Changes for boating on the Noosa River

We have introduced the Noosa River Management Plan to make the river safer and more accessible for all waterway users. This plan is being rolled out in stages and has already implemented key zoning changes, including speed limits and anchoring restrictions. These measures are part of a broader effort to reduce congestion, ensure fair access for everyone, and preserve the health of the river's ecosystem.

Community feedback has been central to shaping the plan. Maritime Safety Queensland has actively listened to the Noosa community and made targeted adjustments based on extensive consultation with local residents and stakeholders. The result is a plan that reflects community values and works toward a cleaner, safer, and more accessible waterway for everyone.

The Noosa River Management Plan aims to:

• Reduce congestion and improve safety on the river
• Ensure fair access for all waterway users
• Minimise the environmental impact of vessel activity

Please note: Vessels under 5m in length are not affected by the recent changes. These smaller boats can continue to anchor in the area, as long as they do so safely and without obstructing other river users.

The Noosa River Management Plan staged approach

Maritime Safety Queensland has announced a significant update to the Noosa River Management Plan. With Stages 1 to 5 now completed, the previously planned stages 6 and 7 anchoring restrictions will be combined into a single final stage (Stage 6). The decision reflects our commitment to the long term management of boating in Noosa River. Information on the completed and upcoming final stage can be found below.

Stage 1: On 8 September 2023, a 6 knots speed limits area was introduced:

• within 60m of the southern shore of Noosa River from the entrance to Lake Doonella to Noosa Sound
• across Noosa Sound and up to Woods Bay
• the 'Dog Beach' area, south of the river entrance.

Stage 2: From April 2024 vessel owners were issued with ‘notices to comply' for unseaworthy vessels or not following marine safety and pollution standards.

Stage 3: From May 2024 vessels assessed as derelict or abandoned were required to be removed from the Noosa River.

Stage 4: ‘No anchoring zones’ for the Noosa River were rolled out:

• ­from 15 July 2024, vessels over 5m in length cannot anchor within 60m of the southern shore or be grounded on the shoreline between Lake Doonella and the Garth Prowd Bridge
• ­from 5 October 2024, a 6 month trial was introduced to allow vessels between 5m and 7.5m to anchor on or near the southern shore of the Noosa River, for up to two hours per day, as long as they anchored safely and responsibly, and considered the impact on other river users in the area
• ­from 24 February 2025, vessels over 5m in length cannot anchor within the Woods Bay and ‘Dog Beach’ areas of the Noosa River
• ­from 24 March 2025, vessels over 5m in length cannot anchor in the Noosa Sound area, also known as Little Woods Bay.

Stage 5: Commenced on 31 May 2025

From 31 May 2025, the following ‘no anchoring zones’ for vessels over 5m in length were implemented:

• within 30m of the northern shore of the Noosa River (high water mark or nearest mangroves), from the coastal bar to the southern entrance of Lake Cooroibah including within 30m of Goat and Bobbi Islands
• ­within 30m of the southern shore of the Noosa River (high water mark or nearest mangroves), from Lake Doonella to Lake Cooroibah including Wooroi Creek, and within 30m of Makepeace and Sheep Islands.

Note: Vessels between 5 and 7.5m long can still anchor near the shore of the Noosa River for up to 2 hours a day. This applies to within the 60m and 30m restricted anchoring areas, including Woods Bay, ‘Dog Beach’, and Little Woods Bay (Noosa Sound).

Restricted anchoring areas (S14sc-54-1) shows Stage 4 and Stage 5 restricted anchoring zones in the Noosa River.

Stage 6: Commenced on 1 January 2026

From 1 January 2026, vessels over 5m are limited to anchoring for no more than 28 days per financial year.

This will apply to:

• the Noosa River and adjoining waters, including Noosa River, Noosa Sound, Lake Cooroibah, Lake Cootharabah, Lake Doonella, Lake Weyba, the Everglades and connected creeks.

