How Much Does Boat Storage Cost? (2026 Prices)

If you own a boat in Australia, storage is one of those costs that sneaks up on you. You buy the boat thinking about fuel and rego, then realise it has to live somewhere for the other 11 months of the year.

This guide breaks down what boat storage actually costs in Australia in 2026, what affects the price, and where people usually save (or overspend).

It's written for normal owners, not marinas selling premium berths.

What people usually mean by "boat storage cost"

Boat storage can mean a few different things, and the price swings a lot depending on which one you choose.

Most options fall into these buckets:

• Outdoor storage on private land
• Secure yard or compound storage
• Marina dry stack storage
• On-water marina berths
• Backyard or driveway storage

Each comes with trade-offs on cost, access and security.

Average boat storage costs in Australia (2026)

These are realistic national ranges based on what owners are actually paying, not brochure pricing.

Outdoor boat storage (uncovered)

$80–$180 per month / $1,000–$2,000 per year

This is the cheapest option and very common in outer suburbs and regional areas. Boats are usually stored on trailers in fenced yards or paddocks.

Secure yard or compound storage

$150–$300 per month / $1,800–$3,500 per year

This usually includes fencing, gated access and sometimes cameras. It's popular around metro fringes where councils don't allow street parking.

Dry stack boat storage (indoors or semi-covered)

$250–$450 per month / $3,000–$5,000 per year

Dry stack storage keeps boats out of the weather and often includes forklift launch services. It's common near busy waterways but access can be limited to business hours.

On-water marina berths

$400–$900+ per month / $5,000–$10,000+ per year

This is the most expensive option and prices jump quickly in places like Sydney Harbour, the Gold Coast and Perth marinas.

Backyard or driveway storage

$50–$150 per month

Often informal and arranged privately. It's cheap, local and convenient, but availability depends entirely on who has space nearby.

What actually drives the price up or down

Boat storage isn't priced evenly. A few factors make a big difference.

Location — Storage near water costs more. A yard 40 minutes inland is usually half the price of something near a marina.

Boat size — A 4.5-metre tinny is cheap to store. A 7-metre fibreglass boat with a wide trailer isn't. Length and beam matter. Not sure what size space you need? Check out our guide to choosing the right storage space size.

Security level — Fencing, gated access and cameras all add cost. So does on-site staff.

Access hours — 24/7 access usually costs more than "call ahead" or limited-hour access.

Demand pressure — Coastal councils with parking crackdowns push more owners into storage, which drives prices up locally. Read more about council caravan parking rules by state — many of the same rules apply to boat trailers.

Boat storage costs by state (rough guide)

Prices vary within each state, but these patterns are common.

New South Wales

Sydney and coastal NSW are the most expensive. Outdoor storage near the city often starts around $180/month. Regional NSW is much cheaper.

Victoria

Metro Melbourne storage is mid-range, with big jumps near bayside suburbs. Regional VIC offers good value if you're flexible on distance.

Queensland

QLD has some of the widest price ranges. Outer-north Brisbane and inland areas are affordable, while Gold Coast marinas are premium-priced.

Western Australia

Perth metro prices sit mid-to-high, especially near the coast. Inland WA offers cheaper long-term storage if distance isn't an issue.

South Australia and Tasmania

Generally cheaper overall, with fewer capacity issues. Prices spike near popular boating hubs.

Hidden costs people forget about

The monthly fee isn't the whole story.

Watch for:

• Access or call-out fees
• Launch or retrieval charges
• Long minimum terms
• Insurance requirements
• Extra fees for oversized trailers

Why more people are choosing off-site storage

Council parking rules are getting tighter in many suburbs. Boats left on streets or verges are increasingly fined or moved on.

As a result, a lot of owners look for:

• Storage close to home, not close to water
• Private yards or unused space
• Month-to-month arrangements instead of long contracts

If you're preparing for long-term storage, our boat long-term storage prep guide covers everything you need to do before parking up for the season.

Is cheap boat storage worth it?

Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

Outdoor storage is fine if:

• The boat is well covered
• You're not accessing it weekly
• You're trying to keep costs down

Paying more makes sense if:

• You use the boat often
• You want quick access
• You're protecting a higher-value vessel

There's no perfect option. It's about matching cost to how you actually use the boat.

How to get the best price

A few practical tips:

• Look 15–30 minutes inland to halve the cost
• Ask about long-term discounts
• Avoid overpaying for security you don't need
• Check access rules before signing anything

Storage is one of those areas where a bit of homework saves thousands over a few years.

The bottom line

Boat storage costs in Australia range from cheap and basic to eye-wateringly expensive. The right option depends on location, budget and how often you hit the water.

Whether you're after a secure compound or a simple driveway spot near the ramp, comparing your local options is the best place to start.