Gold Coast isn’t just about sun, surf, and sand—it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy memorable lunch experiences that showcase its waterways, wineries, and local flavors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise with delicious buffet food, a scenic winery tour with a gourmet meal, or a behind-the-scenes look at Queensland’s famous vineyards, Gold Coast offers options for every taste and interest. We particularly love the Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise for its relaxed water-based sightseeing combined with a tasty buffet, and the Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with Lunch for wine lovers seeking a scenic escape. These experiences give you a true taste of the region—literally and figuratively.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of lunch experiences in Gold Coast, including water cruises, winery tours, and distillery visits. The cruises often feature buffet meals and live commentary, making them both relaxing and educational. The winery tours include tastings of award-winning wines, gourmet 2-course lunches, and visits to notable vineyards like Tamborine Mountain’s boutique wineries or Sirromet Winery. For active travelers, there’s also a learn-to-surf experience with lunch, perfect for combining fun and food. Each tour offers a distinct way to enjoy midday in this lively region.
1. Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise
At number 1, the Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise is a favorite for its perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and good food. This 2-hour cruise departs from Surfers Paradise and takes you up the Nerang River to the Broadwater, offering views of landmarks like the Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, and Wave Break Island. The cruise features live commentary that highlights the area’s sights and history, making it a great way to learn while you relax on deck.
The buffet lunch is a highlight, with seafood, chicken, and fresh tropical fruit served to satisfy most tastes. Guests often praise the friendly staff and the comfortable seating, and reviews consistently give it a perfect 5-star rating. This tour is especially good for those who want a casual, scenic experience with some of the best waterfront views the Gold Coast has to offer. The price is reasonable at around $67 per person, making it a solid choice for a relaxed lunch with sightseeing.
Bottom line: An excellent option if you want a short, scenic cruise combined with delicious buffet food—perfect for a laid-back afternoon.
2. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with Lunch
At number 2, the Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with Lunch takes wine lovers on a 6-hour journey to explore three award-winning wineries and indulge in tastings of Queensland’s best wines. This tour is ideal for those wanting a scenic escape and a deeper understanding of the region’s boutique wineries. The tour includes a guided visit to each winery, where you’ll learn about wine production and sample a hand-picked selection of wines.
What makes this tour special is the gourmet 2-course lunch included, featuring local products that perfectly complement the wine tastings. The breathtaking mountain views and the chance to breathe in fresh mountain air add to the experience. With a rating of 4.9/5, many guests comment on how well-organized and enjoyable the day is, praising the knowledgeable guides and delicious food.
The tour costs about $151, which offers good value considering it includes multiple wine tastings, lunch, and transport. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing, scenic day out.
Bottom line: A top choice for wine aficionados who want a comprehensive, scenic tour combined with local cuisine.
3. Gold Coast: Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch
Number 3 on our list is the Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch, a full-day experience that covers three wineries and the Tamborine Mountain Distillery. The tour emphasizes wine tasting, with around 6-8 varieties sampled at each location, including white, red, and fortified wines. The visit to the distillery offers an extra layer of flavor with tastings of liqueurs, vodka, and gin.
Guests particularly enjoy the delicious two-course lunch that is included—think fresh, local ingredients paired with regional wines. The tour lasts about 8 hours, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive winery experience. The reviews note the scenic mountain views and the friendly guides as highlights.
Pricing at approximately $165 provides good value for a full day of tastings, sightseeing, and gourmet food. Ideal for groups and wine-curious travelers looking for an immersive experience.
Bottom line: A full-day winery adventure that pairs tastings with a tasty lunch and mountain scenery.
4. Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunch
The Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Gourmet lunch is a 6 to 8-hour guided trip that highlights family-owned boutique wineries like Hampton Estate and Cedar Creek Estate. The tour focuses on wine tastings of 6-8 varieties per winery, giving you plenty of options to sample and compare. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and lush vineyards, enhancing the sensory experience.
The two-course lunch is included in the price, and guests rave about the quality of the food and the beautiful winery settings. This tour is especially good for group outings, birthdays, or anyone wanting a relaxed, personalized vineyard experience. The reviews highlight the friendly guides and beautiful scenery.
Priced at $155.26, it offers a balanced experience of wine, food, and scenery without feeling rushed. It’s suited for wine lovers and those who appreciate boutique wineries.
Bottom line: An excellent family-friendly tour with delicious food and a peaceful mountain backdrop.
5. Sirromet Winery Tour and Taste and 2 Course Lunch
Number 5 is the Sirromet Winery Tour and Taste with 2-Course Lunch, a 3-hour experience that offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Queensland’s most renowned wineries. The tour includes a guided visit of the state-of-the-art winery, with tastings of six of their premium wines. It’s a chance to see how award-winning wines are made and sample the results.
The highlight is the two-course lunch at the winery’s cellar door, with options that can cater to vegetarian and other dietary needs. Many reviews mention how informative and friendly the guides are, and how the lunch pairs perfectly with the wines tasted. The tour is good for time-constrained visitors who want a focused, quality experience.
For about $60, you get a comprehensive winery visit, tastings, and lunch—great value considering the premium wines and professional guides. It’s perfect for wine newcomers and small groups.
