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Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience

Beachfront houseboat near Broadwater Parklands

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Photo gallery for Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience

A bedroom with a large bed, a potted plant, and a view of a body of water through a sliding glass door.
A modern kitchen with a large island, bar stools, and a view of the water.
A bedroom with a large bed, a framed picture of a coastal scene, a window with a view of the sea, a plant on a shelf, and a fire extinguisher.
A room with a view of the sea through a glass door, a bed, and a chair by the window.
A boat interior with a dining table, chairs, and a control panel.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire house boat

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 690 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Water view

Explore the area

View in a map
Gold Coast, QLD
  • Place, Federation Walk Coastal Reserve
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Doug Jennings Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, The Spit Beach
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Gold Coast, QLD (OOL-Coolangatta)
    ‪42 min drive‬

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About the area

Gold Coast

On the beach.Within a 10-minute walk of this Main Beach houseboat, you'll find Doug Jennings Park and The Spit Beach. Philip Park and Marina Mirage Shopping Centre are also within 3 miles (5 km).
View more Houseboats in Gold CoastOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Federation Walk Coastal Reserve - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Doug Jennings Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Sand Pumping Jetty - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • The Spit Beach - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Sea World - 3 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Main Beach Station - 6 min drive
  • Helensvale Station - 26 min drive
  • Coolangatta Airport (OOL) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Daiki - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Charis Seafood - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Beach Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Melrose Cafe And Pizzeria - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience

Step aboard the newly refurbished luxurious 3 storey, 12 metre, tri-hull boat featuring everything you would expect from a fully self-contained luxury home.

Accommodation includes 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, lounge with fold-out bed, dining, balconies, walkaround deck and a rooftop terrace. It can comfortably accommodate 6 people overnight or up to 12 people during the day.

Setting the Flotel apart from all other existing houseboats on the Coast is that guests don’t have to worry about operating the vessel, when you arrive it will be anchored in a picturesque location featuring 360 degree water and island views. You will arrive via a cruise on our Bowrider. You will be departing from the Jetty 300 Marine Parade, Labrador, opposite the Aqua building.

This is the perfect getaway for those who want the houseboat experience without the hassle and stress of operating the vessel and always having a designated driver. Step aboard to relax with friends and family, enjoy some fishing, swimming, take the supplied tender to shore and explore the nearby islands and all the Gold Coast has to offer or just soak in the sun.

During your stay the host will be close by to help with any issues, including getting more supplies or going on further cruises around the islands.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach towels

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Rooftop terrace

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 22 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Smoking is allowed outside only.

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 969 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 22 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Dogs are allowed up to 15kgs in weight.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
No bucks parties.

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking is allowed outside only.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 12
Note from host: No bucks parties.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12. Note from host: No bucks parties. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience to the airport?

This houseboat is 23.8 mi (51-min drive) away from the Coolangatta Airport (OOL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this houseboat.

How close is Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience to the beach?

This houseboat is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience offer free breakfast?

This houseboat does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience?

No, there is no casino at this houseboat, but The Star Gold Coast (13-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience?

Free parking is not available at this houseboat.

Does Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience have a pool?

This houseboat does not have a pool.

Does Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this houseboat.

How close is Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience to downtown Gold Coast?

This houseboat is 5.3 mi away from Gold Coast.

Drift Flotel - Luxury Houseboat Experience Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had an incredible stay, so relaxing.Brett catered to your every need, just a wonderful get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay. The views of the Gold Coast and South Stradbroke Island were amazing, the accommodation was comfortable, and the location was perfect for a romantic getaway. Brett was a fantastic host and very helpful throughout our stay. Being able to bring our dog, Meela, made the experience even better. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous unique experience! Great host, very understanding, patient and professional. Staying at the beautiful “Flotel” was a unique experience to remember. Well presented, lots of space, convenience of an apartment (kitchen for cooking, beautiful bedrooms, Tv etc….Of course being out on the ocean was really special and the especially stunning at night. It Highly recommend, thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was well equipped with everything we needed for a very relaxed long weekend stay. The dogs loved it as much as the humans and we all felt very welcome. This is a wonderful way to spend a relaxed holiday.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Drify Flotel is a great place to go and chill in the beautiful Gold Coast Broadwater.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great experience, Brett was fantastic, location A1. Family ejoyed the 4 days relaxing about the boat.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holiday in paradise

