4 Listings
Eastern Suburbs · no licence · from $495
Rose Bay Boat Hire
The closest self-drive boats to Rose Bay — no licence needed. Our fleet is based at Double Bay Ferry Wharf, a 3-minute drive away, with Rose Bay pickup available on request for special occasions.
⭐ 5.0 Google
🪪 No licence
📍 3 min from Rose Bay
⛽ Fuel included
📍 Where you’ll meet the boat
Our no-licence day boats — Marlow and Frankie — are based at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf, a 3-minute drive (or a short cruise) from Rose Bay, right on the same stretch of the eastern harbour. Coral and the licensed Axopar 28 depart The Spit, Mosman. Planning something special? We can arrange a Rose Bay pickup on request — just ask when you book.
No-Licence Boats Minutes from Rose Bay
Marlow and Frankie are based at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf — a 3-minute drive from Rose Bay, and the closest self-drive boats you can take out.
No Licence Required
Marlow — Fully Shaded Day Boat
📍 Departs Double Bay Ferry Wharf
A relaxed, fully shaded family day boat on the eastern side of the harbour. Easy to drive, comfortable for a long lunch on the water — no licence needed.
- 👥 Up to 8 guests
- ⚡ No licence needed
- ☂️ Fully shaded
- 🚻 Toilet on board
- ⛽ Fuel included
3-Hour
From $495
From $495
Day Tripper
From $695
From $695
Or call 0432 428 297
No Licence Required
Frankie — BBQ Pontoon
📍 Departs Double Bay Ferry Wharf
A social BBQ pontoon built for relaxed harbour days — cook lunch on board, spread out, and take it slow. No licence needed, perfect for groups and celebrations.
- 👥 Up to 8 guests
- ⚡ No licence needed
- 🔥 BBQ + gas included
- ☂️ Three-quarters shaded
- 🧊 Esky on board
- ⛽ Fuel included
Half Day
From $650
From $650
Full Day
From $950
From $950
Or call 0432 428 297
More Options from The Spit, Mosman
A short drive to the north side of the harbour — Coral (no licence) and the licensed Axopar 28 sports cruiser, both self-drive.
No Licence Required
Coral — Leisurely Cruiser
📍 Departs The Spit, Mosman
The perfect beginner-friendly boat. Full shade, inside cabin with lunch table, swim platform. Easy to drive — full instructions provided.
- 👥 Up to 6 guests
- ⚡ No licence needed
- ☂️ Full shade canopy
- 🍽️ Inside cabin + lunch table
- 🏊 Swim platform
- ⛽ Fuel included
3-Hour
From $400
From $400
Day Tripper
From $550
From $550
Or call 0432 428 297
Boat Licence Required
Axopar 28 — Luxury Sports Cruiser
📍 Departs The Spit, Mosman
Sydney’s finest self-drive day boat. 28-foot European sports cruiser with 350hp Mercury — fast, spacious, and built for the harbour.
- 👥 Up to 8 guests
- 📄 Licence required (25+)
- ⚡ 350hp Mercury engine
- 🚻 Private toilet
- 🏊 Swim platform + ladder
- 🎵 6-speaker Bluetooth
Half Day
From $795
From $795
Full Day
From $1,195
From $1,195
🏆 Transitioning to our exclusive private boat club — book now at promotional rates before we go members-only.
Or call 0432 428 297
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Boat hire options in Rose Bay
At Boatique, we recognize that each occasion demands something special. For those seeking a memorable experience on the waters of Rose Bay, we offer a diverse selection of vessels to suit your varying needs. Here’s what you can discover:
- Self-Drive Boat Hire: Craving independence and adventure? Our self-drive options, like the Axopar, allow you to explore Sydney Harbour at your own pace. Perfect for couples, families and small group occasions.
- Party Boats: Hosting an event near Rose Bay or in the harbour? Elevate it by taking the celebration to the water. Our party boats come equipped with sound systems and spacious decks, ensuring an unforgettable atmosphere for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate gatherings.
- Catamarans: Ideal for larger groups or family outings. Enjoy sunbathing, dining, and moving around comfortably while cruising.
- Motorboats and Yachts: Experience luxury on the water with our premium motorboats and yachts.
- Super Yachts: For a special outing, our super yachts offer unparalleled luxury. Includes premium amenities such as personal crew, gourmet catering, and accommodations, ideal for high-end events.
