It’s in our DNA as Gold Coasters to love anything and everything related to the water. Whether it be swimming, boating, yachting, surfing, kite surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, paragliding, the list goes on and we srsly can’t get enough. So when we heard about a new way to experience our beloved Broadwater, our ears pricked up. Enter Vanquish Jetboard Hire, the first-ever motorised jet board hiring company to launch not just here, but in the whole of ‘Straya. #HellsYeahBrah!

If you’re anything like us, you may not know your jet board from your eFoil…or maybe your knowledge starts and ends at the trusty jet ski #nojudgement. Well fret not friends coz we are here to fill in the blanks and explain why jet boarding is the hottest…or coolest…new water sport since sliced (gluten free, flour free, carb free, sugar free, ethically sourced, artisan) bread.

A jetboard is essentially a motorised surfboard where the rider controls the speed using a hand-held remote control and weight transfer to manoeuvre the board. It totally stacks up when compared to other water sports and in our humble opinion, totally trumps the eFoil. For starters, a jetboard is faster than an eFoil which speaks to the inner adrenalin junkie in all of us. Imagine zipping along at a very respectable clip (circa 60km per hour) feeling the spray of the water and soaking up ‘dem unbeatable GC outdoorsy vibes #HappyPlaceIncoming. Also, jetboards are easier to master than the average eFoil which is entirely appealing for those of us whose coordination eludes us. Plus, you’re guaranteed to look unapologetically hot or cool and frig, we’re back to that conundrum again.

The only downside is the cost to purchase, with boards starting at the $10k mark and that totally sucks when we’re all broke AF after the silly season. Alas, Luan Memishi and his business Vanquish Jetboard Hire are here to save the day, enabling us all to partake in this awesomeness without having to sell a kidney. It is legit the only company hiring out jet boards in the whole of the country and guys, thank you for making this insanely epic water sport accessible to one and all #pioneers.

With a variety of boards to rent, they cater for beginners with slower boards reaching a max of 40km/h, plus competition boards hitting up to 60 km/h for the more competent riders. To profile a couple, there’s the X-Sport Radinn jet board with an extremely powerful and reliable G3 jet. As you can use the settings menu in the Radinn app, it’s smart and suitable for all kinds of riders; tall, short, heavy, light, novice or pro. Or you can have a bash on an Explore board, Vanquish’s most durable and stable option. Perfect for beginners, they’re designed for reliability with a built-in bumper and full impact deck-pad.

Oh, and duty of care alert, of course Luan and the crew will teach you how to ride with maximum fun factor and safety before setting you loose on our glorious waters. Choose from a 45 minute private lesson or a group lesson if you’re keen to learn the ropes with your mates in tow, for $90 per person.

On a final note, it would be irresponsible of us not to mention the risk you take when you jump on a Vanquish jet board; there’s a very high likelihood of addiction. Trust us we speak from experience….and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Where: Marine Parade, Southport
When: 7am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Instagram: @vanquish_jetboard_hire
Website: vanquishjetboardhire.com.au

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY VANQUISH JETBOARD HIRE

When it comes to impressing visiting family and friends, is there any better way than going on an adventure and chasing a waterfall — or two? Because beyond epic beaches, and one of the world’s most renowned surfing reserves, we also have world heritage listed rainforests and breathtaking surrounds literally right on our doorstep. And the best part about these fantastic places and mind-blowing natural spectacles is they are entirely free!

So we highly recommend you clear your schedule, pack your swimmers and embark on a fun-filled sojourn into the green behind the gold in search of large pieces of falling water. Set your phone to silent and let the serenity feed your soul.

Here are a few of our favourites, all within an hour or so from the Gold Coast.

Beechmont
Lip Falls
38.7km from Surfers Paradise
Just a 50-minute drive from Surfers Paradise and nestled amongst the Denham Scenic Reserve are the Beechmont rock pools — or Lip Falls as the locals call them. Once you park your car (on Doncaster Road), it’ll only take half an hour to make your way down to the falls. Be aware; these walking paths are steep and narrow and right next to deep gorges.
Where: 45-57 Doncaster Dr, Beechmont

Mt Tamborine
Cedar Creek Falls
44km from Surfers Paradise
Cedar Creek Falls are one of the better-known waterfalls on Mt Tamborine and a popular destination for locals and tourists alike (be warned – it can get quite busy). Your best bet is to explore the area via the Cedar Creek Circuit (3.2km), which will take you along all the cascades and rock pools.
Where: Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain – To get there, take Tamborine Mountain Road until you get to Cedar Creek Falls Road, just past the information map stopping bay on the left. From there, it’s only a short drive down a narrow road and across a small creek before coming to the Cedar Creek Falls section and the car park at its entrance.

