The Howard Street Boat Ramp, located in the coastal suburb of Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast, is a compact single-lane ramp with a nearby sandy beach. It's best suited for small boats and tinnies, offering quick access to the Broadwater, Currigee, and the Seaway.
While the ramp provides convenient water access, it’s quite exposed, especially to southerly winds, and is known to be affected by sand build-up, particularly at low tide. As such, 4WD vehicles are recommended, as the sandy surface can be challenging for two-wheel drives. The ramp is best used on calmer days and ideally during high tide to avoid difficulty with launch and retrieval.
The ramp is small and relatively quiet, making it a good choice for boaters looking for a low-key launch point. Despite its modest size, this ramp is popular for launching jet skis and small boats, especially for those heading to nearby Crab Island. The adjacent park and beach area add to its appeal, offering a pleasant spot to relax before or after your trip on the water.
The downside is that there’s no jetty or wharf, and facilities are minimal, plus there are no public toilets on site. Parking is limited, with around 10 or so spaces available along the roadside, so it’s worth arriving early, especially on busy days.
With a fuel station conveniently located on the way in, the Howard Street Boat Ramp remains a practical, if limited, option for locals and visitors alike.
| Feature |
Description |
| Number of ramp lanes |
1 |
| Fish cleaning facilities |
None |
| Carpark spaces |
Limited parking spots available |
| Amenities |
Rubbish bins |
| Ramp rating |
 - Very Good |