Manly Boat Harbour Brisbane
A vibrant boating hub offering seaside dining, scenic walks, fishing, and stunning photographic opportunities just minutes from Brisbane.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Glassy water, perfect reflections
Manly Boat Harbour Brisbane
Best Time
Glassy water, perfect reflections
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant boating hub offering seaside dining, scenic walks, fishing, and stunning photographic opportunities just minutes from Brisbane.
"It's one of the best places on the bay where I can be totally relaxed and grounded."
🎣 Fishing Hotspots
Popular for land-based fishing, especially for bream at night. Squid can also be found along the waterfront.
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture stunning sunrises, reflections, and lightning strikes over the water. Arrive early for the best light.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manly Harbour Boat Club
Waterfront
Seaside dining with delicious food, drinks, a rooftop bar, and live music. Just 25 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
Norfolk Point
Manly Boat Harbour
A scenic man-made point perfect for family outings, walks, and fishing. Offers beautiful bay views.
William Gunn Jetty
Manly Boat Harbour
Ideal for a leisurely stroll, coffee, or admiring the luxury boats. Great for fishing, especially at night.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Photos
Beat the Crowds for Dining
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 Fishing Hotspots
Popular for land-based fishing, especially for bream at night. Squid can also be found along the waterfront. +1
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture stunning sunrises, reflections, and lightning strikes over the water. Arrive early for the best light.
👨👩👧👦 Free Family Fun
Visit the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre (free entry) and enjoy playgrounds and beaches. Pack a picnic!
⛴️ Ferry to Islands
Catch the River to Bay ferry from Manly Boat Harbour for day trips to Stradbroke Island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Fishing Hotspots
Popular for land-based fishing, especially for bream at night. Squid can also be found along the waterfront. +1
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture stunning sunrises, reflections, and lightning strikes over the water. Arrive early for the best light.
👨👩👧👦 Free Family Fun
Visit the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre (free entry) and enjoy playgrounds and beaches. Pack a picnic!
⛴️ Ferry to Islands
Catch the River to Bay ferry from Manly Boat Harbour for day trips to Stradbroke Island.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to search.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Manly Boat Harbour as a picturesque and relaxing destination, perfect for photography, leisurely strolls, and enjoying the seaside atmosphere. The abundance of boats and the tranquil waters make it a favorite spot for capturing stunning images, especially at sunrise. While dining options are popular and can be busy, the overall experience is highly positive.
"Biggest free time boating harbour on southern hemispere? I wish I were sailor."
MattiS
"I love this spot. It's probably my favourite spot for capturing photographic images, whether it be at sunrise, during the day, sunset or moonrise. I have been fortunate to have been captured some awesome lightning strike images during a storm. It's one of the best places on the bay where I can be totally relaxed and grounded."
Jonathan Dass
"What a beautiful place to photograph the sunrise. On a calm morning the water in the marina is like glass giving near perfect reflections of the boats and clouds. I have been there a few times and will be back for sure. You will need to get there at least 20 minutes before sunrise to catch the best views."
Andrew Puddefoot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manly Boat Harbour is approximately a 25-minute drive from Brisbane CBD. You can also take public transport, with buses frequently running to the area.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak times. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The River to Bay ferry service operates from Manly Boat Harbour, offering trips to Stradbroke Island.
Yes, Manly Boat Harbour is well-served by public transport, with regular bus routes connecting it to Brisbane CBD and surrounding areas.
Walking along the waterfront and jetties is a great way to explore. You can also rent bikes for a more extensive tour of the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Manly Boat Harbour itself is free to enter and explore. However, specific attractions like the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre also offer free entry.
While not always mandatory, booking a reservation for the Manly Boathouse is highly recommended, as it can get very busy.
Yes, the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre offers free entry for learning and play, and you can enjoy free access to playgrounds and the beach.
The Manly Harbour Boat Club is open for dining and entertainment, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, fishing is permitted at Manly Boat Harbour, particularly off the harbour rock walls and along the waterfront. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise is spectacular, with calm mornings offering glass-like water reflections. Evenings also provide beautiful light for capturing the boats.
You can photograph a wide range of subjects, including luxury boats, sunrise/sunset, marine life, and the general harbour atmosphere.
The William Gunn Jetty offers excellent vantage points. The harbour rock walls near the entrance are also good for capturing the marina.
Yes, Manly Boat Harbour is known as a great spot for capturing dramatic lightning strike images during storms.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the harbour, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on boats. A tripod is essential for low-light sunrise shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular dining options include the Manly Harbour Boat Club with its seaside dining and rooftop bar, and the Manly Boathouse. There are also cafes and fish and chip shops.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular spots like the Manly Boathouse, as they can get very busy.
You'll find a variety of options, from seafood and modern Australian cuisine at the boat clubs and restaurants to casual fish and chips.
Yes, many of the venues are family-friendly, and the general atmosphere of the harbour makes it a pleasant place for a meal with children.
Yes, there are several fish and chip shops and cafes that offer takeaway options, perfect for a picnic by the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
You can also enjoy the playgrounds and beach areas, making it easy to keep kids entertained for hours. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, or choose from numerous cafes and fish and chip shops. The short 30-minute drive from Brisbane makes it an ideal day trip destination.
🎣 Anglers and Fishermen
If you own a boat, the marina offers convenient access to Moreton Bay. Dry stack storage is available, with services that aim to make launching and retrieving your boat hassle-free.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Explore viewpoints from the William Gunn Jetty and the rock walls for diverse perspectives of the boats and the bay. The changing light throughout the day offers endless creative possibilities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing Adventures at Manly Boat Harbour
Squid fishing is another activity that draws people to the harbour. Redditors suggest looking for black spots along the waterfront north of the harbour where others have successfully reeled in squid.
For boat owners, the marina offers convenient access to Moreton Bay, a vast area teeming with diverse marine life. Dry stack storage is available, with pricing around $28.90 per day, and services often include cleaning and fueling boats.
Family Fun and Discovery
Beyond the discovery centre, families can enjoy the playgrounds and the beach area, making it a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy. The harbour itself provides a scenic backdrop for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
When it comes to food, there are plenty of options, from casual fish and chips to cafes and restaurants. Packing a picnic is also a great way to enjoy the surroundings without breaking the bank.
The proximity to Brisbane, being only 30 minutes away, makes it an easy and accessible day trip for families. Photography Opportunities
The harbour is also a prime spot for dramatic weather photography, with visitors having captured impressive lightning strike images during storms.
Key vantage points include the William Gunn Jetty, which offers panoramic views of the harbour, and the rock walls near the entrance, providing unique angles. The overall atmosphere of the harbour, whether bustling with activity or tranquil at dawn, provides a grounding and relaxing experience for photographers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit