Still have a few boats available for the Weekend. Get out amongst it while the sun is shining! Details
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3rd Jun 2010
WINTER WHALE WATCHING SEASON IS UNDERWAY Every year, humpback whales and southern right whales migrate along the NSW coastline. They head north throughout June and in the first week of July, and return southwards from around September to November. Other whales you may see include:*minke whale *blue whale *sei whale *fin whale *false killer whale *orca ("killer whale") *sperm whale *pygmy right whale *pygmy sperm whale *brydes whale
Migaloo Migaloo, a white male humpback, was first seen off the east coast of Australia in 1991, and has been sighted almost every year since. He makes the annual migration from Antarctica to the warmer oceans of the tropics along with others and offers whale watchers a unique experience.
Where can you go to see whales? During their northern migration, most whales come within 3 km of the NSW coast. The Boab Boat Hire vessels - Centrecab, Sportsrider & Kimberley are all allow outside of Sydney Harbour North Head and will get you to a perfect vantage point. Last winter several Boab Sydney Harbour customers were lucky enough to see the Humpbacks up close and personal.Late morning and early afternoon are reasonably good times of the day to whale watch from most vantage points, as the glare off the water doesn't make sighting the tell-tale "blow" too difficult to see. Early morning can also be a good time as the "blow" is often highlighted by the backlight of the morning sun. Boab boat hire can have you on the water at Sunrise earlier enough to get out to a good vantage point.
Approaching whales and dolphins in NSW
Vessel-based whale watching is popular in NSW. Unlike Hervey Bay in Queensland, where whales are resting with new-born calves, most humpback whales in NSW waters are actively migrating. Any disturbance by vessels has the potential to affect these animals.
Whales require 'personal space', and harassment may severely stress them - possibly causing accidents both for humans and whales if the whales feel threatened. Research has shown that whales are highly sensitive to engine noises. Whales are protected animals, and if you go out on the water, you should follow the regulations for whale watching. They've been designed to make whale watching enjoyable and safe, without interference to the whales.
23rd Mar 2010
School Holidays Where has time gone, the School Holidays are fast approaching. Only 1 more week to go before the kids are on there first break of 2010!! Now I don't want to be a jinx, but the long range forecast is actually predicting NO RAIN at all over the Easter long weekend and the first week of the school holidays. This is unusual for Easter! I can't remember this ever happening, but great news for anybody wanting to get out on the water. At this stage we still have a few spots free over the Easter long weekend if you are keen get in fast. Midweek school holiday availability is looking good at the moment.
Hope to see you on the water over the holidays
17th Feb 2010
See you at the ROSEHILL TRAILER BOAT SHOW
Come and see us at the Rosehill Boat show Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th March - 9am - 5pm. The show is on at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, James Ruse Drive, Rosehill. FREE ENTRY & FREE PARKING!! Come and have a look at our fleet of self drive hire boats that are available in Sydney Harbour, Pittwater, Hawkesbury, Port Hacking and many other locations Australia wide.
Australia Day would have to be one of the busiest days of the year on Sydney Harbour.There are many activities and opportunities for your vessel to be involved in. Visit www.australiaday.com.au for ideas and tips. When moving throughout the Harbour please observe the 6-knot "no wash" speed limit within 200 metres of the exclusion zone around Tall Ships, ferries and other key vessels. Each event has special traffic coordination arrangements. Follow the advice of authorities. There are plenty of quiet spots where you can take a break, and relax from the days activities on the Harbour. Rest Spots: Berry's Bay and Snails Bay to the west and Taylor's Bay and Athol Bay to the east. For details on accessing Sydney Harbour and Darling Harbour, visit www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
7th Dec 2009
KIMBERLEY BOAT NOW AVAILABLE FOR HIRE IN SYDNEY HARBOUR Boab Sydney Harbour has a new edition to the fleet. We are taking bookings now, several weekends still available. Get in fast to secure your preferred dates during the Summer School Holidays.
Kimberley - All Rounder * Overall Length: 5.10m * Boat Width: 2.18m * Total Weight Less Fuel: 1010kg * Engine Size: 75hp * State Passenger Capacity - NSW = 5 (adults) * 2 nautical miles off shore use permitted * Bait board * Ski Pole * Ipod Stereo * Colour Sounder * All Safety equipment to Survey requirements * Single axle Aluminium trailer BOAT LICENCE REQUIRED
16th Nov 2009
Sydney Harbour Fishing Report - Nov 2009 Kingfish around the 80cm mark have arrived in their plenty in Sydney Harbour. They are biting on flies and live bait around the structure and between the Harbour Bridge and Fort Denison.
Zucchini and coriander salad 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 lime, rind finely grated, juiced Sea salt 6 baby zucchini, trimmed 1/2 cup coriander leaves
More details on www.masterchef.com.au
18th Oct 2009
BOAB SYDNEY HARBOUR - HOME RAMP CLOSED 19th OCT - 18th DEC Council will be commencing construction of the new Taplin Park boat ramp facility in Drummoyne on Monday 19th October 2009. The work being undertaken will include extensions to the existing Taplin Park ramp and the installation of an on-ramp pontoon. These improved facilities will make it easier to launch and retrieve trailer boats and certainly make it more user friendly especially at extremely low tides. The new ramp will provide one lane on the north side of the pontoon and two lanes on the southern side.
BOAB BOAT HIRE - SYDNEY HARBOUR will be required to use the alternate ramp at BAYVIEW PARK; BURWOOD ROAD, CONCORD for it's walk on walk off service. Customer who choose to tow the boat will need to use Bayview Park Concord; Cabarita Park, cabarita; Blaxland road, Rhodes; and Bennelong Park, Putney
5th Sep 2009
WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
We want you to make the most of your time on Sydney Harbour. To enjoy your experience with Boab self drive boats we have complied some useful information and ideas to see and do on the Harbour:
Where to Eat? Sightseeing? Swimming guide? Water Sport's? Fishing? Bait & Tackle?
Click on the Drummoyne / Sydney Harbour Extra's tab to view
5th Sep 2009
Google Maps Follow below link to access Boab Boat Hire - Sydney Harbour map. Showing tips on where to play next time you hire our self drive boats
20th Aug 2009
Feedback Forms We would like to thank all of our customers whom have sent back the Boab Feedback forms. Your comments are much appreciated. We have received some useful suggestions for the future.
Kind Regards Sean & Alyson Scroggie
17th Aug 2009
FISHING REPORT SYDNEY HARBOUR, NSW Well can personally report that the Fishing on the weekend was great. Caught my first shark outside the heads from the Sydney Harbour Sportsrider, she would have been at least a 1 1/2 metre. Let her go back for somebody else to catch, but came home with a good assortment of nice sized Snapper, Trevally and Leather Jacket.
What a great day out. Self drive, fishing Boat Hire on Sydney Harbour. Catch your very own Shark!!!!
Sean from Boab Sydney Harbour
28th Jul 2009
WHAT A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY What a great experience for you and your children. Cruising one of the best Harbours in the world, right here in Sydney, Australia. Either tow and launch the boat yourself or book our walk on walk off service, where we meet you at Drummoyne boat ramp and launch and retrieve the boat for you. You don't even get your feet wet!! On arrival we give you and the family a briefing on how to operate the boat, even delegating if you like a few easy jobs to get the kids involved. Next we show you where the safety equipment is and get the kids into their life jackets, then you are off. Drummoyne boat ramp gives you quick access to Sydney Harbour. Spend the morning cruising out under the Harbour Bridge and past the Opera House. Head into Middle Harbour for some fun watersports and a spot of lunch or get a line wet out at North Head. On your way back you could pull up to one of the many sandy beaches in the harbour for a spot of beach cricket. Don't forget to stop into the Sydney Fish Markets before you get back to Drummoyne for some fresh prawns for dinner. What better way to spend a weekend or holiday driving yourself around Sydney Harbour on one of our Boab Boats.
20th Jun 2009
St George Business Mentor Program Boab Boat Hire Sydney Harbour have been named Top 10 winners from over 500 applicants in the 2009 St George Small Business awards.
9th Jun 2009
TUNA TIME!! The cold water Fish are here.... Book now to get amongst the Tuna. The Centrecab will get you to where you need to be. Who says boating in winter isn't fun!!
9th Jun 2009
Whales off Sydney Harbour Over the June long weekend two of our customers had a fantastic experience when they saw a pod of whales. They were just outside the heads first thing in the morning and they saw one whale having a play! A few hours later, about 2 mile out, they were lucky enough to spot another pod of 4 whales having a great time. The Sydney Marine life is certainly alive and well. Who said boating in winter isn't fun!!
4th May 2009
Catch of the Day!! The allusive Kingys still to be caught inside the Heads. This weekend Marcas and his Dad had their first Kingy tussle off Clifton Gardens. They came up trumphs 20 minutes later!! Nice work boys....
11th Mar 2009
FISHING REPORT SYDNEY HARBOUR - March 09 KINGFISH have moved as far upstream as Abbotsford chasing bait fish and can be caught even by land-based anglers at Battersea Park using Hawkesbury prawns. BREAM to 45cm are biting on pilchards off the old Gladesville Bridge. Look for KINGIES to 66cm at Greenwich or try for TREVALLY to 1.8kg with Hawkesbury prawns at Clifton Gardens. A 40kg YELLOWFIN TUNA was caught at a 28c temperature break offshore and there is some hot water moving down the coast outside at the Shelf which is expected to bring some MARLIN with it.
20th Feb 2009
Boab Pirate Boat Boab Boat Hire were proudly involved with a Starlight Foundation - Pirate & Ferries day held on Shark Island. The weather turned out to be fantastic and all the kids and families had a wonderful day. One of the highlights for them was being escorted from Darling Harbour by the Sydney Water Police.
26th Jan 2009
"Protecting our right to Fish" An interesting article by local boy Alistair McGlashan on protecting our right to Fish. A must read for all you keen anglers
5th Dec 2008
FISHING REPORT SYDNEY HARBOUR Sydney Harbour had schools of salmon and tailor working inside the heads with small metal whitebait lures or saltwater flies cast to the feeding fish proving successful or trolling deep diving minnows working well for the tailor. Kingfish have started to hold up under the buoys and are also cruising up Middle Harbour. Most activity has occurred near the Spit Bridge , with fresh strips of squid or live yellowtail suspended off the bottom picking up the fish. Early mornings are best and quite often it’s a waiting game until the kingies go past and hit the bait. Some guys have had to drop down in line class in order to tempt the fish. Thankfully, most have been well over legal size, a good sign this early in the season. The squid are starting to appear in greater numbers, while a report from one of the charter skippers that schools of slimey mackeral have shown up in the harbour . The flathead and flounder are being picked up around Balmoral and North Harbour, and a jewfish of 19 kilos was caught near Roseville Bridge.
November is one of the best months for cathing Jewfish in Sydney Harbour. They aren't necessarily big fish, but you find plenty of 5-6 kg schoolies around The Heads. Harbour higlights also include Kingfish in Middle Harbour and Goat Island, plenty of Tailor in Port Jackson, Flathead over the flats in North Harbour and Balmoral, and Whiting. November is one of the best fishing months, take advantage of the mornings, and you'll catch plenty!
23rd Oct 2008
FISHING REPORT SYDNEY HARBOUR Kingfish can be found in Sydney Harbour around the Harbour Bridge and at Goat Island on soft plastics and small lures along with some Salmon and Tailor. Blackfish are thick in the harbour around Sow and Pigs reef and in front of Middle Harbour.
20th Oct 2008
SPORTSRIDER HAS ARRIVED!! So the long awaited day arrived. We took our brand new Sportsrider for a test drive on the weekend, and she is a beauty!! We had 4 adults and the kids and put the wine holders and front lounges to good use. Had a quick ski and then a spot of lunch at the Fish markets. Great day out!! We are very happy with the work from the Amara boat boys. So if you want to have a great day out on Sydney Harbour give us a call, bookings available now from ONLY $295.00 for self drive boat hire.
17th Oct 2008
Need a lift? Sydney Harbour now offering door to door service Staying in a motel or hotel in Sydney without a car. We are happy to come and pick you up in the morning and drop you back after your day on the water. Please advise Head Ofiice when you call regarding your booking.
28th Sep 2008
TAKING BOOKINGS FOR THE SPORTSRIDER NOW - DUE MID-OCTOBER!! The newest addition to the Sydney Harbour fleet is only a few weeks off. We have had plenty of interest for this boat as it is the perfect family boat for cruising the harbour, great for watersport enthusiasts and couples planning a romantic getaway. Unlike traditional boat hire operations, Boab offers customers the choice of having a boat ready and waiting at their preferred boat ramp, or collecting the boat from our Canada Bay base and towing it to any destination for a day, a weekend, a week or longer. What better way to spend the school holidays camping and boating at your favourite location. So why not Book today and avoid disappointment in the coming months and Christmas holidays.
28th Aug 2008
Sydney Harbour Fishing Report Kingfish are taking pilchards and blue metal lures off the rock faces of Sydney Heads. Berley up with cubed pilchards for Trevally at Sow and Pigs reef or fish Blues Point and Balls Head with worms and prawns for bream and leatherjackets. Mulloway are keen on fresh squid on the run-up tide at Abbotsford on the Parramatta River and live yabbies and prawns are landing for bream at Cockatoo Island. 28/08/08
13th May 2008
South Head Roughwater Swim
Mother's Day saw the annual South Head Roughwater swim. A 10km ocean swim starting from North Bondi Beach heading north around to South Head then into Sydney Harbour finishing at the Vaucluse Yacht Club in Watsons Bay. Laurence from Terrigal hired the Centrecab to head out for the day as a spectator and to support his young nephew. All I can say is, swimming 10km through the heads, now that's brave!!
4th May 2008
Upgrading Local Boat Ramps Local MP and the minister for Ports and Waterways recently presented a cheque to Canada Bay Council for improvements to 3 local boat ramps and pontoons. $227,000 will be spent on a new boat ramp and pontoon at Taplin Park, Drummoyne. This is great news!!!
3rd May 2008
Sydney Harbour EXTRAS Page Don't forget to click on our Extra's pages to find useful info & links to: *Public toilets accessible by Boat on Sydney Harbour *Cafes & Restaurants accessible by Boat on Sydney Harbour *Top Fishing Spots on Sportsfish Australia's site *NSW GPS Co-ordinates and more..................................
3rd May 2008
May 3rd Fishing Report In Sydney Harbour, at Gladesville and Abbotsford bridges, jewfish can be caught on the run-up tide (approx 12noon to 6pm) and at Balls Head, tailor and trevally can be caught on pilchards. North Harbour had luderick on green weed, whiting to 500g are biting on bloodworms at Manly Cove and mulloway are attacking fresh squid baits at Dobroyd Point. Use pink lures for bream in the Parramatta River. Remember you can get all your bait requirements from Con and Peter at Drummoyne Bait & Tackle on Lyons Road Ph no. 98196278, they are 1 minute from the boat ramp and certainly open in the wee hours before sunrise. Tell them Boab sent you!!
1st Mar 2008
FISHING SYDNEY HARBOUR The best time to fish Sydney Harbour is the early morning. If this coincides with the turn of the tide be prepared for some good fishing.A lot of boating activity can unsettle the fish, so avoid the busy times and areas if you can.
The most exciting aspect of fishing the Harbour is the diversity of fish available in the Harbour and it's surrounds. AUSTRALIAN BASS,BREAM, FLATHEAD, LEATHERJACKET, KINGFISH,WHITING, TAILOR, SALMON, TROUT, TREVALLY, BONITO, SNAPPER, TUNA, SEA PERCH, MARLIN, SHARKS, and more.
The upper reaches of the Parramatta River is excellent trolling for bream. Sydney Heads produces consistent catches as does Middle Harbour.
Flathead are distributed throughout the system with the lower beaches such as Clifton Gardens, Lady Jane and Balmoral providing good fishing along with the Lane Cove River and the Spit Bridge area of Middle Harbour.
Snapper are the best from November to May. The majority of Snapper caught off Sydney are taken in depths of between 15 & 20 metres.
Trevally turn up on the off-shore reefs in plague proportions from August to the start of December. Some migrate to the inshore reefs and stay until January.
Kingfish are regarded as one of Australia's great sports fish to say nothing of their excellent eating qualities. Kingfish are found within the Harbour in large quantities from November through May. They arrive in large schools which then break up within the Harbour system. Some of the fish stay on throughout the year but the majority move off-shore during winter.
Salmon and Tailor arrive in large numbers chasing the baitfish in November. They are easy to catch all through summer until early May. Mack and Bonito Tuna also follow the baitfish and are plentiful at this time of year. The Bonito usually don't come in any further than the entrance to Middle Harbour.
