When it comes to recreational boating in Queensland, there’s no shortage of options for a fun day out on the water. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely cruise or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, we’ve got all the information you need to make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable. With so many destinations and experiences to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled this list of must-see destinations in Queensland that are perfect for recreational boaters.

We know what you’re thinking: Where should I boat in Queenslands?

As they say at any good wedding: “let’s get some housekeeping out of the way”. The first thing to understand is that there are three types of restrictions: recreational boating restrictions (which apply year-round), seasonal boating restrictions (which apply from December through March), and alerts (which apply when conditions warrant). Queensland shores are home to the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. To help keep the reef safe, the Queensland Boating Restrictions Act was implemented. The Queensland Boating Restrictions Act 2008 requires all vessel operators to comply with the seasonal, recreational and alert boating restrictions that apply. Please make sure you’re always following local guidelines and regulations. Now, let’s skip to the good part.

Our non-negotiable list (in no particular order) for destinations you will want to check out in Queenslands is below:

• Moreton Bay Marine Park
• The Gold Coast Waterways
• Whitsunday Islands
• Fitzroy River & Keppel Bay
• Great Sandy Strait
• The Beaches, Islands & Mangroves of Cairns
• Hope Islands National Park

Start your engines! We’ve taken the time to give you a little insight into some of the must see destinations in Queensland.

Moreton Bay Marine Park

The Moreton Bay region is home to some of Queensland’s best beaches, and  – if you don’t have your own boat – some great boat tours that let you explore from land or sea! If you’re looking for something exciting but fairly tame, we highly recommend taking one of these tours. They’re great for families or groups of friends who want something easy & fun without having much risk involved. 

If you are fortunate enough to have your own boat, we recommend downloading the Wavve Boating App and creating your own adventure! Moreton Island is right off the coast of Brisbane, home to some of the most diverse aquatic wildlife anywhere in the world. Now you can follow a pod of dolphins and use the app to guide you home when you’re done.

Gold Coast Waterways

Everyone has heard of the Gold Coast, but a hidden gem is the Gold Coast Waterway. With its natural beauty and the largest canal network in the Southern Hemisphere (136 lakes and over 400 KM of canals), this is one of the premier tourist destinations in Australia. Most popular amongst surfers for its legendary surf breaks, this region is also home to 52 KM of jaw-dropping beaches, 10 marinas and even theme parks that give the Gold Coast a little something for the kids and the recreational boaters.

Whitsunday Islands 

With 74 islands, there’s no shortage of exploring to be done in the Whitsunday Islands. Known for their pristine beaches and incredible blue waters, boating around the islands will never get dull. Temperatures are *chef’s kiss* and the natural beauty of the regional reefs gives you unlimited locations for picturesque content and memories. There are plenty of locations to anchor for you and family to snorkel or simply enjoy the warmer waters. Don’t forget, the Heart Reef is a must-see for anyone traveling to the Whitsunday Islands!

Fitzroy River & Keppel Bay 

Last but certainly not least, this is where you want to go to get the best views of the Great Barrier Reef. While this region is often crowded with divers and snorkelers, there’s plenty of ocean for everyone. If you want to be a little more adventurous, permits can be acquired to venture outside the designated use zones from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). Some regions are as close as 30 minutes from land, while the further points can be up to 2 hours away, providing you with a spectacular way to spend your day on the water.

That’s our guide about where to boat in Queensland. This is only a fraction of what the area has to offer, but we think it’s a terrific starting point for any recreational boater. Don’t forget to have a look at some of the other options on our list. Get out there and explore!

About Wavve Boating

Now that you’ve read up, It’s time to start planning your trip!  All of these great spots (and thousands more) are available at your fingertips in the Wavve Boating App (available on the Apple Store and Google Play ).  Wavve Boating allows you to connect, share, and explore our beautiful waterways. Together, we’re leading the future of marine navigation…all from the comfort of our phones – pretty cool right?

For more information, visit us at https://wavveboating.com