Cocktail 130 guests, seated buffet 100 people.
Why Spirit of Elston?
Our kitchen, our chefs
Our own kitchen, our own team, not an external caterer. Fully customisable.
Weather is never a factor
The dining floor is fully enclosed and climate-controlled. In extreme weather, our Sea World Cruises Sunset Deck can be utilised (also available to hire separately).
Where few boats can follow
Low enough to pass beneath the bridges and into the Broadwater’s canal system.
Board where your guests are
Surfers Paradise or Main Beach, whichever suits your guests.
Accessible
Wheelchair-accessible embarkation at both terminals.*
*Accessible access to main deck. Note bathrooms on the vessel are not wheelchair accessible. Accessible bathrooms located at the Sea World Cruises Terminal prior to departure.
Food Packages
Cooked Onsite, By Our Chefs
Every menu is prepared at our terminal, not brought in by an outside caterer.
Gourmet Cheeseboard
$20pp
Morning or Afternoon Tea
$20pp
Continental Breakfast
$30pp
Canapés
$40pp
Buffet
$45pp
Fresh Seafood Buffet Dinner
$70pp
Drinks Packages
Fully Licensed Bar
Choose a package by the hour, run a bar tab, or let guests pay their own way at the cash bar.
The bar list features Pommery, Balter, Willie Smith’s, XXXX and Buderim, alongside made-to-order cocktails.
Entertainment & AV
Set the Tone Onboard
Connect your own playlist through the onboard system, or lift the room with a live guitarist or a DJ. Microphone, screen and AV on most vessels for speeches, presentations and product launches. Tell us what you need to run and we’ll have it ready.
Standard Audio, Mic & PA
Included
AV Onboard
Included
Live Musician
$750
Also possible: cinema screenings for product and campaign launches, plus photographers and videographers on request.
Locations
Where To Board
Sea World Cruise Terminal | Main Beach
Sea World, Seaworld Drive
Main Beach, 4217
Board from the Sea World Cruises Terminal on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. Ample free parking, with a deck and kiosk for pre-event drinks.
Appel Park Pontoon | Surfers Paradise
10 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Surfers Paradise departures run from Appel Park Pontoon, in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our friendly crew is here to help
How many guests can Spirit of Elston hold?
Up to 100 guests seated or 130 cocktail-style across two decks. The enclosed dining floor seats 70. The open-air sundeck seats 30 at tables plus 30 across lounges, daybeds and benches.
Is there a minimum number of guests for a private charter?
Yes, 70 guests for exclusive use of the vessel for a sit-down buffet, and 100 for a standing cocktail event. Some exceptions for smaller groups may be available on request only for off-peak periods.
What if we have fewer than 70 guests?
Groups can join a scheduled lunch or dinner cruise and be seated together, with no minimum spend. Lunch from $89pp, dinner from $129pp.
How much does it cost to charter Spirit of Elston?
The charter fee is charged per hour and covers the vessel, skipper, fuel, service staff, insurance, furniture and cleaning. Rates run from $960 to $1,620 per hour depending on the day and season. Food, beverages and entertainment are added on top. Most events land between $6,000 and $15,000 in total.
What's included in the charter fee?
Exclusive use of both decks, skipper and crew, fuel, service staff, insurance, existing furniture, cleaning, onboard sound system, microphone and AV.
How long does a charter run?
One to four hours. Typically 1.5 hours for sunset drinks, 2 hours for lunch, 2.5 hours for dinner.
Where do charters depart from?
Sea World Cruises Terminal on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, with free onsite parking, or Appel Park Pontoon at 10A Ferry Avenue, Surfers Paradise. Dinner charters must depart from Main Beach.
What happens if the weather turns?
The dining floor is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, so rain doesn’t affect the event. In extreme weather the Sea World Cruises Sunset Deck can be used instead. If we have to cancel for safety, you can reschedule or take a full refund.
Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?
Embarkation is wheelchair accessible at both terminals and the main deck is accessible. Bathrooms onboard are not wheelchair accessible; accessible bathrooms are available at the Sea World Cruises Terminal before departure.
Can we bring our own food or drinks?
All catering and beverages are prepared by our own chefs and bar team. Celebration cakes are welcome. Full BYO is permitted with a straight boat hire only charter. Reach out to our bookings team for availability.
Can we have a DJ, live music or speeches?
Yes. Connect your own playlist through the onboard system at no charge, or add a live guitarist ($750) or your preferred choice of DJ. Microphone, PA and presentation screen are included.
Can we decorate the vessel?
Two people can board 45 minutes before departure to set up. Candles, sparklers, confetti, glitter, party poppers and adhesive products aren’t permitted.
How do we secure a date?
A 50% deposit and signed terms confirm the booking. Final guest numbers, catering and the balance are due 14 days before departure. Cancellations more than 14 days out are penalty-free, excluding 50% of the deposit.
Do prices include GST?
Yes, all prices are in Australian dollars and include GST. Quotes are valid for seven days.
Can we hold a wedding on board?
Yes. Weddings require a dedicated event planner for styling and coordination; Sea World Cruises provides venue hire and catering only. Additional fees apply for staffing if required to execute your day. Please reach out to our team for availability.
Is there parking?
Yes, ample free parking at the Sea World Cruises Terminal, Main Beach. Paid parking for the Surfers Paradise departure point is available at the Bruce Bishop carpark, or under Circle on Cavill, or stroll from the tram stop.
Six Vessels, One Waterfront Venue
The Gold Coast’s biggest private event space. Find the one that fits your group.
