Small-boat freedom on Townsville’s waterways: a four-person Polycraft for full-day or multi-day exploration

JENSEN BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE

Small-boat freedom on Townsville’s waterways: a four-person Polycraft for full-day or multi-day exploration

Hire a 4.55m Polycraft with a 60hp Yamaha outboard — fully equipped with safety kit, GPS and depth sounder — and choose launch-and-retrieve for convenience.

See guide details

Small-boat freedom on Townsville’s waterways: a four-person Polycraft for full-day or multi-day exploration.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Jensen
Operator
Townsville Boat Hire
Category
Boat Rental

Adventure brief

Small-boat freedom on Townsville’s waterways: a four-person Polycraft for full-day or multi-day exploration

Explore Townsville’s sheltered waterways aboard a compact, well-equipped 4.55m Polycraft: a side-console boat fitted with a 60hp Yamaha outboard, canopy and the onboard electronics you need for confident navigation. The hire is offered for full-day or multi-day bookings and is optimised for small parties of up to four people, with launch-and-retrieve available for set ramps around Townsville.

Townsville, Queensland, stands out as a premier destination for water-based adventures along Australia’s northeast coast. Known for its vibrant marine life, expansive coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, Townsville offers an inviting playground for boaters and aquatic enthusiasts alike. With Townsville Boat Hire, visitors gain access to a highly flexible and well-equipped vessel, the 4.55-meter Polycraft powered by a 60hp Yamaha outboard. This setup provides the power and stability needed to explore the region’s most scenic spots, from coral gardens to secluded beaches.

This boat is perfect for family outings, fishing trips, or simply cruising local waterways. The boat accommodates up to four people, making it ideal for small groups seeking custom exploration. Safety is a top priority, as the vessel comes with all necessary gear, GPS, and a depth sounder. These features ensure confidence navigating nearby islands or uncovering hidden coves that are otherwise accessible only by boat. The flexible rental options—whether for a full day or multiple days—allow adventurers to plan as much or as little time on the water as they like.

Townsville’s waters are renowned for their diverse ecosystems, including lively coral reefs, mangrove-lined shorelines, and vibrant fish populations. The region is also steeped in local maritime history, with indigenous and settler stories woven into the waters’ cultural fabric. Boating here offers not just recreation but connection to the area’s rich coastal narrative. Whether you’re aiming for a relaxed day of sun and surf or planned fishing excursions, Townsville Boat Hire makes it straightforward to set sail on your terms.

In summary, this boat hire service provides a reliable, safe, and flexible way to uncover the best of Townsville’s aquatic environment, promising a memorable addition to your Australian adventure.

Route Schematic

Typical launch points and retrieval options

Choose a local ramp for launch and retrieval — each serves as a practical start or end point for exploring Townsville’s waterways.

  1. Ross Creek Boat Ramp – Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville City

    An operator-listed launch point available for booking when you select launch-and-retrieve service.

  2. South Townsville Boat Park – Fifth Avenue, South Townsville

    A central Townsville ramp option offered as part of the operator’s launch-and-retrieve choices.

  3. Stoney Creek Boat Ramp (Bohle River) – Marina Drive, Bushland Beach

    A northern ramp option on the operator’s list for convenient access to Bohle River and nearby waters.

Skippers must hold a valid boat licence and be over 21; a security deposit is held on release of the boat. Operator launch-and-retrieve is an optional paid service with scheduled retrieval unless otherwise advised.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BOAT

A compact, powerful Polycraft ready for day or multi-day use

This is a 4.55m Polycraft side-console powered by a 60hp 2-stroke Yamaha outboard, configured for up to four people and fitted with a canopy and all required safety kit for operations in partially smooth waters.

NAVIGATION & SAFETY

Electronics and safety included

Depth sounder, GPS and a marine radio are included with the hire, giving you the tools to navigate local channels and estuaries confidently while the operator provides the required safety gear.

LOGISTICS

Launch-and-retrieve options around Townsville

For added convenience you can book launch-and-retrieve service (an extra charge applies) with pick-up and retrieval offered at a selection of local ramps, simplifying access to Townsville’s waterways.

What the day feels like

What the outing feels like

A hire aboard this Polycraft is straightforward: reserve a full day or multiple days, step aboard a side-console boat with a 60hp Yamaha outboard, and head out with a canopy overhead and onboard electronics to guide you. The package includes required safety gear and navigation aids so small groups can run independent trips across Townsville’s sheltered waters.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this hire suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Small groups and familiesThe boat accommodates up to four people, making it a practical choice for small family outings or a group of friends who want a compact, self-driven experience.
2
Licensed skippersThis hire requires the skipper to hold a boat licence and to be over 21, so it’s best suited to travellers who meet those regulatory requirements.
3
Safety-conscious operatorsThe operator supplies all safety gear and holds the vessel to registration standards for partially smooth waters, appealing to those who prioritise onboard safety equipment and navigation aids.
4
Deposit-dependent travellersA $300 security deposit is held upon release of the boat, so travellers who cannot meet that hold or prefer no-deposit options should consider alternatives.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What’s included

The hire comes with safety gear, a canopy, depth sounder, GPS and a marine radio as standard equipment on the vessel.

Vessel specifications

The boat is a 4.55m Polycraft side-console fitted with a 60hp 2-stroke Yamaha outboard and is registered for operations in partially smooth waters.

Timing & retrieval

If you book launch-and-retrieve there is an additional charge and the operator’s standard retrieval is at 4:30pm unless you advise otherwise.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Is a boat licence required to hire this vessel?

Yes — a boat licence is required; the skipper must hold a valid licence to operate the hire.

How many people can the boat carry?

The Polycraft has a 4-person capacity.

Are electronics and safety gear provided?

Yes — the hire includes safety gear, a depth sounder, GPS and a marine radio, plus a canopy.

Is there an age restriction for the skipper?

Yes — the skipper must be over 21 years of age.

Is there a security deposit and are there additional launch fees?

A $300 security deposit is held upon releasing the boat. Launch-and-retrieve is available for an additional fee if you choose that service.

What are the launch-and-retrieve locations?

Operator-listed launch-and-retrieve options include Ross Creek Boat Ramp (Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville City), South Townsville Boat Park (Fifth Avenue, South Townsville) and Stoney Creek Boat Ramp (Marina Drive, Bushland Beach).

When will the operator retrieve the boat if I choose that service?

If you book launch-and-retrieve, the operator will retrieve the boat at 4:30pm unless you advise otherwise.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-08-27T22:43:34.414Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

Small-boat freedom on Townsville’s waterways: a four-person Polycraft for full-day or multi-day exploration