Curtis Falls
39.2km from Surfers Paradise
It’s a short, beautiful walk through the rain-drenched Eucalyptus forest to the magical Curtis Falls. You’ll wander past towering trees and through a canopy of ferns, down to this miniature and photogenic waterfall. There are lots of cute creatures to spot along the way too, keep an eye for resident platypuses and wallabies. The walk should only talk half an hour or less to get down to the falls, but you will likely want to stay awhile and soak up the peacefulness. It’s just a 1.1km round trip, so you can knock it over in the early morning then stop for a spot of morning tea at the Curtis Falls Cafe.
Where: 16 Eagle Heights Rd, North Tamborine – Get there via Eagle Heights Road and park right at the entrance to the walk.

Lamington National Park
Elabana Falls
67.4 km from Surfers Paradise
Elabana Falls are certainly a hidden gem located amongst Lamington National Park close to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (a great spot to grab a bite to eat after your waterfall adventure). Park your car at O’Reilly’s and make your way through the rainforest, past Picnic Rock and further downhill for another 400 metres until you reach the cascading falls. Make sure you refresh yourself with a snack or sit down before embarking on your way back up; it gets pretty steep!
Where: Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra

Springbrook National Park
Natural Bridge
47 km from Surfers Paradise
As you probably know, Natural Bridge is a heavenly cave-like rock formation at Springbrook National Park that is home to glow worms and a colony of tiny bent-wing bats – it’s also one of the most photographed spots on the Gold Coast. Start the short one-kilometre rainforest walk clockwise to the Natural Bridge rock arch to get down to the action.
Where: Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd, Springbrook – It’s super easy to find; just follow Nerang-Murwillumbah Road until you get to the car park signage at Bakers Road.

Twin Falls
40.6km from Surfers Paradise
Start your 4km journey through the sub-tropical rainforest from the Tallabana picnic area or Canyon lookout in an anticlockwise direction. You’ll reach a small bridge, flowing water and immense rock formations after a couple of minutes (perfect for an Insta snap). Keep hiking down the track until you come across two rushing waterfalls. At the base of Twin Falls — after a worthy hike — you’ll find a large rock pool perfect for a rewarding swim!
Where: Canyon Pde, Springbrook

Purling Brook Falls
37km from Surfers Paradise
The Purling Brook Falls are immense, towering at over 100 meters in height and are naturally best visited after rainfall. Start your 2 hour hike clockwise along a scenic and elevated path into a subtropical gorge to view the amazing falls from below. Venture further down the track until you reach waterholes that are great for swimming. When you have had enough, prepare for a steady climb up through the rainforest, which will bring you back to the picnic area.
Where: 63 Gwongorella Parade, Springbrook

Northern NSW
Minyon Falls
113km from Surfers Paradise
Yes, we know the following two locations aren’t on the Gold Coast, they aren’t even in Queensland, but it will take you a short drive along what is probably the most breathtaking scenic drive, until you reach Nightcap National Park in Northern NSW. Make sure you come prepared because getting to Minyon Falls can be quite the journey (well worth it, though). We recommend you start with Minyon Falls Lookout, providing you with outstanding views before adventuring further downstream towards the base of the falls.
Where: Nightcap National Park, Newton Dr, Nightcap 

Killen Falls
108 km from Surfers Paradise
Killen Falls are undoubtedly one of the most epic waterfalls to dive into with its large swimming hole and rock pools. The rock has been eroded significantly behind the waterfall, forming an impressive cave. Ever wanted to take a waterfall shower? Well, at Killen Falls, that’s not a problem as you can swim across the pool and climb up the rocks just to sit right underneath the falling water.
Where: Killen Falls Dr, Tintenbar – Killen Falls are super easy to find, just minutes off the Pacific Highway near Byron Bay.

But it’s important to remember, whilst it’s tempting (and refreshing) to go for a swim in the rock pools and lagoons, it’s prohibited in some, so please adhere to any safety signs and be 100% sure it’s safe to swim before diving in. Also, be sure to pack closed-in shoes, plenty of water, mozzie repellent and sunscreen (the sun will still get you between the canopy).

Last but not least, take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints behind!

Words by Alex Mitcheson.