Experience the delights of life on the Gold Coast

With so much to do in the Gold Coast’s city and riverside neighbourhoods, you could easily miss many of the treasures hidden in your own backyard while living in one of the Rivea apartments. Whether you’re new to the neighbourhood or consider yourself a local, you might discover something new while taking one of these engaging tours of the area by boat or rickshaw.

A taste of riverside living

Many Australians know the beach lifestyle first-hand. Fewer are as familiar with life on the river. Since Rivea gives you both, a virtual boat ride north along the Nerang River, with detours into its tributaries, is an ideal way to taste riverside life while orienting yourself to the neighbourhood as it’s seen from the water.

Accessing the river from a pontoon, from within the boat you’ll have a clear view all the way to the centre of Surfers Paradise, where the SkyPoint Observation Deck towers 78 floors above ground. You’ll pass waterfront homes on Chevron and Cronin Islands, and spot the Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf at Appel Park.

The river is full of activity, with countless boats moored by the banks and jet-skiers—following etiquette established by local maritime authorities—passing under bridges. As you continue north, you’ll discover the hidden gem of Budds Beach, nestled against the river within walking distance of Cavill Mall, complete with a waterside park sporting a playground, barbecue and picnic tables. As the tour nears its conclusion, make a note to come back with a rod and line to Jarriparilla Cove, known locally as a convenient fishing spot.

A rickshaw ride through bustling Surfers

See another side of the Gold Coast with a cycle rickshaw trip through the centre of Surfers Paradise by night. Your driver will take you on a circuit around Surfers Paradise Boulevard and the beachfront Esplanade, watching residents and visitors enjoying an evening walk in weather that tends to be comfortable all through the year.

On the Esplanade, across from the famous Surfers Paradise beach, you’ll glimpse the Soul Boardwalk shopping mall, which hosts some of the city’s most popular oceanfront restaurants. Turning left along View Avenue and then into Surfers Paradise Boulevard, you’ll pass the iconic Clock Hotel, a famed nightlife venue in the heart of Surfers with three bars spread over three levels.

Coming back towards the beach along Cavill Avenue, you’ll get to know the back streets as you take a roundabout route around the pedestrian mall, cruising past the luxurious five-star Hilton Hotel before returning to the Esplanade with its capacious outdoor dining areas. Finally, stop across from a beachfront market featuring 100-plus stalls, local artisans and live music performances, which captures the essence of a carefree life spent strolling by the ocean.