Great Barrier Reef

Sailing Holiday
Australia

Beyond its natural beauty and warm welcome, Australia offers an unparalleled array of marine life in multiple locations and is an excellent choice for a yacht charter.

The UNESCO World Heritage Great Barrier Reef alone is a diver's paradise of vibrant coral reefs teeming with biodiversity.

Australia is also renowned for its unique cultural experiences. With its iconic harbour, Sydney offers a dynamic blend of modern architecture and landmarks like the Sydney Opera House.

The city's vibrant nightlife, exciting restaurant scene, and world-famous events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, attract visitors from around the globe.

What Makes Australia Special?

Excellent Weather Conditions

Australia benefits from a predominantly temperate climate, with long summers and mild winters providing ideal weather conditions for yacht charters.

Pristine Natural Beauty

From stunning white beaches to crystal-clear waters, Australia's coastal regions provide breathtaking scenery and unspoiled landscapes for you to explore on a yacht.

Wildlife Encounters

Australia is renowned for its diverse and often unique wildlife. During a yacht charter, you may have the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and many other marine species. Don't forget your snorkelling gear!

Sailing Conditions

With consistent trade winds, calm seas, and favourable weather conditions, Australia offers some of the best sailing experiences in the world.

Adventure

Australia offers many adventurous experiences, from diving on the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling in the Whitsundays, exploring remote islands, or any number of water sports.

Foodie Delights

Australian cuisine, particularly its fresh seafood, local produce and award-winning wines, is world-renowned and an excellent companion to any yacht charter.

Southern Hemisphere Season

Enjoy summer sailing conditions during the Northern Hemisphere's winter.

Diverse coastlines

From tropical north Queensland to rugged Tasmania, Australia offers an amazing variety of land- and seascapes to cruise.

Warm Welcomes

You'll get a warm Aussie welcome and the locals will always go the extra mile to make sure you have a truly memorable yacht charter.

1091840-134

Diverse Cruising Grounds

Australia offers a wide range of breathtaking cruising destinations, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Coast or even Sydney Harbour itself.

Not To Be Missed

Great Barrier Reef

The world's largest coral reef system is a must-visit destination for any yacht charter. See vibrant marine life, snorkel or dive among the colourful coral, or simply relax in secluded anchorages.

Sydney Harbour

Sail past the iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the beautiful bays and coves along the harbour. Enjoy waterfront dining, visit the Royal Botanic Garden, and experience the vibrant city life.

Fraser Island

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest sand island in the world. Anchor here and hop ashore to explore its unique beauty with rainforests, freshwater lakes, and vast sand dunes.

Hamilton Island

This popular holiday destination offers a range of activities, resorts and a bustling marina, making it a perfect base to explore the Whitsunday Islands.

Port Douglas Town

Anchor near this charming coastal town and explore the nearby Great Barrier Reef, or venture into the Daintree Rainforest to learn more about the amazing flora, fauna and local way of life.

Amazing Cuisine

The food scene in Australia is incredibly diverse and vibrant. With its multicultural population and amazing fresh local produce, Australia offers a wide array of delicious cuisines.

Indigenous Art and Craft

Gain insight into the world's oldest living culture through its internationally acclamined Indigenous art with its vibrant colours and intricate designs.

Explore the Daintree coast

Sail along the this stunning coastline, where the world's oldest rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

A big event in the Australian social calendar, this annual Boxing Day yacht race is a must if you're here over Christmas.

1058642-134

Whitsunday Islands

This famous group of islands in Queensland has everything, from the legendary Whitehaven Beach to laid back Airlie Beach with its markets and bars; not to mention crystal-clear waters and incredible coral reefs for snorkelling and diving.

Best Times To Visit Australia On A Yacht Charter

The best time to visit Australia for a yacht charter varies depending on the specific region you plan to explore, as the country's vast size results in diverse climates across its coastlines.

The peak yachting season in the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland coast runs from May to October. During this period, you can expect dry, sunny weather, warm temperatures, and calm seas, making it ideal for snorkelling, diving, and sailing.

The Whitsundays, part of the Great Barrier Reef, are best visited during the same dry season, from May to October, for pleasant weather and ideal sailing conditions.

The Sydney and the New South Wales coast can be enjoyed year-round, but the peak yachting season is from November to April in the warm summer weather.

Australian coastal weather

Australian coastal regions generally experience mild and pleasant weather, but there are variations depending on the specific location and season.

Here's a brief overview:

Northern coasts: Tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. There's a wet season (November to April) with high humidity and rainfall, and a dry season (May to October) with less rain.

Eastern coasts: Subtropical to temperate climate. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are mild. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with more in summer in the north.

Southern coasts: Mediterranean climate in the southwest and temperate in the southeast. Warm to hot summers and cool winters. Rainfall is higher in winter in the southwest, while it's more evenly distributed in the southeast.

Western coasts: Mediterranean climate in the southwest, transitioning to semi-arid and arid conditions further north. Hot summers and mild winters, with most rainfall occurring in winter months in the south.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Australia is English.

Currency

The Australian Dollar, abbreviated as AUD, is the currency of Australia. It is denoted by the symbol "$" or sometimes "A$" to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies.

Tipping

Tipping is generally not common or expected, but as always, it is appreciated for its excellent service.

Boat Types In Australia

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Wellbeing

Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Unique Accommodation

Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.

Skill Development

Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Charter Types In Australia

Bareboat Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Australia and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Australia and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Yacht Charters

Crewed yacht charters from Australia come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Yacht Charter From Australia

Australia is a popular charter destination so booking your boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

As well as being a world-class yacht charter destination, Australia is renowned for its unique cultural experiences.

With its iconic harbour, Sydney has a dynamic mix of modern architecture and landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. The city's vibrant nightlife, cutting edge food and wine scene scene, and world-class events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, attract visitors from around the globe.

Moreover, Australia boasts a favourable climate for most of the year, making it an excellent yacht charter destination. With mild winters and warm summers, the country offers favourable weather conditions for those seeking outdoor activities whatever they may be.

Exploring stunning scenery, breathtaking marine life and immersing oneself in the unique Australian culture are just a few reasons why a yacht charter in Australia is on so many dream lists.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Yacht?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

How Do I Choose The Right Yacht?

When chartering a yacht from Australia, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Yacht From Australia?

It varies depending on the region, but the peak yachting season in the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland coast typically runs from May to October.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

What Type Of Yacht Can I Charter From Australia?

There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Australia, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Yacht Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.

How Long Does A Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.