- Function Boats: Planning a corporate event or large function? Our function boats are designed to host bigger groups, complete with meeting rooms, dining areas, and presentation facilities.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Enjoy the charm of Rose Bay without overspending. We provide affordable options for casual outings or small groups, ensuring quality doesn’t take a backseat.
- Sailing Boats: For sailing enthusiasts, our sailing boats deliver an engaging and traditional experience on the water.
- Water Taxis: Need fast, scenic transport from or to Rose Bay? Our water taxis offer convenient and picturesque travel for short trips or sightseeing.
If you’re unsure which boat to choose, we’re here to help. Contact us for personalized recommendations and a customized quote tailored just for you.
Why Choose Boatique for Your Boat Hire in Rose Bay?
Experience Unforgettable Adventures on Sydney’s Waterways
With over 20 years of experience, our team ensures your boating adventure is exceptional. We offer expert advice on navigation and the best spots for swimming, fishing, or sightseeing.
Service from Start to Finish
When it comes to boat hire in Rose Bay, the options can be overwhelming. At Boatique, we simplify the process by providing personalized recommendations based on your needs.
Boat for every occasion
Whether it’s a quiet escape or a lively celebration, our fleet has something for you—yachts, catamarans, powerboats, and sailboats, each tailored to meet your needs.
Pro Tip: Book your boat well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best options.
Exploring Rose Bay and Nearby Areas
Rose Bay is one of Sydney’s most attractive harborside suburbs, known for its beautiful views and calm waters. When you hire a boat with Boatique, you can explore the best that Rose Bay and its surrounding areas have to offer. Rose Bay Beach is a great place for swimming, paddling, or just relaxing under the sun. The beach’s calm conditions make it ideal for families and those looking for a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
From Rose Bay it is close to beautiful Milk beach where you can anchor and go for swim, or in the calm waters in Rose bay you can have a picnic on the water, larger boat provide also BBQ options or you can go and explore Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbour, Luna Park and Opera.
Must-see spots around Rose Bay
- Shark Island: A short sail from Rose Bay, Shark Island offers breathtaking views of the Sydney skyline. This small island is perfect for a picnic, with picnic tables, shaded areas, and plenty of grassy spots to relax.
- Neilsen Park: Nestled within the Sydney Harbour National Park, Neilsen Park is a popular destination with a beautiful beach, walking trails, and historical sites. The park’s sheltered waters are ideal for swimming and kayaking, while the surrounding bushland provides a setting for a hike or a leisurely walk.
- Vaucluse Bay: For a more secluded experience, head to Vaucluse Bay. This quiet, picturesque bay is perfect for anchoring your boat and enjoying some privacy. The calm waters are great for a swim, and the surrounding area is dotted with beautiful homes and gardens.
- Watsons Bay: Watsons Bay is famous for its stunning views, seafood restaurants, and historical landmarks. It’s a fantastic spot for a day trip, offering activities like hiking to South Head for panoramic views, exploring the historic Watsons Bay Hotel, or dining at renowned seafood eateries. The nearby beaches are also perfect for a swim or a paddle.
Book with Boatique Today!
Ready to set sail? Boatique has you covered. Our fleet of luxurious and well-maintained boats are ready to make your day on Sydney Harbour one to remember. Contact us today to book your adventure.
Top boat rental locations in Sydney
Check out some of our locations and Manly, Balmoral and Spit Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of boats do you offer for hire in Rose Bay?
We offer a variety of boats, including self-drive boats, party boats, catamarans, motorboats, yachts, super yachts, function boats, budget-friendly options, sailing boats, and water taxis.
How do I book a boat?
You can easily book a boat through our website, phone or send us an email.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Please chose a boat that offers BYO option. We also offer catering services if you prefer.
What should I bring on the day of the hire?
We recommend bringing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, towels, and any personal items you might need.
Are pets allowed on board?
Pets are allowed on some of our boats. Please check with our team when booking.
Do I need boating experience to hire a self-drive boat?
Yes, for self drive boat hire, you must be over 25, have an Australian boat license and have adequate experience for such a boat.
Rose Bay Boat Hire — Self-Drive and Charter From Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
Rose Bay is one of the most beautiful and sheltered spots on Sydney Harbour, and it is an ideal place to hire a boat. Sitting in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs between Double Bay and Vaucluse, Rose Bay gives you direct access to harbour islands, waterfront parks, and some of Sydney’s most exclusive bays — all within minutes of launching. With Boatique Sydney Boat Hire, our self-drive boats are based minutes away at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf, so you can explore this beautiful stretch of the harbour at your own pace.
