Destinations

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! 😃

Are you keen for a trip on your jet ski pretty shortly to North Straddie? Well, I’ll help you with some of the essential planning needed for a safe and successful trip.

General travelling times to North Stradbroke Island (Dunwich) via jet ski or high powered boat is 35 minutes from Southport yet only 10 to 15 minutes from Cleveland. For those coming from the north and west, expect 40 minutes from Redcliffe and 25 minutes from Manly boat ramp.

Sometimes North Straddie can get confused with Russell Island. From experience there is a lot that one can experience on both islands but my personal preference goes towards North Straddie.

Planning a Jet Ski Trip to North Stradbroke Island

Let’s say you were aiming to head out this weekend for a run on the jet ski. Well, I’d be looking at the weather conditions first. While you are sheltered from the North and South Stradbroke Islands, the swell can pick up and you can be in for a bumpy ride.

I’d also be getting to the boat ramp early. Get there by 8am especially on public holidays because it gets seriously busy otherwise with long ques. Watch out for the traffic out there too. Depending on where you come from you may or may not have container and fuel ships to look out for.

Taking Extra Fuel

Unlike Moreton Island, there often isn’t a necessity to take extra fuel for a run to North Stradbroke Island unless you’re coming from the Sunshine Coast. You won’t be able to get marina fuel as there are no depots but you can take an empty fuel can and fuel it up at one of the numerous service stations if required.

There is no real need to take extra fuel if you’re coming up from Southport/Main Beach on the Gold Coast. Keep in mind that some jet skis do have small gas tanks and a headwind and a pillion passenger can chew up additional fuel.

Staying Overnight

Most people generally don’t stay overnight on the island. Sure – they’ll park their jet ski at one of the numerous beach landings (Dunwich and Amity Point boat ramps are popular) and get some lunch at the pub, but they’re probably not to keen to leave their ski parked all night long. If you did want to stay, then nearby Tangalooma is ideal and they have a section for parking boats and jet skis securely.

Safety Tips

Heading over to the island seems like an easy pursuit…and it is! I hope to help you with some basic safety tips to make your life easier out there for a fun day on the water.

1. Watch the sandbars! While the speed limits are often 40-knots, there are sandbars that move about and it can get real shallow. If you hit one of these at anything above 20-knots, you’re going to do some real damage to the ski and probably to yourself as well.
2. Get there early. Like I mentioned previously, North Stradbroke Island gets real busy on weekends especially in summer. It’s alsmost like half of Brisbane and the Gold Coast swarms for the island making boat ramps and the waterways especially tricky.
3. Pack some clothes, water and snacks. Walking around with your rashie all day and board shorts isn’t that much fun, unless you simply plan on spending all of it at the beach. Chances are that you’ll want to trek inland so pack some shoes too. There are heaps of hiking trails to explore inland that really need 2 days to see it all.

Above all else – have fun and don’t forget a few snaps for Facebook and Instagram. North Straddie is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. 😃

See you out there!

Heading out to Tangalooma (Moreton Island) with a jetski on a weekend is a lotta fun! Well, provided you get there real early that is….before half of Brisbane rocks up!

The jet ski travel time does vary depending on where you’re departing from. For instance, Southport to Tangalooma takes around 75 minutes for most people and may use up slightly more than half a tank of fuel. From Scarborough and Manly it’s only 20 minutes and only slightly more from Wellington Point at 25 minutes.

There are also other variances such as your choice of jet ski (a Sea-Doo Spark, for instance, isn’t the best choice for a Tangalooma Run), the weather conditions and how much weight you have on the ski.

In this guide, I’ll help you better plan your solo or group trip to Moreton Island including the national park.

Planning Your Tangalooma Run

One of the most popular spots for boaties and jet ski riders is Tangalooma and on weekends it turns into an amusement park of sorts, especially in summer. I recommend heading out there on a weekday if possible, or if you need to do weekends, then aim to arrive there by 9am and head some place else by lunchtime.

If you are leaving from the Gold Coast then the main channel certainly gets a lot of traffic. Once you get into Moreton Bay then you’ll see your fair share of container ships heading in and out of the Port of Brisbane. Give these big guys a wide berth!

While you’re protected from the chop due to North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island, it still pays the check the weather report. If the forecast is for high winds later in the day because this will chew up more fuel than expected, which brings me on to the next point.

See also: 7 Best Places to Jet Ski on the Gold Coast 😎

Taking Extra Fuel

Some riders strap on some extra fuel on the back for a Tangalooma Run with their jet ski, and some riders don’t. Again, it really depends on several factors including your choice of machine, if you’re riding solo or 2-up and the current conditions.

Moreton Island doesn’t have a petrol station though they do have 20L drums of fuel for sale at Bulwer General Store. It’s kinda awkward to go down this route but I know a few people have done this over the years to get themselves unstuck. There are also fuel stations on North Stradbroke Island but this requires bringing your own jerry can.

Staying Overnight

While most people just come for the shipwrecks on a daytrip, you can certainly take your jet ski and stay overnight on Moreton Island. Tangalooma Island Resort welcomes jet ski riders with their own vessel parking area right on the beach with the boats. There are security guards here to keep an eye on things but unsure if they monitor the area overnight.

There is a jet ski landing zone where you can beach your ski. If you need a mooring (unlikely) then you’ll need to call them up in advance and there is an additional cost for this.

