Discover the Thrill of Speed Boat Hire Sydney
Sydney’s waters and iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are best appreciated from the deck of a well equipped speed boat. Our Axopar 28 lets you experience the freedom of the open water in style and comfort. Boasting a powerful 350hp outboard and reaching speeds of up to 80km/hr you’ll be at your destination in no time, and have a blast getting there.
See all self-drive boat hire options, or read up on harbour zones and speed limits before you open the throttle.
Available for self drive hire and hire with Captain
For those with a boat license and a bit of experience you can hire and drive the Axopar yourself and explore Sydney Harbour at your own pace.
Prefer to sit back and relax? Our Captain can steer the ship so you can enjoy the wind in your hair from the best seat in the Harbour.
Unmatched Speed and Thrill
When it comes to speed boats, the most important thing is undoubtedly the speed and the thrill. The powerful engine and sleek design allows you to zip across Sydney Harbour, feeling the rush of wind and the spray of water as you navigate through one of the most beautiful waterways in the world. This makes speed boats the ideal choice for adrenaline seekers and those looking to add a bit of adventure to their outing.
Comfort and Convenience Onboard
The Axopar 28 is equipped with amenities that ensure comfort and convenience, making it a prime choice for entertaining. The Bluetooth sound system, complete with speakers placed around the boat, sets the perfect atmosphere for any gathering, whether it’s a lively party or a serene escape. Adding to the convenience, the boat features a private toilet cubicle and hand wash basin, meaning guests can enjoy their time without the need to disembark. This seamless blend of luxury and practicality makes the Axopar 28 a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy Sydney’s waters with style and ease.
Relax and Entertain
Once the Axopar 28 comes to a stop, it transforms into the perfect venue for relaxation and entertainment. The design boasts plenty of walk-around space, allowing guests to move freely and enjoy the stunning views around Sydney’s harbour. The front lounge features a convenient lunch table, making it an ideal spot for sharing meals or snacks while soaking up the sun. For those looking to take a dip, the swim deck and ladder provide easy access to anchor in a quiet bay, offering a refreshing swim in the sparkling waters.
Experience Comfort and Space
The Axopar 28 is not just about speed; it’s as comfortable as it is fast ensuring an enjoyable ride for everyone on board. Known for its impressive handling and stability, this speed boat keeps all passengers high and dry, even at speed. The thoughtfully designed hull minimises spray, providing a comfortable journey regardless of the conditions. Inside, the Axopar 28 surprises with its spacious layout, offering ample room to relax and entertain. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or enjoying a day out with family, you’ll find the Axopar 28 provides a perfect balance of excitement and comfort, making it an ideal choice for any occasion on Sydney’s waters. Enjoy either self drive hire or with a Captain.
Book Your Speed Boat with Boatique Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I book a speed boat with Boatique?
You can enquire through our booking form and follow the easy booking process, or contact cruise consultants for assistance.
2. What safety measures are in place?
Our boats are equipped with necessary safety gear, and our crew is trained to ensure a safe experience. For Self Drive hire we provide a comprehensive safety briefing.
3. Can I hire a boat for a few hours?
Self drive hire is available for full day only. Hire with Captain is available for minimum 4 hours.
4. Do you provide catering services?
We are fully BYO
5. Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Absolutely, you’re welcome to bring your own refreshments on board.
6. What should I wear on the boat?
Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, along with sun protection. We are a barefoot boat.
7. Are your boats pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are welcome on our boat. Please inform us when booking.
8. How many people can a speed boat accommodate?
Our speed boats can accommodate up to 8 guests for Self Drive and 6 guests when hiring with a Captain.
9. Is there parking available at the dock?
Yes, parking is available near our docking locations for your convenience.
Speed Boat Hire Pricing in Sydney
The Axopar 28 is available as either self-drive (you captain it) or with a professional skipper. Here is what it costs:
| Option | Duration | Price | Per Person (8 guests) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Drive — Half Day | 4 hours in summer, 3.5 in winter (summer 10:30am–2:30pm or 3pm–7pm · winter 9:30am–1pm or 2pm–5:30pm) | $795 | $99 |
| Self-Drive — Full Day | 8 hours in summer (10:30am–6:30pm), 7 in winter (9:30am–4:30pm) | $1,195 | $149 |
| With Skipper — Half Day | 4 hours | $995 | $166 (6 guests) |
| With Skipper — Full Day | 8 hours | $1,395 | $233 (6 guests) |
Self-drive: fuel charged separately based on usage. $500 security deposit pre-authorised on credit card. With skipper: optional $200 added to self-drive rates. 20% surcharge on public holidays. All prices include GST.
For comparison, a standard skippered charter boat on Sydney Harbour starts from $325/hour for a slower, larger vessel. The Axopar offers something completely different — speed, agility, and the thrill of driving a high-performance boat yourself.
What Makes the Axopar 28 Different From Other Boats?
The Axopar 28 is not a standard hire boat. It is a Finnish-designed sports cruiser with a 350-horsepower Yamaha outboard that reaches speeds up to 80km/h. For context, most charter boats on Sydney Harbour cruise at 8-12 knots (15-22km/h). The Axopar does four times that speed.
That speed changes what is possible in a half day. You can reach Manly in 15 minutes, be at the Heads in 20, or run up to Pittwater and back before lunch. Destinations that would take an entire day on a standard boat are a quick trip on the Axopar.
