Tour overview
Manly Harbour Village is the closestlocation to the Brisbane Central Business District forreaching Moreton Bay and is partof the Southern Moreton Bay Tourist Drive.
Craftunforgettablemoments and uncoverconcealedtreasures in this stunning Queensland travelspot.
Manly Harbour Village offers numerous dining and drinking options, charmingshops to explore, as well as opportunities for sailing and cruising adventures, beautifulseaside parks, and wonderful waterfront strolls.
Discover a peaceful café or rent a scooter bike; treat yourself at our weekly craft fairs, or take lessons in kayaking or windsurfing.
You can populate your calendar with events and activities atManly Harbour Village. Come and explore—unwind, as it’s all about easing the tempo and fully enjoying our beautiful spot, just under 30 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
Additional amenities consist of a round-the-clock Gym, Day Spa, Healthcare Centre, Swimming Pool, and Visitor Information Centre. Nearby lodging options available.
🌊 Tours & Activities from Manly Harbour Village
1. St Helena Island Day Tour (Cat O’ Nine Tails Cruises)
Itinerary / What You’ll Do:
- Depart from William Gunn Jetty, Manly early in the morning (9:15 am on weekdays; 10:00 am on weekends and public holidays).
- Boat crossing to St Helena Island (~30 minutes).
- On arrival, take a guided historical walking tour — exploring the ruins of the old prison settlement: cell blocks, hospital, superintendent’s house, bakehouse, etc.
- Performances by the St Helena Theatre Troupe, who retell history through drama, storytelling, and songs.
- Free time to explore certain unrestricted zones, picnic, enjoy views, perhaps a walk around the island fringes.
- Return to Manly later afternoon.
Duration:
- Approximately 5 hours
Price:
- Adult: AU$84
- Child: AU$45 (includes light lunch)
Group Size & Meeting Points:
- Departs from William Gunn Jetty, Manly.
- Uses a 130-seat catamaran called the Cat O’ Nine Tails.
- Likely public group sizes (not private unless pre-arranged). Since the boat is large (130 seats), it can accommodate large groups, though tours may split people.
What’s Included:
- Boat transport to and from the island.
- Guided historical tour, including drama performance by the theatre troupe. Light lunch.
- Interpretative storytelling, historic ruins access (restricted zones guided).
What Makes This Tour Unique:
- Combines history + performance (Theatre Troupe) rather than just a walk or ruins viewing.
- Close to Brisbane yet island feel. 30-minute peaceful crossing rather than long travel.
- Focus on heritage and nature; suitable for those interested in colonial history, architecture, social narratives.
- Accessible & well-structured: good for families, school groups, history lovers.
2. Moreton Bay Discovery & Local Nature + “Weekend Cruising”
Itinerary / What You’ll Do (Cruise / Yacht-Charter Style):
- Depart from William Gunn Jetty, Manly Boat Harbour.
- Sail out to some of Moreton Bay’s islands (could include Peel Island, northern western islands, or other scenic anchorages).
- Onboard experiences: sailing, relaxing, enjoying sun and views, possibly anchoring for swimming or water-based recreation (depending on cruise style). Morning tea, drinks, and some meals included in multi-day style cruises.
- Overnight stay (if multi-day weekend cruise), or full-day experiences for 1-night / 2- night depending on package. Exploration of secluded bays, beach stops, sea and marine views.
Duration:
- Full weekend cruises: 2 days / 1 night or 3 days / 2 nights
- Also shorter day cruises or afternoon sails: 4 hours, half-day, etc.
Price:
- Weekend full-cruise (2 days / 1 night): AUD $3,900
- Long weekend (3 days / 2 nights): AUD $5,200
- Afternoon sail (private yacht charter, 4 hours): around AUD $1,590
Group Size:
- Weekend yacht cruises: up to 6 guests on Curlew Escape.
- Afternoon sails: up to 12 guests on some charters.
Meeting Points:
- William Gunn Jetty, Manly Boat Harbour is the main departure point.
- Boarding usually early morning for overnight cruises; afternoon boardings for half-day sails.
What Makes This Tour Unique:
- Yacht-style luxury, relaxing pace, opportunity to escape city life but remain close.
- Scenic cruising through Moreton Bay, with options for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling depending on package.
- Overnight or multi-day experiences allow space for stargazing, tranquil anchors, slower pace.
- Great for nature lovers, people who want both adventure and comfort.
3. Moreton Bay Classic — Race That Stops the Bay
Itinerary / What You’ll Do:
- Board at William Gunn Jetty, Manly early in the morning (around 7:30 am).
- Cruise among traditional timber cruisers participating in the “race,” enjoy scenic views of St Helena, Peel Island, and other islands.
- Anchor at a picturesque beach for lunch and leisure.
- Return by mid-afternoon (~2:30pm).
Duration:
- Approx 8 hours
Price:
- Adults: AU$90
- Children (4-14): AU$45
Group Size / Meeting Points:
- Departs from William Gunn Jetty / TMR Marina, Wyvernleigh Close, Manly.
- Vessel and space accommodate group passengers; likely public tour.
What’s Included:
- Cruise passage.
- Morning tea and sausage sizzle lunch onboard.
- Scenic island views and island-based exploration from the vessel (no heavy land-based walking).
What Makes This Tour Unique:
- Tied to a local maritime event (“Race That Stops the Bay”) — adds festive, community atmosphere.
- Good mix: maritime culture, cruising, social atmosphere, food.
- Scenic islands & waterways without needing to do strenuous activity — a relaxed but rich experience.
Included
- Boat cruise
- Snorkeling & swimming
- Marine wildlife spotting
- Life jackets / safety gear
- Guide
- Often BYO snorkel gear & water games
7:30 AM
Meet at Manly Harbour Village / William Gunn Jetty. Guests check in, guide introductions.
8:00 AM
Depart by boat or water taxi toward Moreton Bay. Possibly stop for a brief orientation (guide talks about marine life, history of bay).
9:30 AM
Arrive at snorkeling / swimming location (e.g. around the Tangalooma Wrecks, or a calm bay). Equipment provided, safety briefing, snorkel/swim time.
11:30 AM
Beach or island stop: Picnic lunch or light café on one of the Moreton Bay islands (weather permitting). Optional walk along shore.
1:30 PM
Cruise toward wildlife-rich areas: spotting dolphins, turtles, seabirds. Possibly stop for more photos, or a second short swim.
3:30 PM
Return boat trip toward Manly. Relax, enjoy scenic views of Brisbane skyline from the water.
4:30 PM
Disembark at Manly Harbour Village. Tour ends. Option to explore the Village—cafés, shops, waterfront walk.