Bottom line: A compact yet comprehensive winery experience that combines education, tastings, and delicious food.
6. Gold Coast: Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery
Our number 6 is the Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery, an 8-hour trip emphasizing boutique wineries and the Tamborine Mountain Distillery. This tour offers a more luxurious experience with guided tastings at several family-owned wineries and a gourmet 2-course lunch prepared by an award-winning chef.
Guests enjoy breathtaking scenery as they travel through the scenic hinterland, with door-to-door transport included for ultimate convenience. The reviews highlight the personalized attention and quality of the wines and food.
Priced at $197, it’s the most premium option on our list and ideal for affluent travelers or special occasions. It’s especially suited for those wanting a relaxed, high-end experience with exclusive tastings.
Bottom line: Perfect for luxury seekers who want a full day of scenery, tastings, and gourmet cuisine.
7. Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch
Number 7 offers a similar experience to our Tamborine tours but with a Brisbane focus. This 8-hour tour explores boutique wineries in the Gold Coast hinterland, with guided tastings and a 2-course lunch. The tour includes visits to family-owned wineries and Tamborine Mountain Distillery, making it a well-rounded experience for wine and spirits fans.
Reviewers mention the friendly guide and the delicious lunch as highlights, along with the scenic drive through the valley. The value for money is good, especially considering the full-day itinerary. It’s suited for wine curious travelers who want to see more than just one location.
Pricing at $197 again offers a full, engaging experience with transport, tastings, and lunch included.
Bottom line: An excellent comprehensive tour that combines wine, scenery, and local spirits in a relaxed setting.
$197 per person
8. Gold Coast: Learn to Surf Experience with Lunch & Activities
Number 8 is the Learn to Surf Experience with Lunch & Activities, a 6-hour day combining surf lessons, lunch, and fun activities like boomerang throwing. Perfect for active travelers, this tour guarantees you’ll be surfing by the end of the day.
The lunch is hearty enough to keep your energy up during the lessons, and the friendly instructors make this a fun, approachable experience even for complete beginners. The reviews praise the professional instruction and the chance to learn a new skill in a beautiful setting.
Priced at $105, it’s an affordable, lively alternative to classic lunch options, blending adventure with food. Suitable for families, groups, or anyone wanting to break out of the usual lunch routine.
Bottom line: A fun, energetic option for those eager to combine lunch with surfing and outdoor activities.
$105 per person
9. Sirromet Cellar Door Wine Tasting Public Tour with Lunch
Number 9 is the Sirromet Cellar Door Wine Tasting Public Tour with Lunch, a shorter, 2.5 to 3-hour experience focusing on winemaking and tastings at Sirromet’s modern winery. It includes a guided tour of the production area, tasting 6 popular wines, followed by a light lunch with a soft drink.
Guests find this tour informative and relaxed, with reviews emphasizing the quality of the wines and friendly staff. It’s ideal for visitors with limited time who want a taste of Queensland’s wine culture.
At about $44, this tour is very budget-friendly while still delivering an educational experience combined with light lunch and tastings.
Bottom line: A short, affordable way to explore winery production and enjoy a tasty lunch.
10. Sirromet Winery Eataly Discovery – Includes Tour, Tasting and 3 Course Lunch
Rounding out our list, the Sirromet Winery Eataly Discovery offers a 3-hour journey combining a behind-the-scenes tour, tastings of red, white, and sparkling wines, and a 3-course lunch at the Cellar Door Café. This is the most comprehensive experience, with a focus on Italian-style cuisine paired perfectly with the wines.
The reviews mention the quality of the wines and food, though some note the higher price point at $95. It’s suited for foodies and wine enthusiasts looking for a luxurious, all-inclusive outing with ample tastings.
Bottom line: For those wanting the full gourmet experience, this tour provides extensive tastings and a delicious multi-course meal.
$95.03 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Gold Coast Lunch Experience
Picking the right lunch experience depends on your interests and schedule. If you enjoy waterside scenery and casual dining, the Gold Coast Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise is a straightforward, relaxing choice. For wine lovers seeking a more immersive day, the Tamborine Mountain tours or the Sirromet options offer delicious tastings, scenic views, and gourmet meals. Active travelers who want to combine lunch with fun might prefer the Learn to Surf experience.
Consider your budget: shorter, more affordable tours like the Sirromet Public Tour provide a quick wine fix, while the Luxury Tour offers a premium experience. Think about the time available—half-day options suit those with tight schedules, whereas full-day tours are great for a relaxed, in-depth exploration.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours, to secure your spot and ensure a smooth, stress-free day. Remember, combining scenic views, local flavors, and unique experiences makes for a memorable lunch in Gold Coast.
In summary, whether you prefer a casual cruise, a luxurious winery tour, or an active surf session with lunch, Gold Coast provides a variety of outstanding options. For a laid-back experience with water views, the buffet cruise is hard to beat. For wine enthusiasts, the Tamborine Mountain tours deliver both scenery and flavors. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, the luxury wine tour or the Eataly Discovery are excellent choices. Remember to book early, and enjoy your midday adventure in this vibrant region.