13 Best Lunch Experiences In Gold Coast

Gold Coast isn’t just about its stunning beaches and lively nightlife; it’s also a fantastic place for memorable lunch experiences. Whether you prefer dining on the water, sampling local wines, or exploring lush mountain scenery, the Gold Coast offers options that fit a variety of tastes and budgets. We particularly like the Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise because it combines sightseeing with a delicious buffet while cruising past iconic landmarks. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy a hearty lunch with great views and the chance to spot native marine life. That’s a perfect way to slow down and soak in the scenery.

For those who want a more immersive experience, the Tamborine Mountain winery tours are hard to beat. They combine tastings at award-winning wineries with beautiful mountain landscapes and a gourmet meal. Whether it’s a full day or just a couple of hours, these tours let you enjoy local flavors in a setting that’s both scenic and refined.

1. Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise

At number 1, the Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise offers a 2-hour trip that combines scenic water views with a generous buffet. Departing from Surfers Paradise, this cruise takes you along the Nerang River and through the Broadwater, passing landmarks like Marina Mirage and Sea World. The buffet features seafood, chicken, and tropical fruits, satisfying most appetites after a morning in the sun. The boat provides commentary about local sights, making it both relaxing and educational. Reviewers rave about the delicious food and friendly staff, with many rating it a 5/5. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a casual, scenic meal without the fuss of a formal restaurant.

Bottom line: This cruise balances great value with stunning views, ideal for families or couples looking for a leisurely afternoon with good food and local scenery.

2. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with Lunch

At number 2, this Tamborine Mountain winery tour takes you on an 8-hour journey through some of Queensland’s best boutique wineries. You’ll visit three award-winning wineries, sample a variety of local wines, and enjoy a 2-course gourmet lunch. The tour includes guided experiences that teach you about the area’s wine-production and let you savor around 6-8 varieties at each stop. The scenery is breathtaking, with lush mountain views as a backdrop. With high ratings and detailed tours, this experience is perfect for wine lovers wanting an in-depth tasting while enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Bottom line: An excellent choice if you’re into wine, scenic landscapes, and tasting the best local products in a relaxed setting.

3. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch

Number 3 on our list is the Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour, which offers a full day of wine tasting combined with a hearty lunch. This tour visits three top wineries, where you’ll sample 6-8 wines at each, including reds, whites, and liquors. The visit to Tamborine Mountain Distillery adds a unique twist with spirits like vodka and gin tasting. The tour is praised for its well-organized schedule and friendly guides, making it a great fit for groups and wine enthusiasts. The 2-course lunch adds value and a chance to relax and chat amidst the vineyard views.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a comprehensive wine experience with a flavorful lunch and a bit of distillery exploration.

4. Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunch

At number 4, the Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunch combines scenic mountain views with visits to family-owned wineries like Cedar Creek and Hampton Estate. This half-day guided tour includes tastings of 6-8 varieties of wine at each stop, plus a gourmet 2-course lunch. It’s an excellent option for groups or special occasions, offering a relaxed yet informative experience. The tour emphasizes enjoying local wines and regional scenery, making it a favorite for those who want to combine wine, food, and nature. With a 4.5/5 rating, travelers appreciate the friendly guides and the quality of the lunch.

Bottom line: Ideal for wine aficionados and foodies who want a more intimate, leisurely exploration of Tamborine’s vineyards.

5. Sirromet Winery Tour and Taste and 2 Course Lunch

Number 5 features the Sirromet Winery Tour and Taste, offering an immersive behind-the-scenes look at one of Queensland’s top wineries. This 3-hour experience includes a guided tour, a tasting of six premium wines, and a 2-course lunch featuring local ingredients. The tour is especially praised for its detailed explanation of the winemaking process and the quality of the food and wine. It’s well-suited for those who want to learn about wine production while enjoying a delicious meal in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Bottom line: A strong pick for wine enthusiasts and those eager to understand how top-quality wines are made, with a satisfying lunch to round out the day.

6. Gold Coast: Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery

Number 6, the Luxury Wine Tour, offers a day of indulgence in the Gold Coast hinterland. Traveling in comfort, you’ll visit boutique wineries and the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, sampling wines and spirits like gin and vodka. The highlight is a gourmet 2-course lunch prepared by an award-winning chef, paired perfectly with your tastings. This tour features door-to-door transport, making it ideal for travelers seeking convenience and a touch of luxury. Rated 4.5/5, it’s praised for its scenic routes and memorable food.

Bottom line: Best for luxury travelers who want a high-end wine and spirits experience with personalized service and excellent food.

