Swan Boat Hire
ProHighlights
- Self-drive BBQ cruisers and pontoons for groups of 8 to 16 on the Maroochy River, with no boat licence needed
- Fuel and BBQ gas are included in the hire, and eskies, rods and buckets can be added
- Guided jet ski tours, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards also run from the same riverside base
About Swan Boat Hire
Swan Boat Hire runs a family-owned fleet of more than 28 craft from a van parked opposite Chambers Island on Bradman Avenue in Maroochydore. The headline for groups is the BBQ fleet: cruisers and pontoons for 8, 10 and 12 people, and the 16-seat Maroochy Dreamboat for larger gatherings. No boat licence is needed, as staff take every driver through the controls, the safety rules and a map of the river. Once aboard, groups have the run of the calm water between the river mouth and the wetland sanctuary, plus the creeks and canals. You can beach the boat on a sandbank to swim, fish or let the dogs run, fire up the barbecue, or moor at the Waterfront Hotel jetty for lunch. Fuel and gas are covered in the hire, and the van stocks ice, drinks, snacks, bait and tackle. Alongside the BBQ boats there are tinnies, polycraft runabouts, kayaks, triple canoes and paddle boards, and guided jet ski tours for anyone wanting more speed. Pets are welcome on every craft and the site is wheelchair accessible. Bookings are essential, especially for the BBQ boats on weekends and holidays, so send an enquiry ahead of your date.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Setting
Pricing
Smaller boats start at $85 for a three-seat tinny, and single kayaks from $20. Public holiday hires are 15% above standard rates. Payment is taken in full when you book.
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a boat licence to drive a BBQ boat?
No licence is needed. Staff give the driver a detailed briefing on handling the boat, safe boating and the speed limits, plus a map of the river. The hirer needs a car licence or passport as photo ID.
How many people fit on the BBQ boats?
The BBQ cruisers and pontoons take 8, 10 or 12 people, and the Maroochy Dreamboat pontoon holds up to 16. Smaller tinnies and polycraft boats carry three to eight for a quieter group.
How old does the hirer need to be?
The person hiring needs to be at least 18 for boats and paddle craft and 25 for pontoons. Whoever drives must stay under the 0.05 blood alcohol limit for the whole hire.
What is included in the hire price?
Fuel and BBQ gas are included. Eskies, fishing rods, buckets, knives and cutting boards can be hired, and the van sells ice, bait, tackle, drinks and snacks. A $500 bond is held on a credit card for pontoon and cruiser hires.
Where can we take the boat?
Boats can travel between the river mouth and the wetland sanctuary and up the creeks, but not out to the ocean or across the bar. Stops include sandbanks for a swim and the Waterfront Hotel jetty in Eudlo Creek for a meal.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Scott Innes
a month ago
First class experience today. My son and I done the 2 hour tour. Never driven a ski before. Really informative training at beginning, before the tour time, so Didn’t waste any riding time. Fantastic afternoon and Def wor…
Kade LeBrocq
3 months ago
I booked the River Rush jet ski tour and had an amazing time. Sam and Matt were friendly, welcoming, and professional from the first phone call through to the tour itself. I was on the tour by myself, but Matt made it a…
anne allsopp
6 months ago
Our family of 16 had a fantastic day on the Dream Boat, complete with BBQ and toilet. The boat is very new with very comfortable seating. Conveniently we hired a large esky with ice. We were provided with a great orient…
Rachel Jonson
7 months ago
We booked the Dreamboat for our son’s 13th birthday. He and his 10 mates had an absolute ball fishing, stand up paddle boarding and jumping into the water for the 3 hours we had it. They were able to be well fed with the…
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