Boat hire Brisbane

Explore Brisbane's best waterways from our Manly base. Half and full day hire available.

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Our Brisbane fleet

Three well-maintained boats available for hire from our Manly base.

Where you can go

Brisbane is one of Australia's best-kept boating secrets. From our base in Manly, you have quick access to a huge variety of waterways and destinations. Here are some of the areas you can explore with a Tide hire boat.

Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay is a massive, sheltered body of water stretching from Bribie Island in the north to the Gold Coast Seaway in the south. It is home to islands, sandbanks, coral reefs, and some of the best fishing in south-east Queensland.

  • Moreton Island: The world's third-largest sand island. Anchor at the Tangalooma Wrecks for snorkelling, or fish the gutters along the western shore. A full day hire is recommended for Moreton Island trips.
  • Peel Island: A popular day-trip destination less than an hour from Manly. Great snorkelling at Horseshoe Bay and solid fishing around the rocky headlands.
  • St Helena Island: A historic island with a former prison, accessible by boat. Fish the surrounding flats for whiting and flathead on the way.
  • Mud Island: A small sandy island and bird sanctuary. A scenic lunch stop or a great place to wet a line in the surrounding shallows.
  • Green Island: Located near the mouth of the Brisbane River. Good fishing and a pleasant spot for a short trip from Manly.
  • The Bay Flats: Extensive shallow flats throughout the bay are prime territory for whiting, flathead, and bream. Fish the sand banks on the incoming tide for best results.

Brisbane River

The lower Brisbane River offers a different boating experience — city skyline views, calm water, and some surprisingly good fishing. Our operating area covers the river downstream of the Gateway Bridge.

  • River Mouth to Gateway Bridge: Cruise past the port, under the Gateway Bridge, and enjoy the contrast of the industrial waterfront and mangrove-lined banks.
  • Luggage Point and Pinkenba: Popular fishing spots for bream, flathead, and threadfin salmon. Work the structure along the riverbanks.
  • Lytton and Fisherman Islands: The deeper water around the port area holds good fish, particularly on the run-out tide.

Redlands Coast

South of Manly, the Redlands Coast offers sheltered waterways, mangrove-lined channels, and access to the southern bay islands.

  • Raby Bay and Cleveland: Calm waters perfect for a family cruise or a relaxed afternoon fish.
  • Coochiemudlo Island: A small island a short boat ride from Victoria Point. Sandy beaches, clear water, and good fishing on the surrounding flats.
  • North Stradbroke Island (western shore): The sheltered western side of Straddie offers great fishing and beautiful anchorages. Try the channels between Straddie and the mainland for quality fish.
  • Russell and Lamb Islands: Quiet bay islands with good fishing in the surrounding channels. A peaceful alternative to the busier northern destinations.

South East Queensland lakes

If you are after a freshwater experience, south-east Queensland has some excellent lakes and dams within easy driving distance of Brisbane. All of these allow motorised boats and offer great fishing for Australian bass, golden perch, and other freshwater species. A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required for fishing at all stocked dams.

  • Lake Somerset: The largest recreational dam in the region, about 75 minutes north-west of Brisbane near Kilcoy. No speed restrictions on the main body, so it suits fishing, skiing, and cruising. One of Queensland's top freshwater fishing destinations — bass, golden perch, silver perch, and saratoga.
  • Lake Wivenhoe: Queensland's second-largest dam, about an hour west of Brisbane. A 6-knot speed limit applies across the entire lake, making it ideal for a quiet day of trolling and fishing rather than water sports. Bass and golden perch are the main targets.
  • Lake Moogerah: About 75 minutes south-west of Brisbane in the Scenic Rim. No speed restrictions and open to all water sports. One of the best bass fishing lakes in SEQ, with a stunning mountain backdrop.
  • Lake Maroon: A smaller lake just south of Moogerah, about the same distance from Brisbane. Good bass fishing in the 30–40 cm range. Skiing and water sports are permitted on the main body, with 6-knot zones in the northern and southern sections.
  • Atkinson Dam: A hidden gem about 90 minutes west of Brisbane in the Lockyer Valley. Open for all water sports with no speed restrictions. A maximum of 15 boats are allowed on the water at any one time, so it stays uncrowded — arrive early on weekends.

