South East Queensland is a boat owner’s paradise. With beautiful beaches and rivers in every direction, deciding where to hit the water can be quite the dilemma. If you need help finding the perfect boating spot, check out these destinations.
Wave Break Island, Gold Coast
Popular with the Gold Coast’s local fishing community, Wave Break Island is home to 2 designated boat anchorages, colourful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. This snorkeling and fishing hot spot may be a treasure trove of natural beauty, but it’s actually manmade. Built in 1985, it protects the region’s local estuaries from getting battered by large waves.
If you plan to do some fishing, the sandbank on the western side of Wave Break Island is a great place to snap up some baitfish.
Lake McDonald, Sunshine Coast
If it’s too breezy to go boating on the ocean, Lake McDonald is a tranquil, freshwater alternative. Situated near Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, only electric and non-powered boats are allowed on the lake. A haven for sailing and row boats, this quiet spot is ideal leisurely days out on the water.
The Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island
Found just off Morton Island, this cluster of shipwrecks is a magnet for boating enthusiasts. Cruising around Moreton Bay is always a pleasant experience, but the Tangalooma wrecks are extra special. Located on the western side of the island, the site consists of 15 sunken vessels. The ships were sunk deliberately to make a breakwall for smaller vessels, and can easily be spotted just below the surface.
Surrounded by shallow water, the Tangalooma wrecks are best suited to small boats and slow cruising speeds. Be sure to go ashore and explore the island before heading back to the mainland.
Caboolture River, Caboolture
Stretching from the northern end or Moreton Bay past Bribie Island, the Caboolture River is long and winding. It flows into narrow side creeks, which smaller boats can explore at high tide. Hidden amongst Brisbane’s northern suburbs and the Bruce Highway, the river offers an escape from the surrounding urban sprawl.
Quiet and picturesque, the Caboolture River is worth a visit if you’re looking for an uncrowded waterway that’s easy to navigate.
Brisbane River
To see Queensland’s largest city from a different perspective, go boating on the Brisbane River. Whether you’re in a canoe or a luxury yacht, exploring the Brisbane River is an essential SEQ experience for boat owners.
There are plenty of boat ramps and pontoons scattered along the length of the river, so it’s relatively easy to access. Once on the water, you can cruise past landmarks like the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the Story Bridge and the city’s glittering skyline.
[caption id=“attachment_2470” align=“aligncenter” width=“570”]
[/caption] Of course, in order to enjoy all these boating spots, you’ll need to keep your vessel in good condition. While it’s important to keep an eye on the forecast before embarking on a boating expedition, your boat is still vulnerable to bad weather when it’s on dry land.
Get in touch with Altec to have a custom boat shelter installed on your property. Using materials that blend in seamlessly with your home, we can design structures for boats of all sizes. Sturdy and weather-resistant, our boat ports are built to withstand Queensland’s unpredictable climate. If you’re not sure whether your yard has enough room for a boat port, book a free design consultation today.