Surfers Paradise skyline during Gold Coast 500 weekend
23–25 October 2026

Gold Coast 500 Night Cruises 2026

Keep race weekend moving with a private evening yacht cruise aboard Inspiration for up to 25 guests. Enjoy the Gold Coast waterways, city lights, your own food, drinks and music before or after your day at the circuit.

$690 per hour including GST 2-hour minimum Up to 25 guests
Private Charter Inspiration is reserved exclusively for your group.
Race Weekend Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2026.
BYO Welcome Bring your preferred food and drinks onboard.
Surfers Paradise Board from the public pontoon at 73 Cavill Ave.
Your private post-race cruise

Swap the crowds for city lights and open water

Gold Coast 500 weekend brings plenty of energy to Surfers Paradise. A private evening cruise gives friends, teams, clients and visiting guests their own space to continue the weekend aboard a 51ft Sealine T51 luxury motor yacht. This is a private recreational charter before or after the racing—not an official trackside hospitality or race-viewing package.

Your confirmed group only. Inspiration is privately chartered for up to 25 guests.
Bring your own refreshments. BYO food and drinks are welcome, with no red wine permitted onboard.
Play your own music. Connect a phone to the onboard sound system and choose the soundtrack for your cruise.
Choose your preferred timing. Start times require confirmation around the vessel’s schedule and race-weekend operations.
Spectators attending the Gold Coast 500 in Surfers Paradise
2026 race weekend

Plan around three event days

The 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 is scheduled at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October. Charter times remain subject to confirmation.

Friday 23 October 2026 A private evening charter can suit arriving groups, business guests or an opening-night gathering.
Saturday 24 October 2026 Saturday evening is likely to attract strong demand. Early enquiries are recommended.
Sunday 25 October 2026 Finish race weekend with a private cruise after the final day, subject to confirmed scheduling.
Allow extra travel time Race-weekend traffic and local access conditions may affect travel around Surfers Paradise. Please arrive at the pontoon 10 minutes before your confirmed boarding time.
Who the cruise suits

Make race weekend your own

Private GC500 night cruises can suit social, celebratory and business groups looking for their own space away from public venues.

Social groups

Friends

Bring your group together after the racing for a private night on the Gold Coast waterways.

Business hosting

Corporate guests

Host clients, colleagues or business partners in a polished setting that remains relaxed.

Race weekend occasions

Celebrations

Combine the event weekend with a birthday, milestone, bucks celebration or private gathering.

Visiting the Gold Coast

Travelling groups

Add a private local experience to a Gold Coast race weekend itinerary.

Private yacht charter rate $690/hr

$690 per hour including GST. A minimum booking duration of 2 hours applies, making the minimum charter price $1,380 including GST. Duration examples are shown as a guide and do not confirm availability.

Minimum duration 2 hours

$1,380 including GST. Suitable for a private evening cruise when timing is limited.

Extended cruise 2.5 hours

$1,725 including GST. Provides additional time for cruising, food, drinks and socialising.

Longer celebration 3 hours

$2,070 including GST. A popular duration to consider for a more relaxed night charter.

Food, drinks and music

Keep the night easy to organise

Bring your preferred refreshments and playlist, or arrange optional catering directly with a supplier.

BYO food and drinks

Bring suitable food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages for your confirmed group. Red wine is not permitted, and safety and RSA requirements apply.

What we provide

We provide a large esky and ice, plus cups, plates, plastic champagne flutes and tumblers. Guests can connect a phone to the onboard sound system and play their own music.

Optional catering

Guests arrange and pay their caterer directly. One suggested option is Simone’s Amazing Grazing .

Once ordered, send us the delivery details and we can help coordinate a suitable delivery time.
Optional extras

Add to the race-weekend experience

Optional extras are subject to supplier availability and must be confirmed separately.

DJ

Guide price: $150 per hour

Add a DJ for a livelier private charter atmosphere, subject to availability and operational approval.

Hummer transfer

Guide price: $500

Approximately 30 minutes for up to 14 people, subject to supplier availability and the requested route.

Private minibus

Guide price: $250 each way

A 24-seat minibus may be available. Final pricing depends on the pickup suburb or address.

Gold Coast 500 cruise FAQs

Helpful answers before you enquire

Event dates, charter pricing, boarding, BYO, extras and booking information.

When is the 2026 Gold Coast 500?

The 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 is scheduled from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit. Event information may change, so guests should also check official event updates.

Is this an official Gold Coast 500 hospitality package?

No. Inspiration Cruises is an independent private-yacht charter operator. This is a recreational cruise that can be booked before or after attending the event. Race admission and official hospitality are not included.

Can we watch the race from the yacht?

This page promotes private evening cruises around race weekend and does not promise track or race viewing from the yacht. Routes and stopping points depend on conditions, marine access, water traffic and safe operational requirements.

How much is a Gold Coast 500 night cruise?

Private charters aboard Inspiration are $690 per hour including GST. A minimum booking duration of 2 hours applies, making the minimum charter price $1,380 including GST.

How many guests can come onboard?

Inspiration can accommodate up to 25 guests. For groups of 15 or more, please provide the final guest count at least 48 hours before the charter.

Can we bring food and drinks?

Yes. BYO food and drinks are welcome. Red wine is not permitted onboard, and safety and RSA requirements apply. Intoxicated guests may be refused boarding or service.

Do you include party lighting or decorations?

No. Inspiration Cruises does not provide decorations or event styling. Small removable items may be brought if they are safe and approved. Confetti and permanent adhesives are not permitted.

What should guests wear onboard?

Guests must wear non-marking or white-soled shoes, or go barefoot onboard.

Where do Gold Coast 500 cruises board?

Boarding is from the public pontoon at 73 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217. Please arrive 10 minutes early so the charter can depart on time.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

Cruises operate in normal conditions. If conditions are unsafe, we will work with the booking contact on the best available option.

Request a GC500 cruise

Tell us your preferred details

Send the race-weekend date, preferred start time, charter duration and expected guest numbers. We will review the request and come back shortly.

Date Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Start time Your preferred departure time
Duration Minimum booking duration is 2 hours
Guests Expected headcount, up to 25

Send your enquiry

Include your preferred date, start time, duration, guest numbers and any optional extras.

Guests must wear non-marking or white-soled shoes, or go barefoot onboard. BYO food and drinks are welcome, but red wine is not permitted. Safety and RSA requirements apply, and intoxicated guests may be refused boarding or service. Full booking terms: Inspiration Cruises Terms & Conditions .

Inspiration Cruises is an independent private-charter operator and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Supercars, the Gold Coast 500 event organiser or event sponsors. Official dates, schedules, access conditions and event arrangements may change.