Update as of 9/24/2025: The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is pleased to announce that the upgrade of the Santa Barbara Boat Ramp has been completed. In collaboration with the City of Gold Coast, this upgrade includes new asphalting works and improvements to the ramp, providing the community with a high-quality facility to enjoy.
The newly finished ramp enhances safety, accessibility, and capacity in the area since it is a popular recreational boating site. This is a fantastic outcome for both local boaters and visitors.
The Santa Barbara Boat
Ramp on Pinaroo St, Hope Island, is a spacious double-lane concrete ramp with a
dedicated space to turn your trailer and get your boat ready for the water. It
provides easy, direct access to the Coomera River, making it a convenient spot
for boaters. The ramp isn’t very steep, so you’ll need to back in quite a bit
to launch your boat properly.
One thing to watch out
for; if there are ski boats or wake boats tearing it up on the river, the waves
and wash can get pretty intense, so take extra care when launching.
There’s a parking lot
that fits around 20 trailers across the ramp, along with public toilets,
showers, and the large foreshore reserve of Charles Holm Park. It’s usually
quiet during the week, but weekends and holidays bring in a lot more visitors.
Charles Holm Park is a
favourite family hangout, thanks to its wide grassy areas, picnic spots, BBQ
stations, and a playground for the kids. The sandy foreshore is a great spot
for strolling, sunbathing, and wading in the shallows, and PWC owners can beach
their vessels here too.
| Feature |
Description |
| Number of ramp lanes |
2 |
| Fish cleaning facilities |
None |
| Carpark spaces |
Plenty of parking spots for cars and trailers |
| Amenities |
Rubbish bins, showers, toilets, picnic areas, lighting |
| Ramp rating |
 - Very Good |
If you're looking to
buy a new boat or upgrade your engine, Brisbane Boating and Leisure
is about an hour and 11 minutes away. They carry Quintrex and Northbank boats,
along with Mercury outboard engines. They also stock Move Boat trailers, marine
gear, fishing supplies, and everything else you need to hit the water fully
prepared.