Boat ramps

If you choose our delivery and launch service, we can meet you at any of the popular ramps in the Brisbane and Moreton Bay region. Here are some of the most commonly used ramps:

  • Manly Boat Harbour: Our home base. Excellent ramp facilities, parking, and direct access to the bay. Ideal for trips to Moreton Island, Peel Island, and the bay flats.
  • Wynnum North: A short drive from Manly. Good ramp with parking. Convenient for northern bay trips.
  • Lytton: Access to the Brisbane River mouth and the shipping channel. A good starting point for river fishing.
  • Raby Bay (Cleveland): A well-maintained ramp with good facilities. Great access to the southern bay islands and Redlands Coast waterways.
  • Victoria Point: Popular ramp for trips to Coochiemudlo Island and the southern bay. Can get busy on weekends.
  • Redland Bay: Access to the Redland Bay channel and southern bay islands including Russell and Lamb Islands.

If self-towing, you are free to launch at any suitable public ramp within the operating area.

Brisbane boat hire FAQ

Do I need a boat licence?

It depends on the boat. The Tinny with Bimini Cover (3.2 m, 4hp) does not require a licence — anyone can skipper it. The Bayliner Bowrider 175 and Stacer 525 Runabout both require a current Queensland recreational boat licence (or interstate equivalent). You will need to provide your licence details when you book.

Which boat should I choose?

It depends on your group size and what you want to do. The Tinny ($150 half day / $200 full day) is ideal for 1–3 people wanting a quiet fish on sheltered waters. The Stacer 525 ($450/day) is a dedicated fishing setup for up to 5 adults — great for a serious day on the water with mates. The Bayliner Bowrider 175 ($500/day) fits up to 7 adults and suits group days out, island cruising, and fishing. If you are unsure, get in touch and we will help you pick.

Can you deliver the boat to a ramp?

Yes. We offer a delivery and launch service to ramps throughout Brisbane and Moreton Bay. We tow the boat to your chosen ramp, launch it, and have it waiting for you in the water. Popular delivery ramps include Manly Boat Harbour, Wynnum North, Lytton, Raby Bay, Victoria Point, and Redland Bay. If you prefer to self-tow, you can collect the boat and trailer from our Manly base — you will need a vehicle with a towbar.

How far can I go in a half day vs a full day?

A half day gives you four hours on the water. That is plenty of time for the bay flats, Peel Island, St Helena Island, the Brisbane River, or the Redlands Coast. For longer trips — Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, or the southern bay islands — we recommend a full day hire. Half day hire is available in morning or afternoon slots.

Can I take a hire boat to the freshwater lakes?

Yes, if you choose the self-tow option you can tow the boat to any suitable public ramp within the operating area, including freshwater dams like Lake Somerset, Lake Wivenhoe, Lake Moogerah, and Lake Maroon. Keep in mind that some dams have speed restrictions and you will need a Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) to fish at stocked dams. Chat to us when you book and we can advise on what works best.

What is included with the boat?

All boats come with required safety gear, a fuel tank, anchor, and basic accessories. Fishing boats include rod holders. You will need to bring your own fishing rods, reels, tackle, and bait. There are tackle shops near most popular ramps if you need to stock up on the way. Each boat page has a full list of what is included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We monitor conditions closely and will contact you before your hire if the weather is unsuitable. If we cancel due to weather, you will receive a full refund or can reschedule to another date. If conditions are marginal, we will discuss your options and may suggest sheltered alternatives like the Brisbane River or Redlands Coast instead of open bay destinations.

Brisbane boating guides

Brisbane and Moreton Bay offer an incredible variety of boating experiences, all within easy reach of our Manly base. Whether you are a first-time hirer looking for a calm day on the water or an experienced angler chasing quality fish, the Brisbane region has you covered.

The Manly area is the perfect launching point for exploring the bay. You are just a short run from the bay flats, the river mouth, and the island destinations that make Moreton Bay one of Australia's premier recreational boating areas.

If you would like personalised recommendations on where to go, what to target, or which boat is best for your plans, get in touch. Our team knows these waters well and we are always happy to share local knowledge with our hirers.

Enquire about Brisbane boat hire

Have a question or want to check availability? Send us an enquiry and we will get back to you promptly.