The day trips, weekenders and anchorages worth knowing around Brisbane. Plainly written.
The city from the water.
From Breakfast Creek to the CBD reach and up past South Bank, the Brisbane River is a working waterway that doubles as a boater's playground. Deep water most of the way, an easy cruise past Story Bridge and the city, and a run of riverside pubs and restaurants with visitor pontoons. Watch the CityCats, mind the wash and enjoy the skyline.
The gateway to the bay.
The largest boat harbour in the southern hemisphere and Brisbane's launchpad for the bay. Multiple ramps, clubs, marinas, chandlers and cafés — plus flat water inside the breakwater and the open bay a mile beyond it. If you're new to the region, start here.
The bay's postcard anchorage.
Turquoise water, curved sand and clear-bottom holding on the north-western side. A protected anchorage in a westerly, a day-stop with a swim and a snorkel, and the go-to weekend destination out of Manly and Wynnum. Respect the marine park zoning — the eastern side is green.
Fifteen wrecks and a coral bommie.
Fifteen deliberately-scuttled hulls line the western shore of Moreton Island, forming an artificial reef with some of the best shore-accessible snorkelling in south-east Queensland. Anchor south of the wrecks in sand, tender in for a snorkel, and stay for the sunset over the mainland.
Convict history in the middle of the bay.
A small national park island a short run from Manly, once Queensland's high-security prison. Anchor off the western side in settled weather, tender in and walk the ruins. A different kind of day out — history, birdlife and quiet bay water.
Peninsula boating with a village feel.
The northern side of the bay — Scarborough Marina, Redcliffe Jetty, Woody Point and Newport. Sheltered water inside the peninsula, easy access to Bribie and Moreton, and a run of waterfront cafés and clubs. A quieter, more relaxed base than Manly with everything you need on hand.
