Astonishing Australian Adventures Now Open to Superyachts

Australia’s stunning coastlines are finally open for superyachts worldwide to explore. Fraser has been instrumental in assisting the ground-breaking Special Recreational Vessels Bill 2019 to be passed through Australian parliament. Approved as an official agent by the Department of Infrastructure, Fraser can assist foreign flagged yachts with obtaining the necessary licence to charter in Australia.  

Home to one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef, which is no doubt one of the planet’s most spectacular and sought-after cruising destinations, Australia provides a wealth of majestic charter spots. These have all been inaccessible to international superyachts, until now.

In a move that will see ocean explorers’ dreams come true, the Australian Government passed legislation through the Senate enabling foreign flagged superyachts to charter in Australian waters. The legislation will allow foreign vessels to apply for a special recreational licence to operate locally, without having to pay the duties associated with an imported vessel. The legislation allows the use of a coastal trading temporary licence, allowing commercial charter activities.




Fraser Yachts Australia has been an active member of the Superyacht Australia Association who were strongly lobbying the government for these changes. Peter Redford from our Sydney office, has diligently been supporting the change in legislation in order to achieve a more favourable outcome to the charter and superyacht industry.

“This is a real game-changer both for Fraser and the entire industry,” Peter explained. “The Special Recreational Vessels Bill 2019 opens up a whole new world of charter possibilities and our unwavering determination to constantly raise the bar has finally paid off. For our clients who have been eagerly awaiting the green light for Australian superyacht charters, they can now venture where they’ve never been able to before and experience incredible adventures in all Australian territories. We expect this to become one of our most popular charter destinations.”

This change in legislation will place the Australian superyacht industry in an enviable position to take advantage of upcoming events in the Pacific such as the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and the America’s Cup in Auckland in 2021. The ability to charter in Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and Papua New Guinea reinforces the South Pacific as a destination of choice for superyachts.

From the kaleidoscopic coloured phenomenon of the Great Barrier Reef, the world-famous Whitehaven beach in the Whitsunday Islands, Sydney with one of the world's most beautiful natural harbours, rainforests, stunning beaches, unique wildlife, the extraordinary Kakadu to Western Australia’s Kimberleys certainly all make chartering in Australia one of the most dreamt-about destinations.

For further details and to book your Australian superyacht charter please contact [email protected]