Our no-licence day boats, Marlow and Frankie, are based at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf — a 3-minute drive from Rose Bay on the same stretch of the eastern harbour. Coral and the licensed Axopar 28 depart The Spit Reserve in Mosman. For weddings and other special occasions we can arrange a Rose Bay pickup on request.
What Makes Rose Bay Special
Rose Bay sits in a wide, protected bay on the southern shore of Sydney Harbour. The water here is almost always calm, making it one of the easiest and most forgiving places to start a boat trip — particularly if you have never skippered a boat before. The bay is sheltered from the prevailing southerly and north-easterly winds by the high ground of Vaucluse and Bellevue Hill, so even on breezy days the conditions tend to be manageable.
The location is also hard to beat for convenience. Rose Bay is just 20 minutes from the CBD by bus, and there is a ferry service from Circular Quay. You are surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops along New South Head Road, so it is easy to grab supplies before heading out on the water.
Our Self-Drive Boats Near Rose Bay
Boatique has four self-drive boats, all based minutes from Rose Bay:
- Marlow (No Licence Required) — A fully-shaded family day boat for up to 8 guests, from $495 for a 3-hour hire ($695 for a 6-hour day), with a toilet on board. Based at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf, minutes from Rose Bay. No licence needed — we provide full training before you depart.
- Frankie (No Licence Required) — A social BBQ pontoon for up to 8 guests, from $650 for a half day ($950 full day), with a BBQ on board. Also at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. No licence needed — relaxed and roomy, ideal for group days on the water.
- Coral (No Licence Required) — Our most popular boat. A stable, easy-to-handle vessel for up to 6 guests, starting from $400 for a 3-hour hire ($550 for a full day). No boating licence required — we provide a comprehensive safety briefing before you depart. Perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want a relaxed day on the harbour.
- Axopar 28 (Licence Required) — A premium day boat for up to 8 guests, from $795 for a half day (from $1,195 for a full day). You will need a valid boat licence to take the helm. The Axopar is fast, stylish, and incredibly capable — ideal for covering more of the harbour in a single session or for experienced boaters who want something special.
Both vessels are BYO — bring whatever food and drinks you like. We supply all safety equipment, and you will get a full briefing on the boat and local waterways before you head out.
Where to Go From Rose Bay by Boat
Rose Bay’s central harbour position gives you outstanding options in every direction. Here are the destinations our customers return to again and again:
Shark Island
Shark Island is a small harbour island managed by National Parks, sitting directly across from Rose Bay. It is about a ten-minute cruise from the shore. The island has picnic tables, grassy areas, and stunning 360-degree views of the harbour, the city skyline, and the Harbour Bridge. You can pull up to the wharf or anchor just off the beach. Shark Island is a favourite for birthday picnics and long lunches — hire the boat, load up with food and a Bluetooth speaker, and spend the afternoon on your own island.
Clark Island
Smaller and quieter than Shark Island, Clark Island sits closer to the south shore near Darling Point. It is a lovely spot to anchor near and enjoy the view. The island has limited facilities but plenty of charm. On a calm day, the water between Clark Island and the shore is glass-flat and perfect for a swim.
Watsons Bay
Head east from Rose Bay around the Vaucluse peninsula and you reach Watsons Bay in about 15 minutes. This is one of Sydney’s most historic harbour villages, famous for Doyles fish and chips right on the waterfront. You can anchor in the bay, dinghy ashore or tie up at the public wharf, and walk to Doyles or the Watsons Bay Hotel for lunch. The views back across the harbour from here are extraordinary.
Vaucluse Bay and Parsley Bay
The stretch of coastline between Rose Bay and Watsons Bay is studded with small bays that are almost impossible to reach by car but easy to access by boat. Vaucluse Bay sits below the grand Vaucluse House estate and offers sheltered anchorage with a sandy bottom. Parsley Bay, a few hundred metres further east, is a netted swimming enclosure surrounded by bushland — a hidden gem that feels miles from the city. Cruise in, drop anchor, and swim.
Nielsen Park and Hermit Bay
Nielsen Park is one of Sydney’s best harbour beaches, set inside Sydney Harbour National Park on the Vaucluse foreshore. The beach is netted for swimming and the parkland behind it is perfect for picnics. Hermit Bay, just next door, is a quieter anchorage popular with local boaters. From Rose Bay, it is a short and scenic cruise along the southern shore.
