Do I need a boat licence to hire Marlow?

No. Marlow is speed-limited to 8 knots, so no licence is required. We give you a full briefing before you leave and you drive her yourself. No experience is needed either — the briefing includes a short test drive, and first-timers handle her with no problems.

How many people can Marlow carry?

Up to 8 guests including the driver.

How much does Marlow cost?

A three-hour hire is from $495 and the Day Tripper is from $695 — 6 hours in summer, 5 hours in winter. Weekends and holiday periods are priced a little higher, and the exact price shows as soon as you pick your date. Fuel is included.

Is there a toilet on board?

Yes. Marlow has a toilet on board, which is unusual for a self-drive boat of this size.

You are welcome to explore Sydney Harbour, including Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Shark Island, Chowder Bay and the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers. Marlow must not cross the line between Camp Cove and Georges Head, so Middle Harbour, North Harbour, Manly and the open ocean are out. We show you exactly where this is during your briefing.

When can I book Marlow?

Marlow is being refitted. Hires are available from 3 October 2026.

Marlow

Marlow — No Licence Self-Drive Boat Hire from Double Bay

8 guests

No licence needed

Beginner friendly

	Weekday	Weekend & peak
3-Hour Hire	$495	$560
Day Tripper6 hrs summer · 5 hrs winter	$695	$790

Exact price for your date is shown at checkout.

Check availability

	Weekday	Weekend & peak
3-Hour Hire	$495	$560
Day Tripper6 hrs summer · 5 hrs winter	$695	$790

Exact price for your date is shown at checkout.

Check availability →

🎁 Gift voucher $495

Weekdays · valid 3 years · emailed straight away

Buy as a gift voucher

Prefer to call? 0432 428 297

★★★★★ 5.0 · 110+ five-star Google reviews

Up to 8 guests
No licence needed
Toilet on board
Fully shaded
Fuel included

Marlow is an 8-metre Mariner Pacer — a classic, timber-trimmed cruiser that makes a very easy day on the water. She tops out at 8 knots, which is why no licence is required — and no experience is needed: we give you a full briefing and a short test drive on the day, and you take the helm yourself. She's an easy, forgiving boat to drive, and first-timers handle her with no problems. She is fully under cover from bow to stern, and there is a toilet on board, which is rare on a self-drive boat this size. There is an electric anchor, and full safety equipment. Marlow seats 8 and departs from Double Bay Ferry Wharf, with Shark Island, Rose Bay and the eastern beaches on the doorstep. Fuel is included. Marlow is being refitted and hires are available from 3 October 2026.

Summer (Oct – Apr)

3-hour slots

9am – 12pm

12:30pm – 3:30pm

4pm – 7pm

6-hour day

9am – 3pm

12:30pm – 6:30pm

Marlow operates from Double Bay during daylight saving. Hires available from 3 October 2026.

You don't need a boat licence or any boating experience to hire Marlow. Every hire starts with full training from our team at the wharf — we walk you through the controls, the harbour map and the safety gear, then you do a short test drive so you get the feel of her before you head off.

We make sure you're confident at the helm before you set out — and if you ever want a hand while you're on the water, we're only a phone call away for your whole hire. First-timers do this every week and handle it with no problems.

Fuel is included in the price — nothing extra to pay.

A refundable $250 security hold is placed on your card the day before your hire and released after the boat is returned in good condition. Nothing is charged unless there is damage.

Weekday prices apply Monday to Friday. Weekend & peak pricing applies on Saturdays, Sundays and every day from 19 December to 26 January. Public holidays add a surcharge.

The exact price for your date appears the moment you pick a date at checkout.

🎁 Know someone who'd love this? Gift vouchers from $100 — emailed instantly, valid 3 years.

Pickup and drop off is at Double Bay Ferry Wharf.

Walk to the end of the ferry wharf and we will come in to meet you.

Parking & getting there

Street parking: there is limited free street parking nearby.
Parking stations: Wilson and Nationwide parking stations are a short walk from the wharf.

✓ Up to 8 people

✓ No licence required — full briefing and training on the day

✓ Beginner friendly — no experience needed

✓ Fully under cover, bow to stern

✓ Toilet on board

✓ Electric anchor

✓ 8 knots — a relaxed cruising speed

✓ Full safety equipment supplied

✓ Fuel included

✓ BYO food and drinks welcome

You are welcome to explore Sydney Harbour, including Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Shark Island, Chowder Bay, Mosman Bay and the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers.

Please do not cross the line between Camp Cove and Georges Head. That means no Middle Harbour, North Harbour, Manly or open ocean — we will show you exactly where this is on your map during the briefing.

Both of our Double Bay boats are relaxed cruisers rather than fast boats, so plan a route that suits the time you have — your briefing will include some suggestions.

Marlow is fully under cover, so light rain is no problem at all. That said, we don't want you to have a soggy day.

If there is a 50% chance of rain (10mm) forecast the afternoon before the hire according to the Bureau of Meteorology, you are welcome to reschedule.

If we ever have to cancel because weather, sea conditions or safety concerns make the hire unsafe, we'll reschedule you to another date.

If you need to cancel: more than 7 days before your hire you receive a full refund, no questions asked. Within 7 days the booking is non-refundable — any reschedule or credit is at our discretion (one reschedule per booking).

✓ Toilet

✓ Full Shade

✓ BYO Allowed

✗ Crew Not Included

Arriving this season — no licence required

Marlow is being refitted. The photos here show how she will look once finished — they are for reference only. Hires available from 3 October 2026.

Marlow is an 8-metre Mariner Pacer — a classic, timber-trimmed cruiser that makes a very easy day on the water. She tops out at 8 knots, which is why no licence is required — and no experience is needed: we give you a full briefing and a short test drive on the day, and you take the helm yourself. She's an easy, forgiving boat to drive, and first-timers handle her with no problems. She is fully under cover from bow to stern, so there is shade for everyone whatever the sun is doing, and there is a toilet on board — a rare thing on a self-drive boat this size. There is an electric anchor so stopping for a swim is effortless, and full safety equipment supplied. Marlow seats 8 and departs from Double Bay, which puts Shark Island, Rose Bay and the eastern beaches right on your doorstep. Fuel is included in the price.

Tap Check availability, choose your date and time, and book instantly online. You pay the full amount securely at checkout — the exact price for your date is shown before you pay.

Yes! Marlow allows BYO food and drinks. You're welcome to bring your own catering, alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Sydney Harbour is sheltered, so most hires go ahead rain or shine — see "What if it's forecast to rain?" above for Marlow's rain policy and when you can reschedule. If conditions are genuinely unsafe (e.g. storm warnings), we'll rebook you.

Yes! You're welcome to bring a portable speaker and play your own playlist — check the add-ons when booking, as speaker hire may be available.

There's no deposit — you pay the full hire amount when you book, and your booking is confirmed instantly. A refundable $250 security hold is placed on your card the day before your hire and released after the boat is returned in good condition.

Extensions are subject to availability — call us on 0432 428 297 during your hire and we'll check whether the boat is free after your slot.