CRUISING QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
MARINAS
WEATHER
SWELL
PILOT CHARTS
COUNTRY Pilot Charts provide historic points and aggregated information ofย wind flows, air and ocean temperatures, wave heights, rain, barometric weight, and climate conditions at various seasons. This data was acquired from oceanographic and meteorologic perceptions over hundreds of years starting in the late eighteenth century. These diagrams are planned to help mariners choose routes around and approaching Cuba with respect to the normal climate and sea conditions using prevailing seasonal wind information.
PORTS OF ENTRY
DOCUMENTS
PORTS OF ENTRY
Queensland
Brisbane
Bundaberg
Cairns
Gladstone
Gold Coast
Mackay
Thursday Island
Townsville
New South Wales
Coffs Harbour
Eden
Newcastle and Port Stephen
Port Kembla / Shellharbour
Sydney
Northern Territory
Darwin
Gove
Tasmania
Hobart
Launceston
ENTRY EXIT REQUIREMENTS
| DOCUMENTATION | Passport Valid for at least 6 months; requires one blank page |
| Passport | Valid for at least _ months; requires one blank page |
| Boat Documentation | Coast Guard Doc (Original) |
| Insurance | Ship insurance
Legislation requires all ships over 15m (for example 15.01m) in length overall* to have enough insurance to pay for potential pollution clean-up, salvage and wreck removal. The insurance policy must meet the following requirements for the type of ship: A recreational ship more than 15m but less than 35m in length overall must have an insurance policy that provides A$250,000 for pollution clean-up and A$10 million for salvage and wreck removal. Ships visiting Queensland’s coastal waters are also required to comply with the legislation. It is recommended that these ships review their existing insurance coverage to determine compliance with this requirement. If the insurance policy doesnโt comply, then these ships must organise temporary insurance while in Queensland’s coastal waters. A current certificate of insurance, or other document evidencing the currency of the insurance policy, must be carried on-board the ship and must detail the relevant limits of cover. The documents must be readily available for inspection by compliance officers. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For those ships which cannot reasonably obtain insurance, the shipโs owner may be able to seek an exemption to the insurance requirement. In such cases the shipโs owner must apply to Maritime Safety Queensland. For further information on how to apply for an exemption, see the reference document (PDF, 63 KB) and Ship Insurance Exemption Application form. For further information contact a Maritime Safety Queensland regional office. |
| Crewlist | Required at checkin/out |
| Zarpe | Required at checkin/out |
| Fishing License | |
| Official Procedures | https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-and-leaving-by-sea/yachts-and-pleasure-craft |
| Official Country Visa | |
| Immigration Visa | |
| Required Permits | |
| Upon Arrival Visit: | Immigration; Customs; Port Captain/Authority |
| Upon Departure Visit: | Immigration; Customs; Port Captain |
| Total Entry & Exit Fees: | |
| Notes: | |
| Recommended Agent: | |
| Currency: Australian dollar
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MUST SEE
QUEENSLAND
. Great Barrier Reef
- Location: Off the coast of Queensland
- Why Visit: One of the seven natural wonders of the world, perfect for diving, snorkeling, and marine exploration.
- Best Time: June to October.
2. Daintree Rainforest
- Location: Far North Queensland
- Why Visit: The world’s oldest rainforest, teeming with biodiversity and the Mossman Gorge.
- Best Time: May to September.
3. Whitsunday Islands
- Location: Off Airlie Beach
- Why Visit: Whitehaven Beachโs pristine sands and clear waters make this a tropical paradise.
- Best Time: May to September.
4. Fraser Island (K’gari)
- Location: Off Hervey Bay
- Why Visit: The largest sand island in the world with 75 Mile Beach and crystal-clear lakes.
- Best Time: April to October.
5. Cape Tribulation
- Location: Northern Queensland
- Why Visit: Where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
- Best Time: June to August.
6. Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail
- Location: Near Cairns
- Why Visit: A breathtaking journey through rainforest-covered mountains.
- Best Time: Year-round.
7. Magnetic Island
- Location: Off Townsville
- Why Visit: Known for its stunning bays, hiking trails, and wildlife, including koalas.
- Best Time: May to October.
8. Surfers Paradise
- Location: Gold Coast
- Why Visit: A vibrant beach destination with surf, shopping, and nightlife.
- Best Time: September to April.
9. Noosa National Park
- Location: Sunshine Coast
- Why Visit: Offers coastal trails, stunning views, and wildlife like koalas.
- Best Time: September to November.
10. Lamington National Park
- Location: Gold Coast Hinterland
- Why Visit: World Heritage-listed rainforest with spectacular hiking trails and waterfalls.
- Best Time: April to October.
11. Springbrook National Park
- Location: Gold Coast Hinterland
- Why Visit: Features ancient rainforests, Natural Bridge, and glow worm caves.
- Best Time: March to August.
12. Brisbane South Bank
- Location: Brisbane
- Why Visit: A cultural hub with riverside parklands, museums, and art galleries.
- Best Time: Year-round.
13. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Location: Brisbane
- Why Visit: The worldโs oldest koala sanctuary, offering close encounters with Australian wildlife.
- Best Time: Year-round.
14. Mount Tamborine
- Location: Gold Coast Hinterland
- Why Visit: Known for its wineries, rainforest walks, and artisan markets.
- Best Time: Year-round.
15. Carnarvon Gorge
- Location: Central Queensland
- Why Visit: A hidden gem with sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art, and lush forests.
- Best Time: April to October.
