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The jewel of South East Queensland, Moreton Bay is a vast, sheltered expanse stretching from Bribie Island in the north to the Gold Coast in the south. With calm waters protected by a chain of sand islands, it’s perfect for cruising, fishing, and exploring.
Best for: All-round boating, fishing, family cruising, island hopping.
Access: Launch from Manly Boat Harbour, East Coast Marina, or Raby Bay.
Overnight: Numerous anchorages available — Tangalooma, Horseshoe Bay, Canaipa Passage.
Famous for its turquoise waters and sandy beaches, Peel Island’s Horseshoe Bay is a favourite weekend anchorage for Brisbane boaters. The island is a marine park with clear shallows, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Best for: Day trips, swimming, family outings.
Access: 4 NM from Cleveland Point or Raby Bay; sheltered from northerlies.
Overnight: Calm in southerly winds, exposed in northerlies.
An iconic Queensland boating destination. Fifteen purpose-sunk wrecks form an artificial reef teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The western side of Moreton Island offers great sunset views and protected anchorage.
Best for: Overnight stays, snorkeling, photography.
Access: Approx. 22 NM from Manly; approach carefully due to shallow sandbanks.
Overnight: Good anchorage west of the wrecks in calm conditions.
A large sand island offering a mix of calm bays and open ocean. Dunwich and Amity Point provide easy anchorage access, while Point Lookout showcases incredible surf beaches and coastal scenery.
Best for: Longer weekend trips, fishing, island exploring.
Access: Around 12 NM from Raby Bay.
Overnight: Anchor near Amity or Deanbilla Bay in settled weather.
This narrow waterway between Bribie Island and the mainland provides scenic cruising with plenty of sandbanks, mangroves, and birdlife. Great for trailer boats and day cruisers.
Best for: Calm water cruising, wildlife spotting, families.
Access: Launch from Spinnaker Sound Marina or Bellara ramps.
Overnight: Limited anchorage; best as a day destination.
Known locally as “Coochie,” this small, accessible island features sandy beaches and picnic spots just a short run from Victoria Point. Perfect for quick day trips or relaxed afternoons on the water.
Best for: Short trips, social boating, picnics.
Access: 1.5 NM from Victoria Point public ramp.
Overnight: Sheltered for short stays in calm weather.
A maze of channels between Russell, Macleay, Lamb, and Karragarra Islands offers tranquil, protected cruising ideal for small and mid-size boats. Canaipa Passage is scenic and well-sheltered, popular among yachties.
Best for: Sheltered cruising, exploring, overnighting.
Access: Via Raby Bay or Jacobs Well.
Overnight: Multiple safe anchorages along the passage.
Cruise through the heart of the city past the Story Bridge, South Bank, and Kangaroo Point cliffs. The river is navigable for dozens of kilometres and offers access to restaurants and public pontoons.
Best for: Urban cruising, sightseeing, entertaining.
Access: Ramps at Rivergate, New Farm, or Jindalee.
Overnight: Moorings available at Rivergate Marina or Dockside.
A popular launch area and base for exploring the southern bay islands. Cleveland Point offers great dining options, with calm waters nearby for short trips.
Best for: Family outings, fishing, quick bay access.
Access: Raby Bay Marina and public ramp.
Overnight: Short stays possible in settled conditions.
Once a colonial prison, St Helena now offers a mix of history and scenic tranquility. It’s a short cruise from the mainland and a great educational stop for families.
Best for: Historical interest, day trips.
Access: Around 5 NM from Manly Harbour.
Overnight: Day use only (anchoring permitted but no landing after dark).
Spirit Marine’s home base in Brisbane and one of Queensland’s best marinas. Manly offers great launch facilities, cafes, chandlery stores, and access to Moreton Bay within minutes.
Best for: Launch point, refuelling, dining, community events.
Access: 20 km from Brisbane CBD via Wynnum Rd.
Overnight: Berths available at East Coast Marina.
For experienced skippers, the northern run along Moreton Island’s eastern side offers a breathtaking open-water experience, with chances to spot dolphins, whales (in season), and turtles.
Best for: Adventure boating, sportfishing, scenic cruising.
Access: Via South Passage Bar (weather-dependent).
Overnight: Anchorages at Yellow Patch or North Point (fair weather only).
