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Water You Waiting For? Explore Brisbane With a Jet Ski So You Can Be Cool Like Us

| Last Updated: January 2025

Wheels can only take you so far when it comes to being cool in Brisbane. So me and my buddies thought, ‘What would be the most exhilarating way to explore Brisbane?’ and then all roads– or should we say all waters led to jet ski tours.

They’re the water versions of motorcycles and these aquatic crotch rockets had us zooming past the view of land-based plebs as they looked on, envying our rapid, majestic silhouettes. At least that’s what I assumed happened.

But regardless of who you are, no Brisbane tour is complete if you don’t at least do it once on a jet ski. And we happen to know which ones are the best for your money and time.

Where Can You Ride Jet Skis in Brisbane

Some of the most common locations for jet ski tours in Brisbane include the following bodies of water in the city and around it:

  • Brisbane River
  • Moreton Bay
  • Gold Coast
  • South Stradbroke Island
  • Tangalooma

All of those are either in the city or in its immediate vicinity, meaning you don’t have to pack heavy though I will always recommend a change of clothes for the journey and a waterproof bag.

Best Time to Ride Jet Skis in Brisbane

The best time to ride jet skis in Brisbane’s waters would be during the summer months. These range from December to February. Water is usually warmer during these months, allowing you to stay longer and more comfortably.

You’ll be sweating more, of course, but you won’t notice it much once the saltwater splashes on your skin from all the jet ski waves. January is typically the hottest month in Brisbane so that’s something to keep in mind when scheduling.

As for the time of day, you will want to avoid peak hours in Brisbane since the waterways can get populated with boats, swimmers, and even paddleboarders. These hours can be between 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 AM to 7 PM. 

It’s worth noting that the hours are up to the tour or agency’s discretion as they know these waters best.

Best Jet Ski Tours in Brisbane

Jet Ski Brisbane Package Tours

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Website
Contact: +61 476 820 844
Meeting Venue: Botanic Gardens, River Hub 147 Alice St, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
Pricing: $$

For a good tour agency within the city, Jet Ski Brisbane offers one of the most complete packages. You can pick either a short Brisbane CBD Blast Tour to a longer Safari Tour. They also have sunset tours for something more romantic.

For your peace of mind, they even have a book now, pay later scheme, allowing you some flexibility in your choices. They have some really accommodating instructors and you need neither a license nor experience for this one.

They’ll make sure you’re safe and confident in your own jet ski if that’s what you prefer. You can pick either a twin ride or solo, depending on your budget. 

Trident Jetskis Club Tours

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Website
Contact: +61 423 912 225
Meeting Venue: 5 Station Ave. Darra, Brisbane 4076, Australia
Pricing: $$$
Duration: 2-4 Hours

If you’re planning to head outside the city and perhaps even to Gold Coast or the surrounding areas, then Trident Jetskis Club might be more your speed. They have locations in both Brisbane City and Gold Coast.

This jet ski club has some of the widest selections of jet ski types available, all have different purposes, such as touring, performance, fishing, and towing. You can pick the model you want.

The caveat, however, is that they require a license and you must also have extensive jet ski experience. So this club is sadly not for newbies. Try out the other newbie-friendly tours we have first.

Racing the Sun with the Sunset Experience

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Website
Meeting Venue: 880 Fig Tree Pocket Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, Australia
Pricing: $
Starting Hour: 4:00 PM
Duration: 2 Hours

Budget can often be a big concern with jet ski tours, but we have something that won’t break the bank and will still let you enjoy the Brisbane River sunset. This unnamed tour even lets you speed up to 70 km/h.

You’ll start from the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to Brisbane’s CBD in a span of two hours. Naturally, the tour starts at 4 PM so you can catch the sunset just in time. 

As for the price, it’s a sub-$100 package, making it the most appealing jet ski tour in Brisbane for newbies. Note that this will be a professionally guided tour, and they will still observe health requirements and thresholds.

