Forget travelling to the canals of Venice, Gold Coast Gondolas has got your romantic couple’s night (among other special occasions) sorted and you don’t even have to get on a plane to Europe!
Did you know, there’s a quiet little tourism operation floating around the canals of the Gold Coast, bringing the same kind of iconic Italian romance (and fun!) to local couples.
Gold Coast Gondolas has enjoyed almost two decades as one of the city’s most unique attractions. John and Val van Rensburg started Gold Coast Gondolas 18 years ago, just after they’d immigrated from South Africa. They’d spotted similar gondolas during a weekend getaway at Mooloolaba and they saw a huge potential for a similar business on the waterways of the Gold Coast. Unlike Venetian gondolas, these gondolas are constructed of fibreglass with a fixed weatherproof cabin and a rigid soundproof panel separating the gondolier from guests, thus affording absolute privacy. Nowadays, the operation is overseen by their daughter, Taryn Sims, and her husband, Mike. While a gondola generally evokes the emotion of love and romance, Taryn says Gold Coast Gondolas are a fun option for a wide variety of experiences.
GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
Carrying a maximum of six passengers, with a menu available for meals and BYO drinks with NO corkage, you’ve got the definition of a great girls’ night out right there! Rally your five best mates and float around the Gold Coast while taking in the lights and sights from quite a unique perspective.
FLOATING MEETING
Corporates, we’ve just found the ideal location for your next work meeting – floating around the coast’s canals. If you’ve got a team of six (maximum), why not get inspired by the sights and the seabreeze – your next brainstorming session awaits!
…AND OF COURSE, DATE NIGHT
“I get surprised by how many romantic guys there are on the Gold Coast!” Taryn laughs. “Most of the time, they book it as a surprise for their anniversary, their partner’s birthday or literally ‘just because’. We also get tonnes of proposals on board every month, so that’s always really exciting.
“There aren’t many places where you can dine with your partner in style and privacy whilst also enjoying stunning views by day, or shimmering lights at night. Nothing screams romance like a gondola cruise – it’s private, peaceful, luxurious and exclusive.”