Can You Recommend a Place in Australia to Hire Inflatable Boats for a Family Outing?

If you’re planning a family day on the water and don’t yet own an inflatable boat — or you want to try before you buy — Australia offers a number of fantastic hire options. From tropical islands to coastal cities and inland rivers, you’ll find hire providers that welcome families and supply safe, ready-to-go boats. In this guide, we’ll highlight great hire spots, tips for choosing the right hire, and considerations to make your boating outing smooth and memorable.

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Why Hire Instead of Buy — Especially for Families

Before we list options, let’s quickly look at why hiring can be a smart choice for families:

• Lower risk, lower commitment — You pay only for the day, no long-term costs.
• Try before you buy — Test how an inflatable boat suits your needs on real waterways.
• No storage or transport hassle — You don’t need to own a trailer, van, or extra storage.
• Access to premium or larger models — Hire fleets often include well-maintained, newer boats.

With those benefits, here are some excellent hire options in Australia suitable for family outings.

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Top Places to Hire Inflatable or Small Boats for Families in Australia

Below are several recommended hire locations across Australia, including what makes them good for families. Some operate more “dinghy / small boat / RIB hires” rather than strictly inflatable, but many use inflatable or semi-rigid models that give a similar experience.

1. Hamilton Island, Queensland — Dinghy Hire at the Marina

At Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, you can hire motorised dinghies from the marina.

Why it works for families:

• No boating license or prior experience is required for standard dinghies.
• Boats typically come with key start, steering, and bimini shade for sun protection.
• The waters are sheltered, with many islands and bays to explore at a relaxed pace.

Tips: Book early, especially in peak season. Check restrictions on where you can take the dinghy (reefs, protected areas).

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2. Como Marina, Sydney, NSW — Self-Drive Boat Hire

In Sydney, Como Marina Boat Hire offers self-drive boats (not always full inflatables, but small motor boats and comparable models) with no license required.

Why it works for families:

• They provide all safety gear (life jackets).
• Boats are licensed for up to 4 people, ideal for small family groups.
• Operators provide maps showing safe waterways, fishing spots, and “no-go” zones.

Tips: Pay attention to tide and water conditions. Have some basic boating briefing before heading out.

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3. Flying Fish Sailing, Sydney (RIB Hire)

Flying Fish Sailing near Sydney offers Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) for hire, with short and long sessions.

Why it works for families:

• RIBs combine the stability of inflatables with a solid hull — safer in choppy conditions.
• Their hires include safety equipment and usually a briefing.
• You can explore harbour areas in a more adventurous way, while still being in safe zones.

Tips: These are more of a thrill experience — for families with older kids or those comfortable with a bit more speed. Check the minimum booking duration.

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4. RoundAboat, Noosa, Queensland

“RoundAboat” is a unique hire option in Noosa — a round boat (circular pontoon) that operates on calm waters.

Why it works for families:

• It’s licensed for up to 10 people.
• Equipped with shade cover, Bluetooth music, and ice bucket — everything for a fun, relaxed outing.
• No boating license required for this kind of hire.

Tips: This is more of a leisure cruising option (not for serious fishing or fast travel). Great for families wanting a comfortable, unique experience on calm waterways.

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5. Other Regions & Generic Hire Providers

Beyond these specific examples, there are many local hire operators scattered across Australia. Sites like TripAdvisor list “Australia Boat Rentals” which include various hire locations across states. Tripadvisor

How to find local hires:

• Search for “boat hire + [town/region]” (e.g. “boat hire Cairns”, “boat hire Broome”).
• Check local tourism websites or marina services.
• Look for “self-drive”, “no-license”, or “small boat / dinghy hire” options.

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How to Choose a Good Boat Hire for Family Outings

Not all boat hire places are appropriate for family use. Here are key factors to check:

Factor	What to look for	Why it matters for families
Safety gear & briefing	Life jackets, basic safety instruction	Ensures all passengers, especially kids, are protected
Boat power & size	Small-enough motors (e.g. ≤ 10 HP), stable hulls	Avoid excessive speed or instability
Shade & seating	Bimini covers, bench seats	Protection from sun and comfort
License / permit requirements	No-license or simple hire rules	Easier for families without boating credentials
Water area restrictions	Maps of safe zones, reef/no-go areas	Prevents accidental entry into hazardous zones
Insurance & liability	Hire agreement, boat insurance	Peace of mind in case of damage or mishaps
Clean, well-maintained boats	Good condition, well-serviced	Reduces breakdown risk during your outing

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Sample Itinerary: Family Day Hire at Hamilton Island

To help visualize how your day might go, here’s a sample plan:

1. Morning — Arrive early, pick up your dinghy hire at the marina. Safety briefing and boat check.
2. Mid-morning — Cruise to a nearby island or quiet bay for snorkeling or swimming.
3. Lunch — Anchor near sheltered beach, have a picnic on the boat or sand.
4. Afternoon — Explore scenic waterways, stop for a fish or relax on the water.
5. Late afternoon — Return the boat by scheduled time, clean and pack up.

This kind of schedule works well with 4-6 hour hire slots, leaving time for rest and flexibility.

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Tips to Make Your Family Boat Hire Outing Great

• Check weather and tides before booking — strong winds or low tides can spoil the experience.
• Bring sun protection — sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, long sleeves.
• Pack light but smart — water, snacks, dry bags, water-proof camera.
• Have a backup plan — some boat hire may be canceled in bad weather.
• Arrive early — allow time for safety briefing and orientation.
• Respect boating rules and local environment — no littering, no reef damage, stay within allowed zones.

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How This Relates to Easy Inflatables’ Audience & Future Blogs

• Use these hire experiences as local case studies you can reference when promoting your own inflatable ranges (e.g. how families used a hire boat, then decided to buy an inflatable).
• Encourage readers to try out hire boats first, then choose their own Easy Inflatables model.
• You can also build content comparing “hire cost vs owning an inflatable boat over time” to highlight your value proposition.