Joshua Smith

Yo! So you’re searching to find some places near Brisbane in which you can take your jet ski this weekend.

Luckily, I’ve got you covered!

See, I’m someone who’s spent a fair share of his time exploring the Brisbane and surrounding region and its many waterways so in this guide, I’m going to show you some epic spots.

Let’s begin.

Jet Ski Riding Areas around Brisbane

If you haven’t already done so, then I’d join one of the numerous Facebook groups. There you’ll find some legends who are always keen for a weekend group ride without the drama.

But then there are times when you’ll be inclined to head out on your own, especially if you’re a beginner and it all feels a little daunting at the boat ramp. That’s why I created this guide in the first place.

Brisbane jet ski riders generally ride at these locations:

1. Moreton Bay

Your best bet for a great place to launch and explore is Moreton Bay. When the sun’s shining, it’s not uncommon to find hundreds of jet skis exploring this area either being locals or those riding up from the Gold Coast.

There are numerous bayside boat ramps that are my favourite. This includes Redcliffe, Manly, Clontarf, Nudgee Beach and even down Cleveland if I’m keen. There are heaps of spots to explore and the most popular run is to and from Tangalooma.

2. Somerset Dam and Moogerah Dam

If you’re keen for some fresh water and avoiding that corrosion, then head west towards either of these two dams. You’ll find them quite busy with waterskiers on weekends so I’d aim for a mid-week ride if you can.

Most guys do this as a day-trip since both Somerset and Moogerah Dams are close enough, but an overnight camping trip is well worth it. Bring 2 to 3 extra jerry cans of fuel and you’ll have a blast!

3. Brisbane River

Many riders ignore Brisbane River for the fear of the unknown, but I think that means there is more space for those of us who are keen with a sense of adventure. Sure – there could be the occasional log hiding just below the surface, but accidents are less likely.

Just keep an eye out for the ferries and look for the speed limits. In some areas it’s 40-knots and in others it can be unlimited. There are numerous boat ramps along the river and it doesn’t get too busy on weekends since everyone wants to leave for the Gold Coast anyway.

4. Lake Borumba

Lake Borumba wouldn’t be my first choice but a great area if you’re keen for some easy riding or if you’re doing tow-sports. Not too far from the city but also it’s not as well known as Somerset. Still – I’d aim to get there by 8 am especially in summer to avoid the crowds.

5. Logan River

A great alternative to riding in the Brisbane River is the Logan River. A top spot for those living on the south-side of Brisbane and need an easy place to access. You’ll find a great boat ramp just off the M1 (after crossing the big bridge) with plenty of parking. Can be busy with fisherman in the early mornings.

In Summary

There you have it! 5 great spots in which to explore on your personal watercraft this weekend. Ain’t no need to join the traffic jam on the Bruce Highway or down south on the M1. Brisbane might not have the cleanest looking water, but it certainly can be ridden with a jet ski!

Aim to leave home early regardless to make the most of the day, and don’t forget to check the weather forecast and tide times. These two elements can make a real difference between an awesome day and one that sees you become fatigued real quick.

Adelaide is spoilt with some epic jet ski riding areas but to get to most of these spots, you’ll need to haul your jet ski on a trailer for up to 2 hours.

Best Jet Ski Riding Areas Adelaide

In creating this guide, you’ll have to remember that I grew up in Adelaide. Spending many childhood weekends on the Murray River gave me so much exposure to some great riding areas. We also travelled through much of the state, so I certainly know a thing or two.

Here are where most jet ski riders in Adelaide are riding:

1. Coorong, Goolwa and Murray Mouth

Most people pretty much choose the lower reaches of the Murray River where it discharges into the ocean to ride their jet ski. Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert are especially fun areas and the speed limits are reasonable or sometimes non-existent.

Getting there only takes just over an hour from the CBD and there is plenty of space to stretch out and play! I recommend staying overnight with my favourite being Milang but honestly, there are so many good spots worth exploring!

2. Murray River and Mannum

Head upstream and you’ll come across the weekend wonderland for boating and jet ski enthusiasts. For many of us, our childhoods involved staying at Mannum for a weekend of fishing or exploring the waterways.

You’ll need to watch out for the ferries that dart every 5 minutes across the waterways. I like to head about 20km upstream from Mannum. For overnighters, the caravan park is great and I’ve personally stayed there many times as a child.

Alternatively (and more cost-effective) too, head on the eastern side for some great camp sites right on the river. While there sometimes aren’t any boat ramps, most riders have no problem with a sand launch assuming they have a 4×4.

3. Kangaroo Island

You can certainly ride around Kangaroo Island with a jet ski with regular events with the local Adelaide riding club(s). If you want more details then hop into the large Facebook group with some local legends who are always keen for a ride.