Note: The Stage 4 and Stage 5 restricted anchoring areas (S14sc-54-1) will remain in place.

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) regarding the Noosa River Waterway Management Plan reforms?

MSQ, as the state’s maritime regulator, is responsible for protecting Queensland waterways and the people who use them by improving and responding to maritime safety and marine pollution incidents and providing essential services such as aids to navigation.

Following extensive stakeholder and community consultation, MSQ is delivering the Noosa River Waterway Management Plan to address safety, amenity and environmental issues resulting from vessel congestion in the Noosa River.

Why has MSQ implemented anchoring restrictions in Noosa River?

The Noosa River Waterway Management Plan aims to:

• reduce congestion and improve safety on the river
• ensure fair access for all waterway users
• minimise the environmental impact of vessel activity.

Can vessels under 5m access the shore?

Yes, vessels under 5m will still be able to access shorelines and anchor in the area without restrictions, provided they are anchored safely and do not obstruct other river users.

Can I beach my 5m+ vessel near the boat ramp while I park or retrieve my car?

MSQ understands that trailer parking is sometimes limited. In these situations, short-term beaching or anchoring near the boat ramp is allowed, as long as it is done safely and only for the time needed to complete the task.

Can I fish at anchor on a vessel 5m+ within the river area?

Yes, as long as you are genuinely actively fishing and not causing a safety, amenity or pollution issue for other waterway users.

Can I rig up my 5m+ sailing boat or have my larger passive craft, such as a kayak, temporarily on the beach?

Yes, for a period of up to 2 hours a day. Enforcement officers will apply common sense and assess the location and size of your vessel, impact on other river users, activity in the area and time spent.

How does the 28 day anchoring restriction apply?

It is intended that a vessel can come or go in the waterway unrestricted, but if anchoring, must only do so for a maximum of 28 days in prescribed areas. The vessel does not have to stay within the waterway for all 28 days but must not stay for longer than 28 days within a financial year period. Once a vessel has used its 28 days at anchor, it may not return until the following financial year.

I have my boat anchored in the Noosa River, where can I move to?

The Noosa River Waterway Management Plan has been structured to ensure sustainable use and enjoyment of this beautiful natural resource. Boat owners can anchor their vessels in the waterway as long as they abide by the anchoring restrictions and follow safety protocols. These include anchoring outside of navigation corridors, maintaining a distance of at least 30m from infrastructure and displaying an anchor light.

All vessels over 5m in length anchored in the Noosa River and its adjoining waters after 1 January 2026 will be required to leave the Noosa River after 28 days. 

Why is MSQ introducing a 28-day anchoring restriction?

The congestion caused by long term anchored vessels has led to increased safety risks for all users of the Noosa River. Drifting boats, narrower navigation corridors and increased interaction between powered vessels and passive activities prompted MSQ to act. The Noosa River Waterway Management Plan was developed as a result of an extensive public consultation process. By applying anchoring restrictions, river congestion and associated safety impacts can be managed more effectively.

MSQ recognises the significant changes to the management of the waterway and has structured the implementation in stages over an extended period of time to allow people to make alternative arrangements for securing their vessels.

Is Stage 6 the final stage?

Yes.

MSQ is fully committed to implementing the Noosa River Management Plan to the entire Noosa River and its adjoining waters, as was endorsed through extensive community and stakeholder consultation since 2021. The Plan is being rolled out in stages to allow vessel owners time to understand and comply with the new rules.

Why did the Stage 6 anchoring restriction change from 1 October 2025?

Following community feedback and concerns Stages 6 and 7 have been combined to create one final stage and to establish one clear set of rules across the whole river system. This avoids vessels being displaced into environmentally sensitive areas upstream and provides owners with more time to prepare.

I am considering buying a boat advertised on the Noosa River?

As with any vessel purchases in Queensland, MSQ highly recommends potential buyers of vessels conduct due diligence. Factor in the potential relocation cost, including land transport for vessels not designed to leave the Noosa River by sea. Unless very specific limited circumstances are met, authorised buoy moorings are not necessarily transferable, even with the purchase of a vessel on an existing mooring.

