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Australia's vibrant boating culture is deeply ingrained in its coastal lifestyle, making it one of the best destinations for boat rentals and yacht charters. With over 34,000 kilometers of coastline, Australia is home to thriving marine tourism, generating billions annually for the economy.

Popular boating cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne are renowned for their breathtaking harbors and world-class marine facilities. At the same time, iconic destinations such as Airlie Beach and Fremantle offer unique experiences along the Great Barrier Reef and Indian Ocean.

In 2023 alone, the Australian recreational boating industry saw over 900,000 registered vessels, reflecting the nation's growing passion for water-based activities and the demand for comprehensive marine services.


About this Report

This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating cities in Australia. We ranked the cities based on their frequency by examining the demand and number of completed rentals. We included data regarding pricing, the most popular style of vessel, and information about the local boating culture.

It contains proprietary booking data for each city, including the most desired vessel style for renters and average pricing. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and the overall boating experience they offer.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed all boat rentals, charters, and demand data for Australia in 2024. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes, while rentals were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report. Data on the average hourly rate, trip price, most popular style of boat, and number of vessels available in each location is included for the top locations to paint a more detailed picture of the boating culture for each city.


The Top Boating Cities in Australia in 2024

Australia Data Map

1. Sydney, New South Wales

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

With over 70 marinas, 24,000 registered recreational watercraft, and internationally renowned annual boating events, Sydney is the top boating city in Australia. It is well known for its iconic harbor and an ideal starting point for any boating adventure in Australia. The Sydney Harbour is a natural playground for boaters, featuring stunning landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. From here, you can cruise to Watson’s Bay, Manly Beach, or Coogee Beach to sightsee along this gorgeous coast.

With over 240 kilometers of shoreline, boaters can explore hidden coves, beaches, and national parks when chartering a boat in Sydney. The temperate climate and protected waters make it a year-round boating destination.

2. Brisbane, Queensland

Most Popular Style of Boat: Luxury Yachts

Brisbane is known for its access to the Moreton Bay Marine Park, which offers protected waterways that are ideal for boating. Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island are popular boating destinations from Brisbane, offering pristine beaches and clear waters, and are great for whale-watching tours and other adventures by boat. The Brisbane River also allows for boating closer to the city, where you can sightsee in an urban setting. Brisbane boasts over 20 marinas and is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland.

3. Melbourne, Victoria

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay is a major draw for boaters, offering calm, sheltered waters for sailing, cruising, and fishing. St. Kilda Marina and Docklands (Victoria Harbour) are also boating hubs within the city, providing easy access to the water even if you’re downtown.

River cruises on the Birrarung (Yarra River) are popular here, as well as luxury charters down the coast to see iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles or the beaches on the Mornington Peninsula. Melbourne boasts over 30 marinas and yacht clubs, and has over 14,000 registered recreational watercraft.

4. Sorrento, Victoria

Most Popular Style of Boat: Motor Yachts

Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Sorrento is a top boating destination with access to Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. It’s popular for fishing, sailing, and leisure boating. It’s super popular amongst people looking to see wildlife while out on the water — keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins.

The town has historic ties to Victorian maritime culture and offers charming harborside facilities. There are multiple marine parks nearby, offering stunning natural beauty, and there are annual boating events hosted by the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club.

5. Fremantle, Western Australia

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailing Charters

Just outside of Perth, Fremantle is the boating gateway to the Indian Ocean and the Swan River. Its vibrant maritime history and modern facilities at over 15 marinas make it a hub for recreational boaters and long-distance sailing enthusiasts.

Boaters can explore Rottnest Island to see the famous, smiley Quokkas, or cruise along the scenic Swan River. Check out the lighthouses near Victoria Quay or Garden Island when exploring along the coast of Western Australia from Fremantle.

6. Airlie Beach, Queensland

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailing Charters

Airlie Beach serves as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a tropical paradise for boaters. Here you can cruise to Whitehaven Beach, a world-renowned destination with the most incredible white-sugar sand and clear waters. It’s a top travel spot for anyone on a west coast road trip in Australia, and the only way to access this amazing beach is by boat.

With access to the Great Barrier Reef, this region is famous for crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and secluded anchorages. Popular with both sailing charters and private boat owners, Airlie Beach is a key destination for marine tourism. While it’s a small town, here you can find over 1,500 registered boats and tons of tour operators to bring you to unforgettable sights.

7. Noosaville, Queensland

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Situated along the Noosa River, Noosaville is known for protected waterways that are perfect for kayaking, boating, and sailing. The Noosa River offers calm waters, while the nearby Coral Sea provides more adventurous boating options. Boat tours are popular here, as people seek out wildlife and sightseeing.

Noosaville is also a hotspot for eco-friendly boating experiences, as you’re close to Noosa National Park, a scenic coastal nature preserve with rockpools, forested areas, beaches, and cliffs.

8. Hobart, Tasmania

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Hobart is a premier boating city, famous for its deep-water harbors and as the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The city offers boaters access to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Storm Bay, and the Southern Ocean.

Boating in Hobart offers a unique experience due to its cooler climate and rugged coastal scenery. The city is home to over 10 marinas, a growing boating community, and it boasts access to Tasman Peninsula and Bruny Island.


In Summary

Australia is an incredible country for boating and on-water experiences, with endless possibilities for fun, adventure, and exploration. With iconic locations like Sydney Harbour, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Whitsunday Islands, Australia provides unmatched boating experiences, from luxury yacht charters to sailing and fishing. The country’s varied geography, including rivers, bays, and open ocean, accommodates all types of water activities, supported by world-class marinas and boating infrastructure.

Year-round favorable weather, stunning scenery, and rich marine life further solidify Australia’s reputation as a boating paradise.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat is the world's biggest and best marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boating experiences of all kinds. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have gone boating through the platform, with 180,000+ listings across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. 30% of trips are boat rentals, while 70% of trips are captained by boating professionals, so customers feel safe while they enjoy being together with family and friends on the water.


Citing this Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.