A ride over to Kangaroo Island is really weather-dependent even in the more sheltered areas. I’d aim to be riding on the eastern side of the island by drawing a triangle between Cape Jervis, Penneshaw and Bay of Shoals or Kingscote. Chances are that you won’t need extra fuel though some guys do carry it.

4. Port River

Now the Port River isn’t much of a great riding area but a great spot to see dolphins with your jet ski without paying for a tourist boat. You’ll get about 15 nautical miles to explore around Torrens Island but you’ll need to watch out for the big ships.

There was a company that used to do jet ski hire here but unsure if they are still operating at this time. Most of the jet ski hire companies in Adelaide operate on the Murray River given the vast area in which one can explore.

5. Moana, Aldinga, Maslin’s and Port Willunga

If you fancy some open-ocean riding then I’d aim for the southern part of Adelaide which makes for the perfect day-trip. St. Vincent Gulf is open to the weather elements but on those glassy summer days, it makes it perfect for riding on a jet ski.

Just keep in mind that you do need to keep a set distance from shore to avoid noise to local homeowners alone the esplanade as well as to protect swimmers. It’s generally 200m from the low water mark but I recommend that you check the signage at the boat ramps before you ride away. The sand is also quite hard-packed so most guys actually do a beach launch while parking their 4×4 up on the soft sand.

In Summary

There you have it! Some really great places in which you can explore with your new PWC. Sure, there are numerous lakes way south of the city, popular spots up near Renmark and Barmera and some great riding around Port Augusta, but more than enough close to Adelaide to keep you happy for a couple of years.

In the winter months most people do tend to head up into the northern reaches of the Riverland to avoid that chill. Who said that jet ski riding is only for summer? Certainly the waterways are a lot quieter apart from the occasional houseboat.

Catch you out there!

Have you ever wanted to jump on a jet ski at Long Beach or San Pedro and head over to explore Catalina? Every year thousands of keen enthusiasts do this journey.

Assuming you have some riding experience, it takes 40 to 75 minutes to get to Catalina from the Long Beach boat ramp if you ride your own jet ski. If you choose to join an organised tour, then it will take up to 2 hours as they cater for new/inexperienced PWC riders who ride much slower.

In this guide, I’m going to help you plan a trip to this beautiful island and soak in the sights and sounds. Let’s do it safely so you can return back to the boat ramp in one piece in the same afternoon.

Planning a Catalina Jet Ski Trip

One of the best experiences that one can have is riding in the open ocean to Catalina on their new PWC. It’s something that is often recommended by the local Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki dealers though a trip of this length requires some pre-planning.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Weather Conditions

While a lot of the tours proclaim that they run year-round, this doesn’t imply that they’ll go out in adverse weather conditions. Anything above 10-knots makes us really feel those bumps while 15-knots is considered to be the upper limit. If you see a forecast for 20-knots then forget it as the chop will mean you either return early or you come back very battered to the boat ramp. Despite the sheltered nature of the Long Beach to Catalina run, it still has some exposure to the heavy seas.

Pack the Right Gear

There are some things that I would recommend that you pack for a Catalina jet ski trip. This includes a mobile phone, EPIRB (spot tracker is acceptable), spare water, tow rope and a full tank of fuel. Some riders also choose to wear a helmet just in case an accident occurs given how far medicare assistance is. Safety first out there!

Join a Group Ride

Did you know that there are several jet ski groups/clubs in California that welcome riders? One of their most popular trips is the Catalina Run which goes around once per month. My suggestion would be to jump into one of the local groups and read through the main feed. You’ll find these events or at the very least, some people who are keen on a ride any time of the week or weekend.

Taking Extra Fuel

It’s unnecessary to take extra gas cans on the back of your jet ski if you’re heading for a trip over to Catalina as there are 2 marina fuel docks on the island. Some jet skis can actually do a return trip without refueling. However, if you’re heading into windy conditions and have a Sea-Doo Spark then you’ll want to bring some cash to fuel the tank up again, or at least plan this into your itinerary.

Where to Park Your Jet Ski

Avalon Beach and Two Harbors are the most popular places to park your jet ski and explore the island. If you’re there on a weekend then try and get there early before half of Los Angeles rocks up otherwise it gets really busy. As for overnight parking, I recommend paying the fees for either Descanso Bay, Hamilton Cove or Avalon Harbor which is quite secure and they may have dry docks. I certainly wouldn’t beach the ski overnight and expect it to still be there in the morning, despite how safe the island is.

In Summary

A trip doesn’t require extensive planning though you’ll need to know where to start, when to go and what to pack. I hope this guide has helped you to have the best day out there on the water.

Have fun and I’ll catch you out there! 😃