Gold Coast Superyacht Guide
Welcome to one of Australasia’s most exciting Superyacht destinations – Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast. The quick guide for bringing Superyachts into the city's waterways.
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Originally published by Gold Coast Waterways Authority
Download the pdf here.
With 57 kilometres of ocean beaches, a coastal inland waterways network measuring 260 kilometres, World Heritage rainforests, international-standard sporting facilities, a thriving arts scene and an exciting annual events schedule, there’s plenty for visitors to see and experience in our waterways city.
Add to this a world-class supplier network and marine precincts backed by a skilled workforce which caters to the needs of superyachts, their guests and crews.
The Queensland Government has recently committed A$2.8 million towards the development of a superyacht berth at the Southport Yacht Club, proposed further superyacht facilities be developed on the Gold Coast under the Queensland Government’s Master Plan for The Spit and invested more than A$10 million in dredging facilities and works to improve access to the Coomera Marine Industry Precinct.
We recognise that it’s sometimes difficult to navigate your way through multiple websites to find what you need to know about specific destinations. To help you out, we’ve developed this guide to provide you with all the essential information you’ll need to plan your visit to the Gold Coast.
We’re excited about what the future holds. So whether you’re a repeat visitor, or you’re coming to see us for the first time, we look forward to having you drop anchor on the Gold Coast.
For international vessels entering the Gold Coast
Superyachts 50m and over in length require a pilot. Superyacht general size limitations are published in the Southport Port Procedures Manual and are based upon under keel clearance (UKC), length and area of operation. Oversized superyachts will be considered by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) on a case-by-case basis, utilising a risk-based process. You are encouraged to contact MSQ during the early stages of planning the visit of an oversize vessel.
Coming to Australia from international waters
96 hours prior to arriving in Australian waters
All non-commercial vessels arriving in Australia are required by law to give notice of impending arrival at least 96 hours before arrival. For a list of what you’ll need to provide, refer to page 9 of this document or visit the Australian Border Force webpage here. Please note, a 408 Superyacht Crew stream visa is required for all crew, with the exception of Australian and New Zealand passport holders.
Apply online here.
Australian Border Force
Email: yachtreport@homeaffairs.gov.au
Ph: +61 2 6275 6413 or Fax: +61 2 6275 5078
Coming to the Gold Coast
48 hours prior to arrival to the Gold Coast’s pilot boarding ground
For up-to-date information on arrivals, see Maritime Safety Queensland’s page here.
Contact MSQ’s Gold Coast office to arrange entry to the Gold Coast and pilotage if required (vessels over 50m in length require pilotage). The pilot boarding ground is situated at a position two nautical miles east of the Gold Coast Seaway south wall, in position latitude 27° 56·2’S, longitude 153° 28·2’E.
Maritime Safety Queensland (Gold Coast)
Email: msq.goldcoast.reception@msq.qld.gov.au
Ph: +61 7 5585 1810 (during business hours)
After hours ph: +61 7 3305 1700
Enter via the Seaway and head to the Boarding Station for arrival Head to Gold Coast’s Port of Entry at the Southport Yacht Club
Where is the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is strategically located on the edge of the Asia-Pacific rim, with access to two international airports. It has a customs clearance port two nautical miles from the Seaway and boasts a 250-hectare marine precinct, which hosts world-class manufacturers and internationally renowned brands.
Stretching along 57 kilometres of coastline, it’s home to over half a million people, beautiful surfing beaches, subtropical rainforest, spectacular waterways and breathtaking scenery.
Temperatures range between an average of 21 degrees Celsius in winter to 29 degrees Celsius in summer.
Important information for international vessels
Superyachts, passengers and crew entering Australia for commercial or recreational visits are subject to customs, immigration and biosecurity controls when entering and/ or departing Australia. The Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast has been appointed as a Port of Entry by the Australian Government and they can help you with obtaining the clearances you’ll need for your stay.
You can contact Southport Yacht Club on +61 7 5591 8577 or on VHF Channel 74 Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 8am–4pm, Sunday: 8am–2pm Email: marina@southportyachtclub.com.au You’ll also need to file a yacht report at least 96 hours before entering Australia to let us know you’re coming.
To encourage superyacht visits there’ve also been some recent changes to Commonwealth laws regarding superyachts and taxation arrangements. The Special Recreational Vessels Act 2019 (SRV Act) is intended to allow ‘special recreational vessels’ (superyachts) to visit Australia for up to 12 months and conduct commercial activities without being regarded as imported under customs legislation.
The SRV Act achieves this by establishing a condition for qualifying special recreational vessels to ‘opt in’ to the coastal trading licence scheme established by the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 (Coastal Trading Act). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications administers both the SRV Act and the Coastal Trading Act.
Any vessel that obtains a coastal trading licence through the new condition established by the SRV Act will be subject to the Australian Border Force’s (ABF) existing arrangements for vessels operating under coastal trading licences.
Vessels that enter and operate in Australia in accordance with the SRV Act will be considered international commercial vessels rather than recreational vessels. The SRV Act does not change existing reporting and permissions for international commercial vessels operating in Australian waters under the coastal trading licence scheme. For more information, visit the Australian Customs Notice here.
How to navigate the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Seaway is your gateway to our city’s beautiful marine network and our attractions and services. — For vessels visiting the Gold Coast, there are some general operating limitations:
A minimum under keel clearance (UKC) of 1.0 metre is required to be maintained in the Gold Coast Seaway Entrance. A minimum UKC of 0.5 metres is required in all other areas. There are also varying requirements for vessels using different channels within the Gold Coast Broadwater, including pilotage arrangements.
A maximum of 65 metres length overall (LOA) has been set by Maritime Safety Queensland for vessels entering and exiting the Seaway and making their way to the Southport marina precinct via the South Channel. Vessels transiting to the Coomera marina precinct are limited to 60 metres LOA.
Oversized vessels will be considered by Maritime Safety Queensland on a case-by-case basis utilising a risk-based process for each movement. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to, daylight, support craft escort and weather conditions. You are encouraged to contact MSQ during the early stages of planning the visit of an oversize vessel. Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) manages scheduling and provision of pilotage services on the Gold Coast. MSQ has an office on the Gold Coast and they’ll work with you to ensure your vessel and crew can arrive and stay safety. Further information is available on the MSQ website including the Southport Port Procedures Manual which provides further detail on movement requirements. Master/Agents are required to notify MSQ of arrival 48 hours prior but are encouraged to do so as early as possible. You can contact MSQ on +61 7 5585 1810 (during business hours) or email msq.goldcoast.reception@msq.qld.gov.au
Marine capabilities
With over 57 kilometres of coastline and a coastal inland waterways network measuring 260 kilometres, it’s no surprise that the Gold Coast is the leading destination for marine refit and repair within the Asia-Pacific region.
Over 33,000 vessels are registered on the Gold Coast, cementing it as one of Australia’s largest boating communities. Local businesses are recognised worldwide for their innovation and quality workmanship. With 300 days of sunshine a year, it provides the perfect climate for any upgrade or maintenance works.
The Gold Coast has an extensive range of marinas clustered around the northern end of the city, on the shore of the iconic Broadwater and connecting river and canal systems.
The Gold Coast offers a one-stop shop for superyacht berthing, maintenance, services and fit out.
Destinations: Australasia, Australia
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Australia for detailed information about cruising around Australia, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Andrew Chapman is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Australia and the surrounding area.
Andrew Chapman
Phone: +61 402 484 888
Email: australia@seal-superyachts.com