Beyond speed, the Axopar is built differently from traditional hire boats:
- Spray-deflecting hull — the patented hull design keeps passengers dry even at speed, unlike open speedboats where everyone gets soaked
- Walk-around layout — move freely from bow to stern without climbing over seats
- Front lounge with table — a proper seating area at the bow for lunch or sunbathing
- Swim deck with ladder — anchor in a bay and swim straight off the back
- 6-speaker Bluetooth system — proper sound, not a tinny portable speaker
- Onboard toilet — private cubicle with hand wash basin
- Simrad GPS navigation — chart plotter so you always know where you are
- Fishing gear included — rods and tackle provided if you want to fish
Where to Go on a Speed Boat in Sydney
The Axopar departs from The Spit Reserve in Mosman, giving you fast access to the entire harbour. Here are the best routes depending on your hire duration:
Half Day — Harbour Highlights (4 hours)
Head south past Taronga Zoo into the main harbour. Cruise past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge, then cut across to the eastern suburbs — Rose Bay, Shark Island, or Watsons Bay. Anchor for a swim, have lunch on the front deck, then blast back to The Spit. This covers all the iconic landmarks with time to spare for relaxing.
Half Day — Manly and North Head (4 hours)
Head east through the main harbour and up to Manly. Stop at Store Beach (accessible only by boat) for a swim in crystal-clear water. Continue around to North Head for open-ocean views, then loop back via the harbour. The Axopar’s speed makes this route possible in a half day — on a slower boat, it would take all day.
Full Day — Pittwater and Beyond (a full day)
The full day unlocks the northern beaches and Pittwater. Run up through Middle Harbour, past the Spit Bridge, and north along the coast to Pittwater — one of Sydney’s most beautiful waterways. Anchor at The Basin, explore West Head, or cruise past Palm Beach. Return via the harbour for sunset. This is the ultimate Sydney boating day.
Do You Need a Boat Licence?
For self-drive: yes. You need a current NSW boat licence (or interstate/international equivalent) to hire the Axopar 28 self-drive. The boat has a 350hp engine and reaches high speeds — a licence ensures you know how to handle it safely.
No licence? Two options:
- Hire with a skipper — add $200 to any hire and a professional captain drives while you enjoy the ride. Capacity drops to 6 guests to accommodate the skipper.
- Try the Coral instead — our no-licence self-drive boat is a leisurely cruiser for up to 6 guests, starting from $400 for 3 hours. Different experience, but no licence needed.
Learn more about boat licence requirements in NSW.
Speed Boat vs Charter Boat — Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | Axopar 28 Speed Boat | Skippered Charter |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Couples, small groups, thrill-seekers | Parties, large groups, events |
| Group size | Up to 8 (self-drive) or 6 (with skipper) | 2-400+ guests |
| Speed | Up to 80km/h | 15-22km/h cruising |
| You drive? | Yes (with licence) or hire a skipper | No — crew handles everything |
| Catering | BYO only | BYO or professional catering |
| Range | Entire harbour + Pittwater in a day | Main harbour area |
| Fishing | Gear included | Not usually available |
| From price | $795 (half day) | $975 (3 hours, 20 guests) |
The Axopar is the right choice if you want speed, freedom, and a hands-on experience for a small group. For larger groups or events with catering, a skippered charter is the better option.
What to Bring
- Food and drinks — fully BYO. The front lounge table is perfect for a picnic lunch at anchor.
- Esky with ice — not provided. Bring a soft cooler bag that fits on board.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses — you are in the sun and wind all day.
- Towels and swimmers — most groups stop for a swim. The swim deck makes it easy.
- Flat shoes — non-slip soles recommended. The boat is designed for barefoot use.
- Boat licence — bring your physical or digital licence for self-drive.
- Credit card — for the $500 security deposit and fuel charges at the end.
Best Time for Speed Boat Hire
October to March — warm weather, calm mornings, and long daylight hours. The harbour is at its best in summer for swimming stops. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend dates.
April to September — the harbour is quieter, the water can be glassy on calm mornings, and you will often have bays to yourself. The Axopar’s enclosed cabin and spray-deflecting hull mean cold weather is not a problem at speed.
Best time of day: Morning departures give you the calmest water — ideal for speed runs across the harbour. Afternoon slots suit a leisurely cruise with a sunset finish.
Getting Here
The Axopar departs from Spit West Reserve, Mosman NSW 2088 — the western side of the Spit Bridge, about 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Free street parking is available. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your booking for the safety briefing.
Frequently Asked Questions
➤ How much does speed boat hire cost in Sydney?
The Axopar 28 starts from $795 for a half day (4 hours in summer, 3.5 in winter) self-drive, or $1,195 for a full day (8 hours in summer, 7 in winter). Adding a professional skipper costs $200 extra. Fuel is charged separately based on usage. A 20% surcharge applies on public holidays.
➤ How fast does the speed boat go?
The Axopar 28 has a 350-horsepower Yamaha outboard and reaches speeds up to 80km/h. For comparison, most charter boats on Sydney Harbour cruise at 15-22km/h. Speed zones apply in the harbour — your skipper briefing covers where you can and cannot go fast.
➤ Can I hire a speed boat without a licence?
Yes — add a professional skipper for $200 and no licence is needed. Alternatively, our Coral is a no-licence self-drive boat for up to 6 guests, starting from $400 for 3 hours. It is slower and more leisurely, but no licence is required at all.
➤ Can we go fishing on the speed boat?
Yes. Fishing gear (rods and tackle) is included with the Axopar 28. Popular fishing spots include the rocky headlands around Middle Harbour, the flats near Manly, and the deeper water around North Head. A NSW recreational fishing licence is required.
➤ Is the speed boat suitable for families with children?
Yes, children are welcome. Life jackets in all sizes are provided. At anchor in a bay, the Axopar is stable and the swim deck provides easy water access. At speed, all passengers should be seated — the skipper briefing covers safety procedures for families.