Are boats still able to secure alongside private jetties?

Yes, boats secured to private jetties are not considered anchored and are therefore not subject to the anchoring restrictions while moored. However, these vessels are still subject to the 28-day restriction for overnight anchoring within the river if they are away from the private jetty.

Are boats able to continue existing mooring tenure at commercial marinas?

Yes, boats moored at commercial marinas are not subject to anchoring restrictions while moored at the facility.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

There are only very limited exceptions. Certain commercial vessels, such as commercial houseboats and dredge operators, will be permitted to continue operating under strict conditions, which are closely aligned to the intent of the Noosa River Plan rules.

What will be done should boats remain in the restricted anchoring area and disregard the new regulations?

Vessel owners are responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations. Compliance measures may include education, fines, and, if necessary, the removal and disposal of non-compliant vessels. The costs associated with removal and disposal will be the responsibility of the vessel owner.

Is it the expectation that all anchored vessels over 5m, including houseboats and vessels, are relocated from Noosa River after 28 days?

Yes. The long-term storage of vessels at anchor on the Noosa River will no longer be permitted.

Vessel owners will be required to remove their vessels form the Noosa River to an alternate location.

Options may include:

• a marina berth or buoy mooring in a different location
• re-locate to an area that does allow anchoring
• commercial storage options, such as dry storage on land (commercial or private storage options, such as for caravans or similar)
• leasing space on a private jetty or pontoon.

All vessels that remain or are used on the river must be maintained in a seaworthy condition, and compliance action will be taken if a vessel is deemed unsafe or poses a pollution risk.

Some vessels may not be designed to exit the river via sea, or their owners may not feel confident doing so. In such cases, land transport is a viable alternative. Specialist advice from a transportation company is recommended to relocate the vessel by road, ensuring all necessary permits are obtained.

Where can vessels be expected to relocate, including somewhere else that’s free?

We acknowledge this represents a significant change in vessel management for a Queensland waterway. However, it aligns with similar restrictions in other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales and Victoria, particularly in popular and heavily utilised waterways.

Long-term anchoring is not a sustainable storage solution for vessels. Vessel owners should explore options such as applying for buoy moorings in available areas or securing space at marinas.

While long-term anchoring on the Noosa River will no longer be permitted, boats may still anchor safely in the river for up to 28 days per financial year during periods of high personal use. During periods of low usage, vessels must be stored appropriately or removed from the river.

Who will enforce the new regulations?

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) will be responsible for enforcing these regulations.

Are there any plans for new boating infrastructure for Noosa River?

Funding of $2.5 million to provide upgrades for boating infrastructure has been announced by the Crisafulli Government. MSQ is collaborating with the Noosa Council to finalise plans for these improvements.

Do you propose a grace period for adherence, and if so, for how long?

The anchoring reforms for the Noosa River were developed following a consultation process that began in 2021. The staged implementation of the Noosa River Plan commenced in September 2023 and anchoring restrictions commenced in July 2024, providing an extended period for stakeholders to prepare for the changes.

In late September 2025, it was announced that Stage 6 and Stage 7 of the Noosa River Plan would be combined to create one clear rule across the whole river system. The commencement date of 1 January 2026 for the 28-day anchoring restriction provided more time for owners to prepare.

While there is no additional grace period, MSQ has consistently advised vessel owners with special circumstances to contact our office to discuss their situation and explore options to ensure compliance with the changes.

I have applied for a living onboard permit, will I be exempt?

No. Living onboard permits do not authorise anchoring for longer than 28 days in a financial year for Noosa River and adjoining waters.

What if I have special circumstances?

Contact your local MSQ Marine office at Noosa on [email protected] or 5373 2310 to discuss the matter. Applications will be considered on a case–by–case basis.

Visit the Restricted areas page for further details.