Lower Speed limit on Gold Coast waterways for the Australia Day long weekend

/in /by

Historically for one of the busiest days of the year on the water, Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) will again introduce a 6 knots speed limit on the Broadwater near Wave Break Island to enhance marine safety.

The speed limit will come into effect at 12:01am on Saturday 25 January 2025 and will end at midnight on Monday 27 January 2025.

GCWA will establish a series of yellow buoys with speed signs to mark the area of the 6 knots speed zone on The Broadwater near Wave Break Island.

A map of this area, along with other speed limit maps for Gold Coast waterways can be found here.

The Advice to Mariners, published by Maritime Safety Queensland can be found here.

Additionally, GCWA has placed information signs at all nearby public boat ramps that show a map of the speed zone to remind people of the lower speed limit.

In previous years the 6 knots speed limit has been an effective measure for ensuring greater marine safety during the period of very high levels of water traffic.

Maritime Safety Queensland, Gold Coast Water Police, and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will be actively patrolling the Broadwater to ensure the waterways remain safe and accessible.

Any damaged or missing aids to navigation such as beacons, buoys, markers or signs, should be reported as soon as possible on
07 5539 7350

For community engagement, communications or media enquiries please contact mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au

Need Assistance?

Who’s Who in the Blue

Who’s Who in the Blue explains who is responsible for managing, protecting and regulating Queensland’s waterways, particularly on the Gold Coast.

It clarifies agency roles across safety, environmental protection, pollution response, compliance and infrastructure, helping avoid confusion and duplication.

Overall, it’s a quick reference guide that supports coordination, accountability and effective waterway stewardship.

https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Whos-Who-in-the-Blue-v4-004.pdf

Access, Management & Destinations

  • Access & Management

    Information on Anchoring & Mooring, Boating, Dredging, Operations Team & Tidal Works

    Learn More

  • Our Destinations

    GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.

    Learn More

Acknowledgement of Country

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians, the Yugambeh peoples of South East Queensland, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra, Bullongin and other clans, and their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their unique and ongoing spiritual and cultural connection with the land and waters of the Gold Coast area.

Doug Jennings Park Revitalisation and Marine Stadium Foreshore SurroundsGold Coast waterways management planning including Spit Master Plan