Aquatic Events

Aquatic Events

What is an aquatic event?

An aquatic event refers to any activity on the water organised by an individual or organisation, including power boat races, sailing regattas, swimming races, water skiing competitions, and fireworks displays.

Why hold an aquatic event on a Gold Coast waterway?

The Gold Coast waterways are ideal for holding aquatic events due to their favourable calm conditions, warm climate, water depth, and proximity to accommodation and main attractions around the Gold Coast.

Do I need permission for an aquatic event?

Where an aquatic event is likely to affect the normal operations of other boats or vessels in the area, then the person holding the event must first obtain consent to do so in the form of an aquatic event authority.

What is an aquatic event authority?

An aquatic event authority is a formal authority granted to a person to hold an aquatic event.

Where someone intends to hold an aquatic event, that person must first obtain consent from either the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) or Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ). GCWA and MSQ grant consent for the aquatic event through the aquatic event authority.

It is illegal to hold an aquatic event without appropriate consent. Please make sure you check MSQ’s website for restricted areas and speed limits, as well as GCWA’s website for speed limit maps.

You should also contact GCWA about the dates and locations for other aquatic events on the Gold Coast.

How do I apply for an aquatic event authority?

For an aquatic event wholly within Gold Coast waters, you must apply to GCWA.

If the location for an aquatic event includes waters outside of Gold Coast waters, then you must apply to MSQ.

Where GCWA decides to grant an authority for your aquatic event, then GCWA will issue the authority with conditions specific to the event to help ensure marine safety for all waterway users in or near the event area.

If you’re planning to have a fireworks display in your event, you must comply with all requirements for a local fire ban if such a ban has been imposed for the Gold Coast by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990.

Application process

To make an application to hold an aquatic event in Gold Coast waters you must:

  • Download our Aquatic Events Application Checklist to ensure you have all the required information before submitting your application.
  • Complete an Aquatic Event Authority Application form
  • Pay the prescribed fee for your aquatic event. The fee is usually adjusted each year in line with government indexation. Please contact GCWA on 07 5539 7350 to confirm the current fee. Payments can be made by mail or in person. Payment options are cash, cheque, money order, or EFTPOS (in person) by debit and credit card.
  • Provide sufficient information to help us to decide your application.

You can submit an application in person, via email to mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au, or by post to PO Box 107, Southport, Queensland 4215.

You must provide all information for your application. This could include a map that describes the location, a course, or floats and markers in the water.

GCWA can only consider an application for an aquatic event when you provide a completed application form, all supporting information, and payment of the prescribed fee.

Important

  • Low Risk events

    You must submit your application no less than 30 days prior to the proposed event (e.g., sailing or swimming races)

  • For High Risk events

    You must submit your application no less than 90 days prior to the proposed event (e.g., high speed events, such as water-skiing displays or jet ski and power boat races)

GCWA may refuse an application for an aquatic event if you don’t provide sufficient information to enable consideration of all marine safety aspects.

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.

Download Who’s Who in the Blue

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.

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

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
Multi-million-dollar project supports ongoing operations to keep Seaway safe...Events At Doug Jennings Park