Self-Drive Boat Hire · Moreton Bay, QLD
Boat Hire Moreton Bay
Self-Drive Quintrex 430 - From $250/day
Islands, dolphins and fishing spots - all in one bay
Check Availability →Explore Moreton Bay on Your Own Boat
Moreton Bay is one of southeast Queensland's most rewarding stretches of water to explore by boat - a sheltered, island-studded playground right on Brisbane's doorstep. With a self-drive boat hire from Brisbane Boat Rentals, you set the itinerary: a lazy afternoon anchored off a sandbar, a full day chasing snapper over the reefs, or a family cruise past dolphins and turtles. No skipper, no fixed schedule, no crowd of strangers on a tour boat - just you, your crew, and a fully equipped Quintrex 430 Fishabout.
We hire out of Marsden, south Brisbane, with easy towing access to the main Moreton Bay boat ramps. Every hire includes life jackets, an EPIRB, GPS navigation and a Fishfinder, plus a full safety briefing before you launch - so even first-time self-drive boaters leave the ramp with confidence.
Top Moreton Bay Destinations
Every island below is reachable in the Quintrex 430 Fishabout. The closer, sheltered islands suit any experience level - the crossing to Moreton Island and Tangalooma is longer and weather dependent, so we're upfront about that on those pages.
Peel Island
A protected marine park with clear water, good anchorages and an easy paddle to the old lazaret ruins. A favourite for swimming stops on a family day out. Sheltered - suits any experience level.
Read more →St Helena Island
Queensland's best-preserved former penal settlement, with ruins visible from the water and excellent fishing in the surrounding channels. Mostly sheltered.
Read more →Green Island
The shortest run in the bay - just 15-20 minutes from Manly. Calm, shallow water makes it the easiest first trip on a self-drive boat.
Read more →Mud Island
A quieter northern bay island near Redcliffe, popular with local anglers working the surrounding flats. Sheltered anchorage, fewer crowds.
Read more →Moreton Island
Towering sand dunes and the Champagne Pools. A genuine ~20km open-bay crossing - only recommended in calm conditions, and better suited to experienced self-drive boaters.
Read more →Tangalooma Wrecks
A line of sunken ships on Moreton Island's western side, now teeming with fish and popular for snorkelling. Same open-bay crossing as Moreton Island - calm weather only.
Read more →Bribie Island
Sheltered Pumicestone Passage fishing at the northern tip of the bay, with whiting, flathead and bream over its sandbanks. Passage side is well protected; the ocean side isn't part of this trip.
Read more →Fishing in Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay's mix of sandbanks, channels and reef structure makes it one of the most productive fishing grounds near Brisbane. Anglers regularly land snapper, whiting, bream, flathead and mud crabs, with seasonal closures applying to some species - check the current Queensland fishing rules before you head out. Our Quintrex 430 comes with a Fishfinder and GPS as standard, and we offer an optional fishing gear pack if you'd rather not bring your own tackle.
Launch Points & Practical Tips
Popular ramps for reaching Moreton Bay include Manly, Wellington Point, Victoria Point and Scarborough, all within a short tow of our Marsden pickup. Bay conditions are generally sheltered, but wind can pick up in the afternoon and tidal currents run strongly through the channels near the bar crossings - we'll talk you through the safest routes for your planned trip during the handover.
A current Queensland Recreational Boat Licence (RBL) is required to drive any vessel with a motor over 4.5kW, which includes the Quintrex 430. If you don't already hold one, Services Queensland runs a one-day course to get licensed before your trip.
Not sure which island suits your group? Email us and we'll help you plan the route based on your experience level and the day's forecast.
Quintrex 430 Fishabout - $250/day
Flexible multi-day rates available · Optional fishing & watersports gear add-ons
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Select your date to secure your Moreton Bay boat hire.
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Safety on the Bay
We prioritise safety and a hassle-free experience on Moreton Bay. From weather rescheduling to thorough safety briefings and full insurance coverage - we handle the details so you can enjoy the water.
Full Insurance
Comprehensive coverage so you can focus on having fun.
Weather Rescheduling
Bad weather? We'll reschedule at no extra cost.
Safety Briefing
Thorough handover, plus route advice for the bay's tides and channels.
Moreton Bay Boat Hire FAQs
What you need to know before heading out on the bay
What can I see in Moreton Bay by boat?
Moreton Bay is home to Tangalooma's shipwrecks, Peel Island's marine park, St Helena's historic ruins, and Coochiemudlo's calm swimming beaches. You can also spot dolphins, turtles and, seasonally, migrating whales.
Do I need a licence to boat in Moreton Bay?
Yes. Queensland law requires a current Recreational Boat Licence (RBL) for any vessel with a motor over 4.5kW, which includes our Quintrex 430. Services Queensland runs a one-day course if you need to get licensed.
How far is Moreton Bay from the pickup location?
Our pickup point in Marsden is roughly a 30-40 minute tow to popular Moreton Bay boat ramps such as Manly, Wellington Point, and Victoria Point, depending on traffic and your chosen launch site.
Is Moreton Bay safe for beginner boaters?
Moreton Bay is well sheltered compared to open ocean, making it a good choice for first-time self-drive boaters. We provide a full safety briefing and recommend checking wind and tide forecasts before heading out, especially near the eastern bar crossings.
Can I fish in Moreton Bay on the hire boat?
Yes. The Quintrex 430 comes with a Fishfinder and GPS as standard, and you can add a fishing gear pack. Moreton Bay is known for snapper, whiting, bream and mud crabs, with seasonal restrictions applying to some species.
Ready to Explore Moreton Bay?
Questions about routes, tides or islands? Get in touch - we're happy to help.
📍 Marsden, 4132 QLD · Get Directions
Looking for something else? See our main boat hire Brisbane page.