How to Plan a Relaxed Family Day on the Water These Summer Holidays
A family day out should feel calm, simple and enjoyable. Here is a guide to planning a relaxed Gold Coast holiday experience on the water.
1. Choose an activity that works for all ages
Every family has its own rhythm. Some like early starts. Some take a little time to get going. Some want swimming. Others want a quiet place to unwind. The best days come from choosing something that fits your family, not something you need to work around.
A private Gold Coast cruise works because it is flexible. There is no set timetable, no groups of strangers, and no pressure to rush. The day unfolds the way you want it to.
2. Keep the plan simple. The setting does most of the work
Families often feel they need to organise games, activities or complicated food. Once you are on calm water, the surroundings take care of the experience.
You only need:
sunscreen
towels
a light esky with snacks and drinks
a simple playlist
a few beach toys if young kids are coming
Everything else happens naturally. Kids explore. Adults unwind. The Broadwater provides the rhythm.
3. Choose a time of day that suits your family
The Gold Coast sun can be intense in summer and mixed age groups feel it more.
Here is what usually works:
Morning: Cooler. Calmer. Good for young kids and early swimmers.
Mid afternoon: Warmer water. Relaxed energy. Good for families who like a slower start.
Late afternoon: Warm light. Gentle breeze. Comfortable for older guests and perfect for photos.
A catamaran helps with comfort. It has shade, open space and a natural flow that makes the day feel soft and relaxed.
4. Stay inside the Broadwater for comfort and safety
Offshore cruises look exciting in photos, but the movement can be rough. This is difficult for kids, grandparents and anyone who prefers steady ground.
The Broadwater avoids:
• strong swell
• sudden bumps
• seasickness
• the need to hold on while walking
Instead, you get:
• gentle cruising
• safe swimming spots
• quiet beaches and sandbanks
• comfortable movement for all ages
This is why Kenny always recommends the Broadwater. It is safe, predictable and inviting.
5. Focus on small, honest moments instead of a big plan
Children remember simple things.
The feel of the water.
Spotting a dolphin.
Running onto a sandbank
Jumping in with cousins.
Quiet moments with mum or dad.
Adults remember those same things, even if they do not say it.
You do not need a packed schedule. You just need the right setting. A private cruise gives you space for these moments to happen naturally.
6. Choose a boat that supports comfort, not capacity
The vessel shapes the day more than people realise.
A catamaran gives your family:
stable movement
wide walkways
plenty of shade
comfortable seating
room to spread out
easy access to the water
It is not about luxury. It is about comfort that feels natural and safe. When the environment is calm, everyone relaxes. Conversations change. The whole day feels lighter.
If you want a family day that feels relaxed, warm and unforced, a private Broadwater cruise is the simplest way to make it happen. The water is calm, the space is yours, and the day moves at your pace.