Changes for boating on the Noosa River

We have introduced the Noosa River Waterway 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 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

Please note: Vessels under 5 metres 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 Waterway Management Plan staged approach

Stages 1 to 4 of the Noosa River Waterway Management Plan have been completed with Stage 5 set to commence from 31 May 2025. Information on completed and upcoming stages can be found below.

Stage 1: On 8 September 2023, a 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: Commencing on 31 May 2025

From 31 May 2025, the following ‘no anchoring zones’ for vessels over 5m in length will be 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 7.5 metres long can still anchor near the shore of the Noosa River for up to 2 hours a day. This applies to Woods Bay, ‘’Dog Beach’, and Little Woods Bay (Noosa Sound).

S14sc-54-1 shows the restricted anchoring areas for the Noosa River.

Stage 6: Commencing on 1 October 2025

Scheduled to commence on 1 October 2025, vessels over 5m will be limited to anchoring for no more than 28 days, per financial year, in the busiest lower section of the Noosa River.

This will apply to:

• ­All waters downstream of the southern entrance of Lake Cooroibah including Lake Doonella, Lake Weyba and Wooroi, Eenie, Keyser and Weyba Creeks.

S14sc-55-1 shows the restricted anchoring areas for the Noosa River.

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 5 metres will still be able to anchor in the area without restrictions, provided they are also 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 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.

I have my boat anchored in that area, 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 non-restricted areas in the waterway as long as they follow safety protocols. These include anchoring outside of navigation corridors, maintaining a distance of at least 30 metres from and infrastructure and displaying an anchor light.

For vessels anchored in the lower reach of the Noosa River, after October 2025 it will be necessary to re-locate your vessel from the Noosa River, or safely anchor upstream of the southern entrance of Lake Cooroibah.

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 the 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 limiting the anchoring of vessels in the very busiest lower reach of the Noosa River to 28 days each financial year, the 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 to allow people to make alternative arrangements for securing their vessels.

Is Stage 6 the final stage?

No. There will be more stages of the Noosa River Management Plan progressively rolled out after the completion of Stage 6.

MSQ is fully committed to implementing the Noosa River Management Plan to the entire Noosa River system and its tributaries, 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.

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.