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SUMMER BOATING – 7 MUST-TRY EXPERIENCES

SUMMER BOATING – 7 MUST-TRY EXPERIENCES

By Andy Kancachian

The Gold Coast in Queensland is Australia’s top boating hotspot, situated halfway along the country’s east coast. With a temperate year round climate, the Gold Coast basks in around 300 days of sunshine annually and features over 270 kilometres of navigable waterways.

With summer in full swing, you’ve likely already enjoyed some time on your boat. But have you thought about adding a bit more excitement to your trips? While tow sports, fishing, and swimming are all enjoyable, it could be the perfect moment to mix things up! Here are seven summer boating activities you simply have to try—we guarantee they’ll be fun for everyone.

1. Sightseeing and shopping by sea while traditional tourists clog up the highways and sidewalks, you’ll have plenty of room to explore your favourite suburb or seaside town by boat. You’ll enjoy views of skylines that you can only experience from the water. On the Gold Coast, Pacific Fair and Runaway Bay shopping centres are accessible by boat, with berthing available at each location. Call ahead to Marina Mirage and Sanctuary Cove to arrange a berth for a few hours of shopping. A half-day cruise will take you to Raby Bay, Scarborough Harbour, and Bribie Island, where you’ll find a local town vibe, nightlife, and more shopping.

2. Going to the theatre or live music by boat after a day on Moreton Bay, cruising up the Brisbane River to spend the night at a marina is easy. Places like Dockside Marina at Kangaroo Point make a perfect base for a city adventure. Local buses are just a short walk from your marina berth, and the free KittyKat ferry stops at the marina. South Bank’s Theatre and arts district is just a few ferry stops away, so dress to the nines and enjoy a night on the town. When you return, the surrounding marina suburb is a nightlife hotspot for a final nightcap. This might be the one time when rocking the boat is encouraged!

3. Boat to a sporting event or weekend markets on Brisbane River and around Moreton Bay by arriving in style at a marina near a stadium. Enjoy some pre-event drinks onboard before heading to the game. Once you try it, you’ll see it beats sitting in traffic any day.

4. Golfing from the deck of your boat! A quick Google search will show that biodegradable golf balls, made specifically for boaters, turn into fish food once they sink. So, grab your golf clubs and tee off from the deck or a nearby shoreline. It’s a great family game and a thrill for kids too. Set up a blow-up inner tube, and whoever scores a hole-in-one gets to pick your next boating destination.

5. Boat camping or overnighters, there are countless camping spots right in the heart of the city’s waterways, like South Currigee and Tipplers. Whether you decide to pull up on shore and pitch a tent or anchor offshore and sleep on your boat, spending the night under the stars is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy BBQ dinners, beach fires, and stargazing as you identify constellations in the night sky.

6. Docking and dining out with your loved one as a romantic getaway you’ll find everything is better on a boat—including food. While grilling and cooking onboard is a great way to spend an afternoon, tying up at your favourite dockside restaurant adds an extra layer of excitement. Public berthing is available at the Isle of Capri shopping centre, which has a selection of restaurants and a supermarket. Bridge-free public berths at Sanctuary Cove, Harrigan’s Pub at Calypso Bay, and Tipplers Cafe offer some of the best food in the city. You can also tie up at the public dock at Aqua Labrador, grab your takeaway order, and dine onboard. Further north, Scarborough harbour has the best fish and chips on Moreton Bay, and a few select clubs and pubs that are walking distance from your anchorage or overnight berth.

7. Sunset Cruises with a sundowner. With an uninterrupted view across to the land, the sunset over the city and east coast landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for a sundowner. Mother Nature never disappoints! A sundowner is a special drink (alcoholic or not) shared with other boaters at sundown. It’s a chance to relax in the cockpit, chat while the sun goes down, and enjoy an event that everyone out for the night looks forward to.

Bring your own drinks and some nibbles to share.

A reminder that boating isn’t just about these wonderful destinations, it’s a way of life, so if you never get there you’ll have fun trying.

 

Published in print January-March 2025