The Harbour Bridge and Opera House
One of the great advantages of starting from Rose Bay is the cruise west toward the city. Head out of the bay, pass Double Bay and Point Piper, continue past Garden Island and Fort Denison, and within 20 to 25 minutes the Harbour Bridge and Opera House fill your view. It is the classic Sydney Harbour experience and endlessly impressive, whether it is your first time or your fiftieth. The Axopar 28 will get you there in about 15 minutes if you are keen to cover the distance faster.
Heading North
From Rose Bay you can also cruise north across the harbour to Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head, and Athol Bay on the north shore. Continue further and you will reach Balmoral Beach and The Spit. A full lap of the harbour — Rose Bay to the Bridge, across to the north shore, and back — makes for a brilliant half-day outing.
Where You’ll Pick Up
Your self-drive boat is based at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf, a 3-minute drive from Rose Bay, with Coral and the Axopar 28 departing The Spit, Mosman. For weddings, milestone birthdays and other special occasions we can bring a boat to Rose Bay on request — just let us know when you book and we will arrange it.
Getting to Rose Bay and Parking
- Bus from the CBD — The 324 and 325 buses run from the city to Rose Bay along New South Head Road. The trip takes about 20 minutes from Circular Quay or Martin Place. Stop near the Rose Bay shops and the waterfront is a short walk.
- Rose Bay Ferry — Sydney Ferries operates a service from Circular Quay to Rose Bay. It is a scenic trip and drops you right on the waterfront.
- Driving — Street parking is available along New South Head Road and the surrounding streets. There is also a car park near Rose Bay beach. Parking can be tight on sunny weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Most spots are metered with two-hour limits during the day, though you can sometimes find unrestricted parking on the residential side streets.
Larger Boats and Agency Charter
Planning something bigger than a self-drive outing? Boatique has access to more than 120 boats across Sydney Harbour, ranging from intimate sailing yachts to large party boats for up to 200 guests. Many agency vessels can arrange pickup from Rose Bay, Double Bay, or nearby wharves. Whether it is a wedding on the harbour, a corporate event, or a milestone birthday celebration, we will match you with the right boat. Get in touch with your guest numbers, preferred date, and budget and we will put together options.
Tips for Boating From Rose Bay
- Seaplane traffic — Rose Bay is home to Sydney Seaplanes, so you will see seaplanes taking off and landing regularly. They have right of way — give them plenty of room and keep clear of the marked seaplane operating area. We will brief you on exactly where to go and where to avoid.
- Morning calm — Like most of the harbour, Rose Bay is at its glassiest in the morning. If you are a nervous first-timer or want the smoothest possible conditions, book an early session.
- Anchor at the islands — Shark Island and Clark Island are the obvious highlights from this side of the harbour. Give yourself enough time to anchor up, swim, and enjoy a picnic rather than trying to see everything in a rush.
- Watch the ferries — Stay well clear of ferry routes, particularly around the Double Bay and Rose Bay ferry wharves. Ferries are large, fast, and create significant wash.
- Sunset sessions — Rose Bay faces roughly west-northwest, which means you get outstanding sunset views from the water. A late afternoon hire that runs into golden hour is one of the best things you can do on Sydney Harbour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Bay Boat Hire
- Do I need a boating licence? — Not for the Coral. The Axopar 28 requires a valid NSW boat licence or interstate equivalent.
- What is the minimum hire time? — Minimum hire varies by boat and day. Contact us or check the booking page for current availability and pricing.
- Can I go to Shark Island? — Absolutely. Shark Island is one of the most popular destinations from Rose Bay. It is about a ten-minute cruise. National Parks entry fees may apply if you land on the island.
- Is Rose Bay safe for beginners? — Rose Bay is one of the most sheltered spots on the harbour and an excellent place for first-time boaters. The Coral is designed to be easy to handle and we give you thorough training before you leave.
- Can I bring my dog? — Please ask when booking. Pets may be permitted on self-drive vessels depending on the boat and conditions.
- What if it rains? — Light rain does not usually affect boat hire. If conditions are unsafe, we will contact you to reschedule at no charge.
Rose Bay Boat Hire Price Guide
| Boat | Guests | Licence | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coral | Up to 6 | Not required | $400/3hrs |
| Axopar 28 | Up to 7 | Required | $795 half day |
| Agency charter boats | 2–200+ | Skippered | Enquire |
Rose Bay is the ideal starting point for exploring the eastern harbour. Calm water, easy access, and some of the harbour’s best destinations within a short cruise. Book a self-drive boat online or browse our affordable boat hire options to get started.
We also offer self-drive pickups from Manly on the Northern Beaches and from our home base at The Spit Reserve in Mosman.