Speed limits

Maximum speed limits apply in boating areas throughout Queensland. There are penalties and on–the–spot fines for exceeding a speed limit. For safety reasons, it may also be necessary to stay well below these limits depending on the conditions at the time, for example, bad weather.

Speed limits in Queensland

There are two kinds of speed limits for Queensland waters.

Fixed Speed Limits

Fixed speed limits apply to specific areas. They are given effect by gazette notice and indicated by official speed signs (for example, 6 knots, 30 knots or 40 knots)

Check the Schedule of Speed Limits in Queensland for more information on the fixed speed limits in your area.

We review proposals for introducing or revising fixed speed limits, which can include public consultations. Visit the fixed speed limits page to find out more or respond to any live consultations.

Note: the Gold Coast Waterways Authority is responsible for fixed speed limits in Gold Coast waterways.

• Gold Coast Waterways Authority areas of responsibility 
• Gold Coast Waterways Authority speed limit information. 

“Distance-off” speed limits

Other marine speed limits are set within a “distance off” from the shore, or other things in the water, and a speed limit of 6 knots applies:

• within 30m of:
  • a person in the water
  • a boat at anchor, moored, made fast to the shore or aground
  • a jetty, wharf, boat ramp or pontoon in or on the waters
• in boat harbours, marina and canals.

“Distance off” speed limits are operational and apply throughout Queensland waterways, whether there are speed limit signs in the area, or not.

Person watercraft (jet skis)

Different rules for speed and distance apply to personal watercraft (jet skis). Check the rules for personal watercraft for information about speed limit restrictions for personal watercraft on the water.

Safety Tips

Even at slow speeds your boat will create a wash, so always keep an eye out behind at your wash and be aware of the impacts this can have on the other boats, people in the water or the shore. Travelling at the speed shown on a speed restriction sign does not guarantee you are not creating excessive wash.

When navigating near, in or through a mooring area, drive slowly, keep wash to a minimum and maintain a lookout for people in the water, small dinghies and trailing ropes.

Before boating in unfamiliar areas, find out if there are any speed limit restrictions. Contact a Maritime Safety Queensland regional office, local authorities or marine parks and obey speed restrictions signs.