Great experience from first communication with Brett (host) to back on land. Highly recommend if being on the water and accessing idyllic beaches with small or larger groups is for you - look no further than Drift Flotel
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had an amazing stay at the Drift Flotel! The sunrise and sunsets where the boat is located are incredible and hanging out on the top deck is very relaxing. Brett is a very accommodating host and was happy to answer any questions we had. Can definitely recommend staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed over Australia Day weekend and had a blast! The kids can't wait to stay again.The Drift Flotel was in a great location and swimming at the nearby sandbanks were easily accessible. We were pleasantly surprised to see the dry dock attached which made it so much easier to moor our own jetski and small boat. Brett was very friendly and easy to communicate with. He came out to us within 15 minutes when we had a minor issue.The kitchen was well stocked including little bits & peices that came in handy. Somethings were a little worn but overall a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Surprise weekend getaway

We had a lovely relaxing weekend on the drift flotel. Enjoyed the amazing sunsets and sunrises. There was plenty of space for our family and although there were a couple of maintenance issues during our stay it didn’t impact our experience. Everyone in the family loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and fun getaway

Brett was super helpful and communicative. The boat was well furnished and thoughtfully stocked with supplies any fishing enthusiast would appreciate. If you're looking to get away from the city, this is a fantastic option.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location

Quiet time away

very different from the normal getaways. Great time together. Had our own little tinny to go exploring in. Just abit over priced
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing stay

Excellent communication with Brett. Very quick at responding to questions etc.Relaxing time on the houseboat. Boat is very clean and neat. The only concern is abit maintenance issue but other then that was very enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

We had the pleasure of staying on the Flotel to celebrate our birthdays with our dogs. The place itself is beautiful, with modern touches and feels like you’re staying at a luxury hotel on the water. It was like a slice of heaven. Brett was a great host and made sure we had everything to make our stay wonderful. Can’t recommend this place or Brett enough!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday Trip!

Flotel was PERFECT for our group to enjoy the houseboat experience without any hassle of manoeuvring the boat! Brett was approachable, accommodating and friendly, providing us with a boat tour and answering our questions both prior to and during the trip. The decor was stunning. The location was great. The top deck and kitchen/dining area were brilliant - if only we had lucked out with better weather! We're looking to book again - it's not an if, but a when! Thanks for hosting, Brett!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise and seclusion

First - Brett the host is a great guy. Easy to communicate with, honest and on time with everything. The Flotel - wow! Spacious, clean, the views!!, no neighbours, and better decked out than most hotels. We had three little kids and the safety was great. There was no chance of kids falling overboard. Life jackets available, use of power boat was appreciated. Would stay again and would definitely recommend. Thanks Brett.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Stormy Sensation

First time on a Houseboat and hubby and I had the best time ever fishing from the ground deck and then relaxing on the third floor deck with a glass of wine, watching the sunset and then snoozing through the storm on our third nite. Brett was so easy to communicate with and Bailey was so friendly and they have the cutest book of instructions in the houseboat. If you have never been on a houseboat, you should try it. You never know, you might catch Blue Swimmer and Mud Crabs like we did, or Sting Ray like I did on our last morning!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Christmas Getaway!

We stayed on the Drift Flotel over Christmas and it was such an awesome experience. The weather was perfect and the vibes were pumping. The views to the Gold Coast were spectacular and the sunrises and sunsets were amazing! Brett contacted us a couple of days before to organise where to meet and was available for any questions during our stay. The boat was more spacious than we were expecting and was the perfect size for the 4 adults and our Cavoodle who came too. The tender came in handy for picking up one of our guests who arrived a bit later and for taking our dog to the shore for toilet stops. We enjoyed the sound system and TV in the upstairs bedroom which was easy to connect to. We loved our floating home away from home and highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great and Not So Great

Amazing location and set up for the houseboat. Views are amazing. Host was friendly and a great communicator. We had our own boat so didn’t need host to transport us or take us anywhere. We had pretty good weather while we were there. Loved the top deck. Arrived after it had been raining so carpet on the second level was saturated. The first 24 hours we could not get our feet dry. The lounge where our son was going to sleep was on that carpet and the throw on it was wet from the floor. It also smelled strongly of dog. That area was pretty much unusable so my son and daughter had to top and tail in one of the beds. This really shouldn’t be listed as ‘sleeps 6’. All carpet smelled like wet dog. We bought food that we couldn’t cook because the facilities did not allow it. No oven, cooktop didn’t work, cooking appliances caused the battery to beep. There is a BBQ, which we used.Overall we made do and had a nice time. I think if the ad was more realistic, our expectations wouldn’t have been so high. It’s a great concept and was a great experience but it was not luxury.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the best time on the Drift Flotel! It was such a unique and relaxing experience, with everything we needed onboard. The peaceful water, beautiful views, and slow pace made it the perfect getaway. Watching the SeaFire fireworks from the water was an incredible bonus, and being able to bring our Frenchie along made it even more special. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to unwind and make unforgettable memories with the whole family!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful place to relax and enjoy a peaceful holiday. Everything you need and a great accomodating host. Kids and fur kid absolutely loved the experience, fishing, boating, exploring. We actually relaxed. Just wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025