Safety and Dangers

You might think that a trip to Tangalooma is safe…and it very well can be! Just some things to be mindful of:

1. There are sandbars on the trip there if you’re coming up from Victoria Point, Logan or the Gold Coast. Sometimes you can’t see just how shallow the water is and if you get hung up at 40-knots, then I just about guarantee that you’re heading to the hospital afterwards.
2. You can join the Volunteer Marine Rescue out of Southport. It costs less than $100 annually. It works like RACQ and VMR will tow you back to the boat ramp if you get stuck. Well worth it for peace of mind and everyone there are volunteers so your fees go towards the rescue boats themselves.
3. The weather and wind can change. Keep an eye on what’s happening during the day and it can certainly get a bit choppy out there. Yes you can get some phone signal in most spots but don’t depend on it – just do regular 360s on the horizon!
4. Ideally, go together with someone else who has done the trip before. If you (or they) get stuck then it won’t feel like a lost day out there.
5. Be mindful if you’re going through the narrow swamps near Jacobs Well and Russell Island on the way there. There could be another jet ski or hellcat coming the other way and blasting through at the same speed you are.

Now – don’t let that scare you. Accidents seldomly happen out there though the media likes to blow things out of proportion.

See also: 7 Best Places to Jet Ski on the Gold Coast 😎

Plan your trip well and safe riding! Don’t forget the snorkels as there is some epic underwater life to see there among the wrecks.

Rottnest Island is one of the most beautiful and indeed the most popular places to visit for those who are in Perth.

This magical island attracts many people, including those with boats and jet skis. Just how long does it take?

Generally speaking, you can get from Fremantle to Rottnest Island on a jet ski in 15 to 20 minutes which is the quickest and shortest route to the island. Leaving from Hillary’s Boat Harbour, you can do the trip in around 25 minutes and around 50 minutes from Barrack Street Jetty. Taking extra fuel is often unnecessary.

Of course, those distances have variations based on:

1. The type of jet ski you have (something like the Sea-Doo Spark is very different to a super-charged GTR 230) and your riding capabilities. I’ve heard of guys making the trip in less than 10 minutes fully pinned on a clear windless morning.
2. The amount of swell that’s happening on the day and any headwind.
3. Where you are launching from and where you are eventually meeting landfall. There are dozens of boat ramps which are ideal for a Rottnest trip so it really depends.

But of course, your entire adventure depends on meeting the legal requirements set forth by the Department of Transport:

All boats under 3.75 metres (12 feet) in length (including personal watercraft), must stay within five nautical miles from the mainland, unless they are within the limits of a port or within one mile of any island.

https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/personal-watercraft.asp

With Rottnest Island being about 10 nautical miles from the mainland, it rules out most jet skis. Even the GTR230 is only about 3.4 metres in length. Some local riders are either totally unaware or simply ignore this rule entirely. And let’s say you hypothetically could do this trip, then the following still applies…

Rottnest Island Trip On A Jet Ski

It’s certainly an awesome way to get to Rottnest, after all the ferry operators are now charging a fortune due to a lack of international passengers. If you have a jet ski at home in the garage…then you may as well plan the trip!

I’ve noticed that the placement of the island reduces the swell quite considerably, though you still need to be checking the weather forecast before you head out. I’d also recommend taking a GPS with you as a safety precaution. While there are numerous boats heading to and from the island every hour, a loose drain plug could get you stuck real quick.

Where to Park

I personally haven’t been to every spot around but Longreach Bay, Parker Point and Thomson Bay are all great options worth considering. The waters here are clear and shallow allowing you plenty of space to beach the jet ski.

You can either anchor or beach your ski, with 99% of riders choosing the later option for obvious reasons. Over in Geordie Bay, you’ll actually find beach anchoring points.

A word of caution – There are reefs most of the way around the island so keep an eye out so you don’t scratch your hull. As the water is so clear, it’s easy to spot a reef from 30 feet or so away.

Things To Do

Now that you’ve parked your jet ski somewhere safely, there is a myriad of things to do on the island. Hopefully you’ve brought your snorkelling gear in the front locker as there is so much great swimming to be had!

One of the most popular things to do is hire a bike. This can be tricky if you’ve worn your wetsuit or board shorts that can restrict you from free movement, so I’d pack a spare change of clothes in the front locker. There is also some great fishing to be had so if you’re looking to go jet ski fishing, then you’re in the right place!

Getting Fuel for Your Jet Ski

You can get premium unleaded petrol for your jet ski at the Fuel Jetty and it’s available 24/7 on a self-service basis. This is why very few people take additional fuel with them for a trip. Of course, the prices are a little steep so just about everyone heads from the mainland with a full tank.

Staying Overnight

You can ride over to the island and park your jet ski overnight. I’d be choosing one of the 3 beach anchoring points at either Longreach, Thomson or Geordie Bay which are free. Keep in mind you’ll still need to pay for the individual or annual pass to access the island via marine vessel.

There are numerous accommodation options available and your ski (with a lock on it) will be pretty safe overnight. You aren’t allowed to leave your ski for more than 24 hours unattended, so an overnight trip is all you can generally have unless you use the ski during the day. I’d personally just find a new anchorage every night to avoid any attention.

The boaters get away with this as they use their boat during the day for fishing or stay overnight in their own accommodation onboard.

In Summary

One of the best experiences you can have is avoiding the tour boats and heading to the island with your own vessel, and taking a PWC is certainly safer than a tinny. Head over there as soon as you can…before the tourists make their way back!