How to spend the perfect day on the water on the Gold Coast

From the minute you wake up in our latest Mater Prize Home lottery No. 310 and cast your eyes out the windows to the glistening canal in your backyard, you’ll be itching to get out on the water. Thanks to the Sea Fox Commander 268 boat included in the prize lottery, and the private pontoon where you can park it for easy access, a day exploring the Gold Coast via the sea is always a good idea!

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Here’s just one idea for how you could spend a perfect day on the water with this Mater Prize Home.

But first, coffee

Rise and shine as the sun pours through the parents retreat on the top floor of this prize home and beckons you to wake up. Jump straight into your oversized shower with dual rain shower heads, then head downstairs to your beautiful modern kitchen to make yourself a cup of coffee with your built-in coffee machine. Take a moment to drink it as you sit in peace at your outdoor dining table in the alfresco area overlooking the water. 

Cruise the canals

Ok, enough looking at that spectacular water view, now it’s time to get up close and enjoy a sunny day out amongst it. Bask in the journey before you reach your final destination by taking in the beautiful nature all around and indulging in a sneaky little look at all the grand homes that line the canal system through the Gold Coast suburbs. 

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Take to the seas

Now that you’ve made it out in the open ocean, you can turn up the speed and feel the salty sea air against your face as you jump over waves and head towards your destination for the day: Cook Island. While technically in New South Wales, this water-access-only island isn’t too far from home when you have the luxury of your own boat to get there. Located about 600 metres north-east of Fingal Head and 4 kilometres south-east of Tweed Heads, Cook Island Aquatic Reserve (Jungarra Ngarrian) boasts surrounding crystal-clear waters and great snorkelling. Made up of approximately 80 hectares of marine estate, you’ll find a colourful mix of reef and pelagic fish including pufferfish, groupers and clownfish, along with stingrays and a colony of green sea turtles that hang around the island all year around.

Seafood at sunset

Before you head home, park your boat in one of the visitor berths at Mariner's Cove Marina in Southport—it’s time for dinner! After a day out on the ocean, you’ve no doubt got fresh seafood on your mind, so treat yourself to a waterfront feast at MARE Restaurant at La Luna Beach Club. Start with a dozen oysters with chardonnay vinegar, plus your choice of ceviche with either hiramasa kingfish or Bass Strait scallops. For mains, opt for a selection of small plates (so you can try more dishes!) like fried crispy local baby squid, slow poached and grilled fremantle octopus, or lobster and scallop ravioli with abalone sauce, chilli and amaranth oil.

Home sweet home

With a full stomach and fond memories under your belt, it’s time to head home. Experience those canal views from a different light on your boat ride home, before mooring at your private pontoon and finishing the evening full circle with a drink overlooking the water on your alfresco patio. 

Ready to spend all your spare time cruising the Gold Coast on your new boat? Buy your tickets today for your chance to win this waterfront Mater Prize Home lottery and all the bonus extras that come with it! Plus, every prize lottery ticket you purchase helps support the life-changing patient care and important medical research at Mater.

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