GoBoat launches self-drive river cruises in Brisbane

A tourism entrepreneur has brought self-drive river tours to Brisbane after being inspired by the concept in Europe.

An exciting new river experience has arrived in Brisbane, and a licence to drive isn’t necessary.

People with no boating experience can hire and drive a low-powered electric GoBoat from Breakfast Creek or Kangaroo Point for up to three hours.

GoBoat CEO Nick Tyrrell said the idea for GoBoat stemmed from a similar boating experience he had on holiday in Europe.

“It was the highlight of my trip, to be able to go on a boat and not need a licence; you’re free to explore for a couple of hours and then you can go off to the pub after wards,” Mr Tyrrell said.

Tara Carroll and Tess Alexander aboard a GoBoat on the Brisbane River. Picture: Jerad Williams

“We make it super easy – most of our customers are first-time boaties so we make it really simple for them to go out and enjoy the water.”

The experience is all about the food and drinks, with a round a picnic table featured in the middle of the boat.

Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct ambassador Tess Alexander said the private picnic boating experience was phenomenal.

“It’s really fun… the best thing is you don’t need any experience you can drive the boat they just give you a quick tutorial,” Ms Alexander said.

Having gone twice before Ms Alexander said she really enjoyed seeing the city from different view points on the water.

GoBoat and other operators such as Duffy’s Down Under offer a similar experience on the Gold Coast.

Tess Alexander and Tara Carroll enjoy a picnic on the Brisbane River aboard a GoBoat. Picture: Jerad Williams