Chartering a superyacht in Australia

Why charter a superyacht?

Chartering a superyacht is like living aboard a luxury, boutique hotel, with outstanding accommodation, service and food. But it’s also much than that.

A superyacht offers a completely customised experience, with everything from the style of yacht to the food and drinks served on board agreed with the client in advance.

The itinerary and activities are also entirely customised, set out according to the client’s wishes during pre-charter planning (though it’s also possible to make changes during the charter).

A charter can be action-packed or dedicated to relaxing – it’s entirely up to the client. 

Why choose Australia as a yacht charter destination?

Australia offers some of the world’s most stunning and diverse natural environments and sailing locations, and everything from vibrant cities to rich indigenous cultural experiences when clients want to step ashore.

Experiencing the best of Australia’s remarkable food and wine – both on board and on land – is often among the highlights of a superyacht cruise, with talented, innovative chefs on board, and crew providing impeccable, intuitive service.

Dinner aboard an Australian superyacht isn’t just a meal; it’s a premium dining experience. Whether the client wants fresh seafood, marbled wagyu, vegan haute cuisine, a bushfood-themed degustation or a simple beach picnic with a world-class Tasmanian sparkling wine, just about anything is possible.

There is a diverse range of superyachts available for charter, ranging from 24 to 42 meters (78 to 137 feet) in length, and sleeping a maximum of 12 guests in luxuriously appointed cabins.

Australian superyacht charters are extremely flexible. Unlike in most of the world’s sailing destinations, Australian superyachts can be chartered for a day or even several hours. However, liveaboard charters for longer periods – such as a week – are more popular with international clients.

Australia is a very safe, politically stable country, and can offer good value in terms of currency exchange.

Communications are available on all yachts, with internet available through 3G/4G or satellite.

Where and when can superyachts be chartered?

Clients can charter an Australian superyacht 365 days a year.

Australia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular sailing locations, from the protected waters of Sydney’s iconic Harbour to Far North Queensland, home to the Great Barrier Reef and the serene beauty of the Whitsunday Islands.

Sydney and Far North Queensland are home to Australia’s largest permanent population of superyachts. But it is possible to charter superyachts in destinations such as Western Australia’s dramatic and rugged Kimberley coast, the glittering Gold Coast and the foodie haven of Tasmania.

There’s not only an abundance of natural beauty to take in – there’s also an almost limitless variety of activities to entertain and inspire guests. 

What Are Some Of The Best Onshore Activities?

Some guests choose never to leave their superyacht – except perhaps for a swim at a secluded bay, or a scuba dive with their on-board instructor.

Others want to the make the most of every minute, and fortunately  there is no shortage of things to do. In Sydney, guests can board a seaplane and fly to an iconic waterfront restaurant, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or take a helicopter to the Hunter Valley wine region for a tour of a world-class winery.

In the Kimberley region, guests might head ashore and join an Aboriginal cultural tour to learn about the world’s oldest living culture and experience rock art that’s tens of thousands of years old.

In Far North Queensland, activities might include a round of golf at the awe-inspiring Hamilton Island Golf Club or jumping aboard a helicopter for a five-star culinary experience on a remote island beach.

Clients can also time their cruise to coincide with events, such as the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne in January, New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour, or the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, which starts on Boxing Day.

What are the costs?

Charter prices range from $AU50,000 to $AU200,000 a week, plus a Goods and Services Tax (GST) payment of 10 per cent.

Clients also need to pay an advanced provisioning allowance (APA), usually set at 25 to 30 per cent of the charter fee (not subject to GST). The APA is used to stock the yacht with food and drinks and pay for port and communication fees, fuel, onshore transport and third parties such as dive instructors and helicopters.

In most cases, the charter company requires these funds one month in advance so it can prepare the yacht and relocate it, if necessary. Any unused APA is returned to the client, with a full financial report on expenditure. The client can ask for an APA balance at any stage of the charter.

Chartering a superyacht for single-day use costs between $AU800 and $AU5,500 an hour (three to four hours minimum), plus catering and staff. 

How do you charter a superyacht?

Australia has a number of experienced and accredited charter brokers listed on the Superyacht Australia website. It is recommended that clients or their agents only use a recognised and experienced charter broker, with whom they will work closely to plan a charter according to the client’s requirements.