Meet the Brisbane man who decided to buy a boat and call the river his home, as a way to avoid increasing house prices.

Off Eagle Street Pier — close to the Brisbane CBD — dozens of people live aboard yachts and boats of all different sizes.

And all a stone's through from the hustle and bustle of the capital city.

Boats equipped with decks, viewing platforms and full kitchens are anchored to berths opposite the Botanical Garden.

Andrew Bird has called the Brisbane River home for the past seven years after choosing to buy a boat instead of an apartment.

"I grew up in the country and I got a job in the city after uni and at the time property prices were through the roof," Mr Bird said.

"I thought this would be a good option, and I saw it was for sale from the shore."

Safe Sailing is one of dozens of boats that people live on throughout the Brisbane River. ( 612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe )

Living on the water is not without its challenges though, including daily trips to shore to get fresh water for the boat.

"You need to have your own water and own electricity," Mr Bird said.

"It is a lot cheaper than renting in town, but you do have to slip [maintain] your boat each year too."

His boat, Safe Sailing, can sleep up to six people and contains an oven, shower — even a kitchen sink.

"It is a good medium-sized ship and there is a lot of space," Mr Bird said.

"People don't often realise how much room there is inside.

"It takes a bit to get used to the rocking and when I would get to work I would still feel rocking once on land."

Mr Bird has to bring water onto the boat for drinking and bathing. ( 612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe )

When Mr Bird first bought the boat he worked in the Brisbane CBD.

While his workmates would commute on public transport each day, he would drive his dingy to shore.

"There are about 45 people who live here on the water near Eagle Street," Mr Bird said.

"Yachties are transient people so they are always coming and going, but I have remained.

"It is like living in the country, but in the city, once you step on the water it is like you are in a different world."

The bedroom is at the far end of the boat and is equipped with a mattress and reading light. ( 612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe )

Living through the 2011 floods

Mr Bird had no previous experience living or working on boats prior to buying Safe Sailing.

"I didn't know how to sail but the previous owner's friend took me out and showed me how to sail," he said.

"We became friends and he fixes boats for a living, so it all worked out."

Controls for the boat sit inside the yacht and sit along side the kitchen area. ( 612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe )

One his most challenging times aboard the small yacht was through the 2011 Brisbane floods.

"I had a friend who warned me ahead of time and I left early from work and got out before the worst of it," he said.

"At the time there were really bad winds in the bay and I hit 30 knots and the boat was overheating."

A toilet and shower sit to one small side of the boat's hull. ( 612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe )

'It is a small kingdom but it is my kingdom'

Mr Bird said life on the water was not for everyone.

"You have to have your heart set on doing it and you don't really have an exit plan once you get in," he said.

"Everything is salty — once I had salt form all around my windows too.

"I often think if I gave it up, where would I go?"

But being right near the city has its advantages.

Room with a view. The open area at the end of the boat allows Mr Bird to see the Brisbane CBD and the Story Bridge. ( 612 ABC Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe )

"When there are things on the River Stage, I can hear them here, and my view is great — I can see the Story Bridge too," he said.

"You are amongst it when River Fire is on too, as you get a great view of the fireworks, and you have a fresh breeze which is great, and great views so it is nice.

"I'm the captain of the boat ... it is a small kingdom but it is my kingdom."

Mr Bird has ventured away from the Brisbane River along the coast line to north Queensland.

"I did a record attempt at Airlie Beach visiting 74 islands in a week once," Mr Bird said.

If all goes to plan, Mr Bird hoped to have his online publishing company and websites up and running to allow him to travel and work.

"Once I get them going to a good standard I want to work on the boat and sail around — that is the dream," he said.