7. Broadwater Discovery Lunch Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast

Number 7, the Broadwater Discovery Lunch Cruise offers a 2-hour scenic water journey on the Spirit of Gold Coast. It features a freshly prepared lunch with meats, chicken, ham, turkey, and salads, served onboard while cruising past landmarks like the skyline and yacht clubs. The live commentary adds a layer of local insight, and many reviewers mention the delicious food and friendly atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a relaxed, scenic meal on the water with quick and easy logistics.

Bottom line: A straightforward, all-in-one water cruise that satisfies your appetite while showcasing the Gold Coast from its best viewpoint.

8. Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch

Number 8 features the Brisbane Winery Tour, which takes in the scenic Gold Coast hinterland. Over an 8-hour day, you visit several boutique wineries, enjoy guided tours, and sample local wines. The tour includes a 2-course gourmet lunch and spirits tasting at Tamborine Mountain Distillery. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full day of wine, food, and scenic drives, with multiple pickup points for convenience. The detailed itinerary ensures a well-rounded experience.

Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to combine a scenic drive, extensive wine tastings, and a flavorful meal in one full-day package.

9. Gold Coast: Learn to Surf Experience with Lunch & Activities

Number 9, the Learn to Surf Experience, provides a fun twist on lunch. Over six hours, you learn to surf during two 1.5-hour lessons, enjoy a healthy lunch, and even get to throw a boomerang. It’s perfect for active travelers wanting to combine outdoor fun with a meal that fuels their adventures. While less about fine dining, the focus here is on learning new skills and enjoying the beach.

Bottom line: Best for active travelers eager to try surfing and outdoor activities, with lunch included to keep your energy up.

10. Sirromet Cellar Door Wine Tasting Public Tour with Lunch

Number 10 is the Sirromet Cellar Door Tour, which offers a 2.5 to 3-hour behind-the-scenes look at the winery. You’ll tour the production area, taste six popular wines, and relax with a light lunch and soft drink. The tour provides an excellent introduction to Queensland wines in a less formal setting, with local reviews praising its informative nature and quality of food.

Bottom line: Perfect for visitors wanting a shorter, insightful wine experience with an easy, enjoyable lunch.

11. Sirromet Winery Eataly Discovery – Includes Tour, Tasting and 3 Course Lunch

Number 11 offers a comprehensive Eataly Discovery, combining a 3-hour tour, tastings of red, white, and sparkling wines, and a 3-course lunch. Guests get an in-depth look at the winery’s production and enjoy a curated meal at the Cellar Door Café. This is great for those who want a full, immersive experience with plenty of wine and food.

Bottom line: Best suited for wine lovers wanting a deep dive into the winery’s offerings with a gourmet meal.

12. Gold Coast: 6-Hour Wakeboarding & Wakesurfing with Lunch

Number 12 centers on action with Wakeboarding & Wakesurfing. The 6-hour session includes a scenic cruise to Tipplers for a beachside lunch. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers who want a full day of water sports combined with a meal on the beach. While it’s more activity-focused than culinary, the included lunch makes it an excellent value for adventure lovers.

Bottom line: For active travelers who want to combine adrenaline with a relaxed beachside lunch.

13. Gold Coast: Private Catamaran & Island Lunch

Finally, the Private Catamaran & Island Lunch offers an exclusive 3-hour sailing adventure. You’ll explore Wavebreak Island, enjoy a gourmet onboard lunch, see marine life, and even paddleboard. It’s a luxurious and private way to experience the coast with personalized service and plenty of photo opportunities.

Bottom line: Best for couples or small groups seeking a private, high-end water experience with a gourmet lunch and scenic views.

How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience

When selecting the best lunch tour in Gold Coast, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For instance, if you love being on the water and sightseeing, the Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise offers a relaxed way to enjoy both. If wine tasting is more your style, the Tamborine Mountain winery tours or Sirromet Winery options are excellent choices. For active travelers, the Learn to Surf Experience combines fun with nourishment, while those seeking a luxurious escape might prefer the Private Catamaran.

Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, as these popular experiences tend to fill up fast. Also, check if the tour offers flexibility for dietary needs or specific interests like spirits tasting or scenic drives.

The Gold Coast has a diverse array of lunch experiences that cater to all tastes—whether you’re craving a scenic cruise, a wine tasting adventure, or a private yacht. For a laid-back afternoon, the Spirit of Gold Coast Lunch Cruise provides a simple yet tasty water trip. For more immersive experiences, the Tamborine Mountain wine tours and Sirromet Winery tours stand out as top choices for quality, scenery, and food. No matter your style, booking early will help you secure a spot on these top-rated experiences and make your Gold Coast visit truly memorable.