The allure of Australia’s coastline
Australia is an island nation defined by water. With almost 36,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 9,000 nautical miles if circumnavigated including Tasmania, the scale is breathtaking. It is a cruising ground unlike any other, filled with natural wonders, vibrant cities, and remote anchorages.
What was once the preserve of hardy sailing yachts is now firmly within reach for motor yachts, thanks to advances in navigation, weather forecasting, and world-class marine services. Today, exploring Australia’s coastline with Maritimo offers comfort, safety, and the ability to cruise in stages, always within reach of family, friends, and business when needed.
Queensland: the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders. Visible from space, it stretches over 1,250 nautical miles and encompasses 900 islands, many accessible only by yacht.
Port Douglas makes a natural starting point for Maritimo owners, offering access to jewels like Lizard Island. Here, you can anchor in clear waters, snorkel with reef fish, and enjoy serene isolation. Green Island provides another haven for diving among vibrant coral gardens and swimming with turtles.
Between July and November, Hervey Bay transforms into a whale sanctuary, giving yacht owners the chance to see migrating humpback whales up close. Further south, Lady Elliot Island rewards divers with turtles and manta rays, while the Whitsunday Islands deliver an iconic cruising playground of white sand, turquoise lagoons, and sheltered anchorages.
The Whitsundays: a tropical paradise
The Whitsundays are a highlight of cruising Australia’s coastline with Maritimo. This archipelago of 74 islands, nestled in the heart of the reef, is renowned for Whitehaven Beach—often called one of the most beautiful in the world.
Island-hopping reveals unique treasures: Hamilton Island with its vibrant marina life, Daydream Island’s family appeal, Hook Island’s dive sites, and secluded gems like South Molle and Cedar Creek Falls. For those seeking even quieter anchorages, Shaw Island offers rugged natural beauty, recently featured in a dedicated Maritimo destination guide.
This region is also Maritimo’s home, with southeast Queensland providing world-class marine services, refits, and provisioning.
New South Wales: iconic harbours and hidden gems
Heading south, New South Wales brings a blend of cosmopolitan life and natural beauty. Byron Bay and its Northern Rivers neighbours, Yamba and Iluka, set the tone with surf culture and dramatic coastal scenery.
Further along, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Port Stephens offer excellent facilities for visiting yachts. Port Stephens, in particular, rewards visitors with its striking headlands, rich marine life, and sheltered anchorages.
Then comes Sydney, a world-famous cruising destination. The sails of the Opera House and the span of the Harbour Bridge create a stunning backdrop for every Maritimo that enters these waters. Stay in Rose Bay, anchor quietly in Middle Harbour, or soak up the energy of Cockle Bay. Just north, Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park add tranquillity and lush scenery to the urban excitement.
South of Sydney, Jervis Bay surprises with some of the whitest sand in the world and turquoise waters teeming with dolphins and seals. Further still, Ulladulla, Narooma, and Bermagui provide striking coastal charm, the latter being a paradise for fishing enthusiasts.
Preparing for the next stage
This is only the beginning. Part I of our journey along Australia’s coastline with Maritimo highlights Queensland and New South Wales, but there is much more ahead. From Tasmania’s rugged wilderness to Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, each leg promises new experiences and challenges.
For now, it is time to check the engine room, stow the gear, and rest well. In Part II, we cross Bass Strait and continue the adventure into new waters.
Maritimo returns to the Sydney International on Water Boat Show
