European-style picnic boats launch on the Gold Coast

From Stockholm to the shores of the Gold Coast there’s a new attraction in town - self-piloted electric hire boats. See more.

From Stockholm to the shores of the Gold Coast there’s a new attraction in town - self-piloted electric hire boats.

GoBoat is designed to open the waterways up to everyone - including people without boat licences - according to owner and managing director Nick Tyrrell.

Australian-made electric boating innovator GoBoat has launched its sixth Australian location on the Gold Coast, Owner and Managing Director of GoBoat, Nick Tyrrell. Picture: David Clark

Mr Tyrrell came across what he calls a sustainable boating experience in Sweden.

“I was blown away you could hire a boat without a boat licence – I got home and thought that’s something we need to do here,” he said.

“It’s a European-style picnic boat – they travel around a speed of six to eight kilometres an hour and seat up to eight.”

Australian-made electric boating innovator GoBoat has launched its sixth Australian location on the Gold Coast, Owner and Managing Director of GoBoat, Nick Tyrrell. Picture: David Clark

The GoBoat website says no licence is needed and it has served 280,000 customers since launching in Canberra in 2017.

“Being electric they make no noise so it’s more about the journey rather than the destination while showcasing sustainable boating.”

The boats have electric motors, are made from recycled materials with the picnic tables built from recycled parts sourced from Northern NSW.

It launches at Isle of Capri on Friday making the Gold Coast the sixth Australian city to have it.

Australian-made electric boating innovator GoBoat has launched its sixth Australian location on the Gold Coast, Owner and Managing Director of GoBoat, Nick Tyrrell and Krystal Petkovic. Picture: David Clark

Mr Tyrrell said GoBoat has 70 boats in eastern state cities with the tourism boom offering increased incentive to bring it to the Gold Coast.

“Tourism is opening up and so many people from international markets have requested the Gold Coast when they’ve visited our other locations,” Mr Tyrrell said. “With international flights and inbound tourists coming back, we’re very pleased to say we’re finally here.

“We‘re not only selling our product but selling the Gold Coast as a destination.”