16. Moreton Island
- Location: Near Brisbane
- Why Visit: Famous for Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding, and clear waters.
- Best Time: March to November.
17. Lady Elliot Island
- Location: Southern Great Barrier Reef
- Why Visit: A haven for manta rays, turtles, and pristine coral reefs.
- Best Time: May to August.
18. Glass House Mountains
- Location: Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- Why Visit: Scenic volcanic peaks ideal for hiking and photography.
- Best Time: April to September.
19. Hinchinbrook Island
- Location: Near Cardwell
- Why Visit: Australiaโs largest national park island with the famous Thorsborne Trail.
- Best Time: June to August.
20. Wallaman Falls
- Location: Girringun National Park
- Why Visit: The tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia.
- Best Time: May to September.
21. Atherton Tablelands
- Location: Far North Queensland
- Why Visit: Known for waterfalls like Millaa Millaa, crater lakes, and local produce.
- Best Time: Year-round.
22. Paronella Park
- Location: Mena Creek, near Innisfail
- Why Visit: A historic castle and gardens built in the 1930s.
- Best Time: March to August.
23. Burleigh Heads
- Location: Gold Coast
- Why Visit: Offers beautiful beaches, scenic walking trails, and surfing spots.
- Best Time: September to March.
24. Winton and Dinosaur Trail
- Location: Outback Queensland
- Why Visit: Explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum and fossil sites.
- Best Time: April to September.
Boating in the Whitsundays
For complete information about boating in the Whitsundays, refer to the essential sailing guide for the area,ย 100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef โ The Whitsunday Islands.
Australiaโs amazing cruising grounds, the Whitsundays, offer scores of protected anchorages each within easy reach of the next anchorage / moorings
Sailing conditions
South-east trade winds fan the Queensland coast from March-April to September-October providing exhilarating sailing conditions, frequently 15-20 knots in strength. From October onwards milder easterlies and north-easterlies are more common. The islands themselves and the Great Barrier Reef to the east create a relatively protected stretch of water (European discoverer James Cook referred to the Whitsunday Passage as โone continued safe harbourโ). But when the winds are piping in, the phenomenon of โbulletsโ (sharp gusts) may be experienced in some anchorages, and good anchoring technique is essential.
Tides
The Whitsundays are subject to 10-13 feet tides which, during times of maximum flood and ebb, create currents that accelerate through the narrow passages between the islands, and when the direction -of the wind and tidal currents oppose each other, Whitsunday waters can sometimes be turbulent. Yachts plan their movements to take advantage of currents and to avoid bumpy passage making. The large rise and fall of the water level needs to be considered when anchoring a yacht.
Boating facilities
The area has four marinas, with others under construction.
| Location |
Entrance lat./Long. |
Facilities |
| Mackay | 21ยฐ 063โS, 149ยฐ 14.0โE | 479 berths; full marine services; launching ramp |
| Laguna Whitsundays | 20ยฐ 35โS, 148ยฐ 41.5โE | Current Status Unknown |
| Hamilton Island | 20ยฐ 20.8โS, 148ยฐ 56.8โE | 230 berths; full marine services |
| Abell Point | 20ยฐ 15.6โS, 148ยฐ 42.6โE | 507 berths; full marine services; launching ramp |
ย
REPAIRS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
- Port Hinchinbrook Marine
Location: 2 Commercial Drive, Cardwell QLD 4849
Services: Refit and haul-out facility with an 80-tonne travel lift, undercover refit shed for vessels up to 30 meters, chandlery, mechanical repairs, and more.
Contact: 07 4066 8419
Email: accounts@porthinchinbrookmarine.com.au
Website: porthinchinbrookmarine.com.au - Norship Marine
Location: 60-62 Tingira St, Portsmith QLD 4870
Services: Large travel lift facilities and a comprehensive range of services for various vessels.
Contact: (Contact details not specified)
Website: norship.com.au - Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM)
Location: 76-84 Waterway Dr, Coomera QLD 4209
Services: Modern facility with 50t and 300t travel lifts, accommodating a wide range of vessels, with over 90 on-site marine businesses.
Contact: (Contact details not specified)
Website: gccm.com.au - Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
Location: 7 Rivergate Pl, Murarrie QLD 4172
Services: Comprehensive marine services with a focus on quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Contact: (Contact details not specified)
Website: rivergate.com.au - Fishermans Wharf Marina
Location: 864 Boat Harbour Dr, Urangan QLD 4655
Services: Slipway facilities and a range of services for maintenance and repairs.
Contact: (Contact details not specified)
Website: fishermanswharfmarinaherveybay.com.au - Horizon Shores Marina
Location: 80 Cabbage Tree Point Rd, Steiglitz QLD 4207
Services: 70t travel lift, hardstand, refit sheds, and a variety of marine-related services.
Contact: (07) 5546 2300
Website: boatgoldcoast.com.au/horizon-shores-marina-boat-services-and-refits/ - The Yard Brisbane
Location: Brisbane River, Brisbane QLD
Services: Shipyard with 65-600T straddle carriers, multiple refit sheds, and a team of skilled marine professionals.
Contact: (Contact details not specified)
Website: mymarinaguide.com/listing/the-yard-brisbane/ - Runaway Bay Marine Service
Location: Runaway Bay Marina, Runaway Bay QLD
Services: Fully equipped marine workshop, forklift and cradle hire for vessels up to 28ft, trailer hire, haul-out, and storage.
Contact: 07 5577 4411
Website: runawaybaymarineservice.com.au/service.php