Brisbane to Moreton Bay River Tour

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Website
Meeting Venue: Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, Australia
Pricing: $
Starting Hour: 11:00 AM
Duration: 4 Hours

Moreton Bay is just outside the Brisbane River area to the east and something easily accessible with a jet ski. You know what that means. If the other options are expensive, then this one provides a good counterbalance.

It’s surprisingly affordable for a 4-hour Brisbane River to Moreton Bay tour, and you’ll even get to pass under the famed Story Bridge. The endpoint, of course, is none other than Moreton Bay where you get to bask in the saltwater.

Sadly, there’s no sunset view here as the tour will start rather early. As usual, they will need to screen your fitness levels before you can catch a ride.

Brisbane River High-Rise Safari

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Website
Meeting Venue: 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Pricing: $$
Starting Hour: 09:30 AM
Duration: 3 Hours

Brisbane’s most booming businesses are a sight to behold and it would be a shame if you pass through the river without seeing these high-rise buildings from the water. So This Brisbane safari tour will remedy that.

It’s a complete urban cruise starting from the Botanical Garden, then to South Bank, then the millionaire properties, and finally, a good view of the Brisbane skyline from the mouth of Moreton Bay.

The whole trip takes approximately three hours, but it can be pricier compared to the other options due to the locations and destinations. It’s worth it just to see Brisbane’s top architectural wonders alone.

South Stradbroke Island Adventure

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Website
Meeting Venue: 23 T E Peters Dr, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218, Australia
Pricing: $
Duration: 4 Hours

Craving a farther location? We have a Gold Coast tour that will take you to the Gold Coast and straight to South Stradbroke Island. It’s perfect for anyone tired of the urban sights.

This tour might even let you spot dolphins and manatees if you’re lucky. Assuming your guide sees one (or if you alert them), then the jet ski tour will even let the sea critters approach for a rather magical experience you can’t have in a city tour.

But it’s not over once you get to South Stradbroke Island since you’ll then be greeted by kangaroos on the beach. It’s basically a 2-for-1 wildlife and jet ski tour for a sub-$148 price tag.

Gold Coast to Tangalooma Jet Ski Exodus

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Website
Meeting Venue: 23 T E Peters Dr, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218, Australia
Pricing: $$
Starting Hour: 6:00 AM
Duration: 10 Hours

Finally, we have a jet ski marathon tour that will take approximately 10 hours to finish. It spans the Gold Coast and Tangalooma, where you can even land on one of the beach resorts afterward.

As expected, this tour is the most expensive package of the bunch, but seeing as it’s 10 hours and covers the most distance, it’s well worth it. 

It’s not for beginners and those who get tired easily, however. You must be fit as the guides explicitly say that it’s not a pleasure cruise. It’s a sea adventure, one that’s for the books.

Tips to Prepare For a Jet Ski Tour

Book Ahead
Jet ski tours are popular, especially in Brisbane’s scenic waterways. I recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during weekends or holidays.

Understand the Requirements
Many tours don’t require a license as they’re guided, but double-check with the operator and the website. Usually, you need to be at least 16 to operate a jet ski, and younger riders may need to ride as passengers.

Wear the Right Clothes
Opt for swimwear or quick-dry clothes since you’ll likely get wet, though that’s often part of the standard procedure. Avoid loose clothing or anything that might fly off during the ride, such as loose hats.

Don’t Skip Sun Protection
Brisbane sun can be intense, so wear waterproof sunscreen. Consider a sturdy hat with a chin strap and polarized sunglasses with a retainer strap to keep them secure.

Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle and drink plenty before the tour. Some tours might provide water like in our case, but it’s better to be prepared. You never know when it’s not enough.

Warm Up Extensively
Jet skis are not like land vehicles. The waves and lack of traction will necessitate the use of muscles you likely never use before– especially for balance. So warm up as much as you can, especially for prolonged tours.

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