The Island Nation, Australia, has an immense coastline that stretches to just under 36,000 kilometres. The beauty, wonder, and diversity have made it a world-renowned destination for luxury motor yacht lovers and all maritime enthusiasts. A circumnavigation of it, along with the Apple Isle (Tasmania) amounts to over 9000 nautical miles.
Along with the advancements in technology for weather and navigation, along with increasing services means that what was once only the domain of sailing yachts is now a potential bucket list item for motor yachts too. Best of all it can be done in hops, so that you are never too far from family, friends and business needs.
Australia’s vast and diverse coastal terrain offers a unique blend of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and remote paradises, making it a top location for cruising in a Maritimo long range motor yacht. From the tropical waters of the north, to the temperate southern coast, as well as World Heritage areas all around the country, cruising along Australia’s shores provides an experience that combines luxury, adventure, and unrivalled beauty.
To offer a complete guide is a book of several volumes, not just one article. So, in this piece we’ll highlight some of the most unique and iconic places to visit along Australia’s coastline while cruising in a Maritimo, investigating both well-known and hidden gems that are accessible to yacht owners.
Queensland: The Great Barrier Reef
A natural wonder and visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef offers some of the most spectacular marine ecosystems in the world. The reef stretches for over 1250 nautical miles, and consists of over 900 islands, many of which are only accessible by yacht.
Port Douglas is a popular starting point for many yachts cruising to the reef, and from here, you can explore areas like Lizard Island, where you can drop anchor, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the serene beauty of just one of Australia’s 21 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Green Island is another stunning destination, where visitors can swim and snorkel with turtles and fish, or dive in some of the most vibrant coral gardens in the world.
From mid-July to early November, Hervey Bay is known as the ‘whale watching capital of Australia’, and for good reason. The bay is a sanctuary for humpback whales that migrate annually, offering a rare and breathtaking experience for those lucky enough to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Whether it’s diving with the turtles at Lady Elliot Island or simply cruising past the brilliant blue lagoons and white sand beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef promises unforgettable moments for yacht owners and their guests.
Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands
Arguably one of the most famous cruising destinations in Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a must-visit for anyone exploring the Great Barrier Reef region. Comprising 74 islands nestled in the heart of the reef, this tropical paradise is accessible by yacht and offers a vast array of secluded anchorages, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
The Whitsundays are renowned for their striking white-sand beaches, most notably Whitehaven Beach, which is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The area is ideal for snorkelling, diving, and swimming in the coral reefs teeming with marine life. With calm waters and sheltered bays, the Whitsundays are perfect for a leisurely yacht cruise, allowing you to island-hop between spots like Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and Hook Island.
For those seeking more remote spots, Cedar Creek Falls on Whitsunday Island offers a peaceful respite, as does the less-travelled South Molle Island, with its unspoilt coves and nature trails. See also our earlier piece specifically on Shaw Island – https://www.maritimo.com.au/maritimo-boating-destinations-shaw-island-queensland-australia/
Southeast Queensland is also Maritimo’s home, and the area is awash with all manner of maritime services from major refit to provisioning. If you cannot get it here, it does not exist.
New South Wales:
Crossing the border and heading further South, honourable mentions have to be given to Byron Bay, Yamba/Iluka, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Port Stephens. The first two are part of the fabled Northern Rivers district, and its amazing scenery, including the very visible Mount Warning, which is the first place to see the dawn on mainland Australia.
Byron Bay’s Watego Beach is a delight, and you can also carefully check out Julian Rocks. There are no real anchorages here, so Brunswick Heads and Ballina are your options if you wanted to stay longer.
The other four all have magnificent facilities, and in the case of Port Stephens, if you have not been there, then just go. It is that good.
New South Wales – Sydney Harbour
The sails of the Sydney Opera House and the iconic coat hanger that is the Sydney Harbour Bridge make Sydney a place known to all. We have a detailed piece on it here. It is the combination of a bustling cosmopolitan city and natural beauty that offers an incredible backdrop for cruising in your luxury motor yacht. Be in the absolute thick of it at Cockle Bay, or hide in a cove in Middle Harbour. Stay in Rose Bay or Double Bay, or dine at the fashionable Manly. The choices are both abundant and splendid.
There is even more, just up the way in Pittwater, where the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park looks over the area and adds awe and tranquillity to every vista.
New South Wales’ South Coast
Jervis Bay is often considered one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It boasts the whitest sand in the world, according to scientists, and its clear turquoise waters make it a paradise for yachting and water activities.
Jervis Bay has sheltered bays and several unique spots for anchoring, including Hyams Beach and Booderee National Park. The area is rich in marine life, including dolphins, seals, and an array of colourful fish, making it a great spot for snorkelling, diving, or simply swimming in the calm waters.
Even further south and Ulladulla, as well as Narooma are so magnificent from the water, and Bermagui is a fishos paradise.
Part I is now complete, so as we get set to make the leap from the mainland to Tasmania, and then beyond, which we will do in Part II, now is the time to check the engine room, stow all the gear, have a good sleep, for when we return, we are off to Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
