Lake Proserpine Boat Hire

A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach offers self-drive boat hire for Lake Proserpine – the only trailer boat hire service in the Whitsunday region with delivery directly to the Peter Faust Dam boat ramp. Lake Proserpine holds the highest concentration of metre-plus barramundi of any impoundment in Australia. A1 Boat Hire provides a fully equipped 6.15m Bar Crusher Centre Cab that can be towed to the lake or delivered ready to launch. Whether chasing trophy barra, sooty grunter, or just enjoying a day on flat freshwater, Lake Proserpine boat hire through A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach puts one of Queensland’s best fishing dams within easy reach.

Why Hire a Boat for Lake Proserpine

Lake Proserpine is one of the top barramundi fishing destinations in Queensland, and a boat is the best way to access the prime fishing spots across the lake. The dam covers a large area of submerged timber and weed beds that hold big barramundi, and most of these spots sit well away from the bank. Shore-based anglers are limited to the pontoons and jetty area, but a boat opens up the entire lake. Sight casting to metre-plus barra cruising through shallow weed beds is one of the main drawcards at Lake Proserpine, and that requires the ability to move quietly through the shallows with an electric motor. A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach provides an electric motor as an optional add-on, making the Bar Crusher a genuine sight-casting platform on Lake Proserpine.

The Vessel – Bar Crusher Centre Cab

A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach operates a 6.15m Bar Crusher Centre Cab powered by a 150HP Mercury outboard. The Bar Crusher is a serious fishing platform built to handle everything from open saltwater to the flat, sheltered conditions at Lake Proserpine. The vessel carries up to five adults and comes equipped with GPS, a depth sounder, live bait tank, Esky, and all required safety gear. The centre cab design provides shade and wind protection, which makes long days on the water more comfortable. The Bar Crusher sits on a trailer, so A1 Boat Hire can deliver it directly to the Peter Faust Dam boat ramp or hand it over for self-towing. Boats up to 8 metres are permitted on Lake Proserpine, and the 6.15m Bar Crusher fits well within that limit.

Fish Species at Lake Proserpine

Lake Proserpine is best known for barramundi. Over 760,000 barramundi have been stocked in Peter Faust Dam through the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme, with roughly 20,000 fingerlings added each year. The lake produces more metre-plus barramundi than any other impoundment in Australia, and there is no closed barra season at Lake Proserpine – anglers can fish for barramundi year-round. Barramundi at Lake Proserpine regularly exceed one metre, with some fish recorded over 120cm. Beyond barra, the lake also holds healthy populations of sooty grunter, sleepy cod, and Saratoga around the submerged timber and structure. Redclaw crayfish can be caught using yabby traps, though crab pots are not permitted in freshwater. The warm North Queensland climate means conditions at Lake Proserpine suit active fish behaviour across most of the year, with summer producing the most consistent results.

SIPS Permit for Lake Proserpine

A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required to fish at Lake Proserpine. Peter Faust Dam is a stocked impoundment managed under Queensland’s SIPS program, and all anglers must hold a valid permit before casting a line. SIPS permits can be purchased online through Fisheries Queensland or by calling 13 25 23 to find the nearest permit outlet. The permit covers fishing at all SIPS-registered dams and weirs across Queensland, so it works at other impoundments as well. Fines for fishing without a valid SIPS permit can reach close to $10,000, so sorting the permit before arriving at the lake is essential. A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach recommends purchasing the SIPS permit online ahead of the trip, as there is no permit sales point at the lake itself.

Lake Proserpine Boat Ramp

The Peter Faust Dam boat ramp is located near the camping and picnic area at Lake Proserpine, approximately 20 kilometres west of the township of Proserpine. The boat ramp is owned and managed by Sunwater and provides access for vessels up to 8 metres. Three fishing pontoons and a jetty sit near the ramp, making tie-up and launching straightforward. Parking is available near the ramp, though space can fill on weekends during good weather. A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach can deliver the Bar Crusher directly to the Peter Faust Dam boat ramp, meaning customers can step onto a fully equipped boat without handling the tow or launch themselves. The boat ramp is approximately 45 minutes by road from Airlie Beach, heading through Proserpine and then west along Crystal Brook Road toward the dam. For a full list of launch points in the region, see the Airlie Beach boat ramps guide.

Equipment Included with Lake Proserpine Boat Hire

Every Lake Proserpine boat hire booking through A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach includes a fully equipped Bar Crusher ready to fish or cruise. Standard equipment includes GPS, a depth sounder, live bait tank, Esky, and a complete safety kit containing lifejackets, a V-sheet, whistle, fire extinguisher, torch, and first aid supplies. A handy reference guide for operating and emergency procedures is stored in the safety container on board. For anglers heading to Lake Proserpine, A1 Boat Hire also offers optional add-ons to make the trip easier. Fishing rods and tackle are available for $80 per session. An electric motor – ideal for quietly working the weed beds and submerged timber where barramundi hold – costs $100 per session. Stinger suits are available at $50 per session, though these are more relevant for saltwater use than freshwater fishing at the lake.

Lake Proserpine Boat Hire Rates

A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach charges $600 per day for the Bar Crusher Centre Cab. Customers who tow the boat themselves save $50 per day, bringing the self-tow rate to $550 per day. The delivery option includes drop-off and pick-up at the Peter Faust Dam boat ramp, so the boat is ready to go on arrival. All pricing includes the full equipment package – GPS, depth sounder, safety gear, Esky, and live bait tank. Optional add-ons are charged separately: fishing rods and tackle at $80 per session, electric motor at $100 per session, and stinger suits at $50 per session. A valid Australian or international marine licence is required to hire and operate the vessel. Bookings can be made directly through the A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach website.

Self-Tow or Delivery to Lake Proserpine

A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach offers two options for getting the boat to Lake Proserpine. The self-tow option lets customers collect the Bar Crusher on its trailer, tow it to the lake, and launch at their own pace. This option saves $50 per day and works well for experienced boaties with a vehicle rated for towing a 6.15m trailer boat. The tow vehicle needs enough power to safely launch and retrieve the boat at the ramp. The delivery option takes the hassle out of the process entirely. A1 Boat Hire delivers the Bar Crusher to the Peter Faust Dam boat ramp, launched and ready to go. This is a good option for visitors unfamiliar with towing or those who prefer a relaxed start to the day. Either way, A1 Boat Hire provides a full briefing on the vessel before handover.

Safety on Lake Proserpine

Lake Proserpine is classified as sheltered waters, making it calmer and more predictable than open ocean conditions around the Whitsunday Islands. However, Lake Proserpine does have specific hazards that boaters need to be aware of. Submerged trees and timber are widespread across the lake – these provide excellent fish habitat but can damage propellers and hulls if hit at speed. The depth sounder on the Bar Crusher helps identify shallow structure, and caution is needed when moving through unfamiliar areas. All boaters must stay at least 200 metres from the dam wall, as marked by a buoy line. Lifejackets must be worn at all times while on the water. In the event of any emergency during a Lake Proserpine boat hire, customers can contact A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach owner Lachlan Sampson directly on 0432 531 997. Floating debris may also be present after heavy rain or inflow events.

Facilities at Lake Proserpine

Lake Proserpine offers solid facilities for day visitors and overnight campers. The campground at Lake Proserpine sits right on the water’s edge and provides unpowered bush camping sites for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. Toilets, warm showers, BBQ areas, and picnic tables are all on site. An on-site kiosk operates Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 9am to 4pm, selling ice, firewood, snacks, drinks, basic fishing tackle, and general supplies. Glamping tents are also available for hire at the campground. Visitors can stay for up to seven nights, and pets are welcome with some restrictions. Camping fees apply – check with Whitsunday Regional Council for current rates. The campground is pet-friendly, making Lake Proserpine a good option for families wanting to combine a Lake Proserpine boat hire day with an overnight stay right beside the water.

Getting to Lake Proserpine

Lake Proserpine is located approximately 20 kilometres west of the township of Proserpine in North Queensland. From Airlie Beach, the drive takes around 45 minutes, heading south to Proserpine and then west along Crystal Brook Road to Peter Faust Dam. From the Bruce Highway, follow the signs toward Lake Proserpine. The road to the lake is sealed and well-maintained, accessible for standard vehicles as well as those towing trailers. Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine is the closest airport, with daily flights from Brisbane. Hire cars are available at the airport for visitors flying in. Lake Proserpine is also approximately a three-hour drive south of Townsville and 90 minutes north of Mackay, making it accessible for anglers travelling from other parts of North Queensland. A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach can coordinate delivery timing to match arrival plans.

Frequently Asked Questions – Lake Proserpine Boat Hire

Do I need a licence to hire the boat?

Yes. A valid Australian or international marine licence is required to hire and operate a boat from A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach. This applies to all bookings, including Lake Proserpine boat hire.

Do I need a fishing permit for Lake Proserpine?

Yes. A Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) is required to fish at Peter Faust Dam. Permits can be purchased online through Fisheries Queensland before the trip.

Can I catch barramundi at Lake Proserpine year-round?

Yes. Unlike many barramundi fisheries in Queensland, Lake Proserpine has no closed barra season. Anglers can target barramundi at the lake every month of the year.

How many people can the boat hold?

The Bar Crusher Centre Cab from A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach carries up to five adults comfortably. The vessel is 6.15m with a centre cab for shade and protection.

Is an electric motor available for fishing the lake?

Yes. A1 Boat Hire offers an electric motor as an optional add-on for $100 per session. The electric motor is ideal for quietly working the weed beds and submerged timber at Lake Proserpine where barramundi hold.

Can the boat be delivered to Lake Proserpine?

Yes. A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach delivers the Bar Crusher to the Peter Faust Dam boat ramp, launched and ready to go. The delivery option is included in the standard $600 per day rate. Self-tow saves $50 per day.

What other spots can I take the boat?

A1 Boat Hire Airlie Beach also services the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Shute Harbour, Dingo Beach, Proserpine River, and other boat ramps around the Airlie Beach region. The Bar Crusher handles both freshwater and saltwater conditions.