Entry status
Fremantle is WA’s only DAFF first point of entry for non-commercial vessels and an ABF port of entry. Other WA ports (Albany, Bunbury, Carnarvon, Dampier, Esperance, Geraldton, Port Hedland) are ABF-only.
Pilotage
Over 35 m LOA: the Port Authorities Regulations 2001 (WA), regulation 30(1)(b), exempt only vessels with an LOA of not more than 35 m, for all WA port authority ports, and there is no recreational carve-out. Private vessels over 35 m must also advise Fremantle Ports of arrival and any movement. A private superyacht over 35 m should therefore plan on a pilot unless the Harbour Master agrees otherwise (harbourmaster@fremantleports.com.au). Fremantle has issued biosecurity memos on marine pests relevant to hull condition.
Berths and refit
Henderson’s Australian Marine Complex: Echo Marine Group floating dock 12,000 t (99 m), synchrolift 8,065 t (150 m), enclosed halls for vessels under 100 m. Kailis Marine, Fremantle: floating dock 12,000 t. Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour takes 40 to 70 m.
Rottnest and beyond
Rottnest Island: annual vessel admission for 20 m and over; anchor at least 50 m from moorings and clear of seagrass; $10 million third-party cover; 8 knots for vessels over 24 m. Abrolhos Islands: online notification before travelling; 36 public moorings, no bookings. Ningaloo public moorings to 25 m; whale shark season March to August. Foreign skippers staying under 3 months need no WA skipper’s ticket.
Sources: Fremantle Ports port information guide (2018) · Port Authorities Regulations 2001 (WA) · Rottnest Island Authority fees and charges · WA recreational boat registration
We arrange clearance, pilots and yard bookings in Fremantle and Henderson for yachts arriving from the Indian Ocean. ASY handles clearance and berthing here. Talk to us or email us.
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Condensed from Australian Superyacht Services’ Definitive Guide to bringing a foreign superyacht to Australia, researched against Commonwealth, state and port authority sources. Rules and fees change; where a point is unsettled we say so. General information, not legal advice. Reviewed 30 October 2026.
