The Best Boat Rentals Near Brisbane

Expect a wide range. Shared sightseeing or bay cruises often run about A$100–A$200 per person. Private river cruises on smaller motorboats with a skipper commonly start around A$150–A$250 per hour, while mid‑size sailing cats and motor yachts are usually A$400–A$900 per hour. Luxury yachts for larger groups can be A$1,000+ per hour, and full‑day island charters to places like Moreton Island or Peel Island often land between A$1,500 and A$3,000+ depending on size, season, and inclusions. Most charters include a professional captain (if captained), fuel for standard itineraries, safety gear, Bluetooth sound, and basic eskies/coolers; extras like catering, wharf fees at certain pick‑ups, water toys, or late‑night hours may be additional. Always check your specific listing for exact pricing and inclusions.

You’ll find comfortable river cruisers, pontoons perfect for relaxed group outings, sailing catamarans for bay days, sportfishing boats, RIBs and day cruisers for quick hops to the islands, plus premium motor yachts for celebrations. If you’re planning to swim or snorkel around the bay, look for boats with ladders, freshwater showers, and snorkel sets; for river parties, prioritize shaded deck space and good speakers.

Many Brisbane listings are captained, so no licence is needed for you as a guest. For self‑drive rentals, Queensland generally requires a Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL) to operate powered vessels over 4.5 kW (about 6 hp). Some hire boats may be speed‑limited or operate under special conditions, but the simplest path is to book a captained charter if you’re unlicensed or unfamiliar with local waters. If you do hold an RMDL and plan to self‑operate, bring valid ID and be prepared to follow the owner’s briefing and route guidelines.

Common city pick‑ups include the City Botanic Gardens River Hub near the CBD and the New Farm Park River Hub by Brisbane Powerhouse. For bay trips, departures often use Manly Boat Harbour (East Coast Marina / RQYS precinct), Rivergate Marina (Murarrie), Dockside Marina at Kangaroo Point, Scarborough Marina on the Redcliffe Peninsula, and Redcliffe Jetty for seasonal whale‑watching cruises. Your captain will confirm the best meeting point based on your itinerary, tides, and wharf availability.

River cruises glide past the Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves, the CBD skyline and South Bank, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, New Farm Park and the Powerhouse, and often the Gateway Bridge and Port reach depending on time. Evening trips add city lights and sunset colors on the cliffs; daytime runs showcase parklands and architecture from a calm, scenic vantage.

On clear days the bay serves up sand islands and turquoise shallows. Popular highlights include the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island for snorkelling, Peel Island’s Horseshoe Bay for a beach swim, historic St Helena Island’s prison ruins, and frequent wildlife sightings such as dolphins, turtles, dugong, and, in season, humpback whales. Your skipper will choose stops that suit the weather, tides, and marine park rules.

Yes—most captained charters welcome families. Boats carry the required safety equipment and provide properly sized lifejackets; let your captain know the ages and sizes of any children so they can have the right gear ready. In Queensland, new lifejacket rules make wearing them compulsory for certain small or open‑boat situations, and skippers will brief you on when kids must have them on. Prams and soft‑soled shoes are usually fine on larger decks; ask your host about storage space before you arrive.

BYO is common on private charters. Many boats have eskies, fridges, or even BBQs; some offer catering packages or partner with local restaurants. If you plan to bring alcohol, keep it moderate and note that the skipper must stay under Queensland’s 0.05 BAC limit while operating. For everyone’s comfort, most owners prefer canned drinks over glass on deck, and some restrict messy items like red wine—check your booking notes for specifics.

Pet policies vary by vessel; small, well‑behaved dogs are sometimes allowed on private river charters with prior approval and a cleaning bond. If you’re heading to the bay, remember that dogs are not permitted in Queensland national parks, which include most of Moreton Island and Peel Island’s Teerk Roo Ra National Park. If a pet‑friendly cruise is important, choose a river itinerary or plan shore time at dog‑friendly mainland stops instead.

Brisbane’s climate is subtropical: summers (December–February) are warm with afternoon sea breezes and the chance of thunderstorms, while winters (June–August) are mild and generally drier. Captains monitor wind, rain, and river conditions and may adjust routes or timing for safety. If the forecast turns unsafe, most listings offer a reschedule or refund per their stated policy. For the smoothest water and cooler temps, morning departures are often best, especially on Moreton Bay where the breeze can build by mid‑afternoon.

Absolutely. Boats are popular for birthdays, proposals, engagements, hens and bucks, team offsites, and client hosting. Tell your captain your headcount, vibe, music needs, and any must‑see sights; they’ll match you with the right deck layout, sound system, and catering or BYO plan. For marquee dates like New Year’s Eve or major festivals, book early and expect special event pricing and boarding instructions.

Great boating happens year‑round. Peak leisure season runs roughly September through April for warm river days and swimming weather in the bay; June–November adds humpback whale migrations. Local “boating holiday” spikes include Australia Day (January 26), Easter long weekend, Labour Day (first Monday in May), and New Year’s Eve. Riverfire, part of Brisbane Festival in early September, is a spectacular but high‑demand night that may require aquatic permits and restricted‑zone access—plan months ahead. For fewer crowds and smoother pricing, choose weekdays over weekends and morning departures over afternoons.

Captained charters are turnkey: a licensed skipper handles the vessel, routing, docking, and safety so you can relax. They’re ideal for events, first‑timers, or bay trips where local knowledge of tides and marine park zones matters. Self‑operated hires are limited and typically suit confident locals who hold a Queensland boat licence and want a simple river run; expect a safety briefing, route limits, and a security bond. If you’re visiting or hosting a group, captained is usually the easiest path to a stress‑free day.

Top choices include a snorkel stop at the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island, beach time at Peel Island’s Horseshoe Bay, and a history‑and‑picnic loop to St Helena Island. Depending on your departure point and conditions, powerboats typically reach Peel in about an hour or less and the Tangalooma Wrecks in roughly 60–90 minutes; plan extra time for relaxed cruising, swimming, and an unhurried return with the afternoon breeze. Your captain will shape the day around tides, wind, and your group’s pace.