Mackay

The Whitsundays' only standing port of entry, with berths for larger yachts.

Last reviewed 29 October 2026

ABF port of entryDAFF first point of entryPilotage from 50 mREEFVTS from 50 m

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Entry status

On both the ABF and DAFF lists: the Whitsundays’ only standing port of entry.

Pilotage

Compulsory from 50 m. Mackay is one of the seven Queensland areas where MSQ says special conditions can also apply to ships under 50 m, so confirm with the Regional Harbour Master.

Berths

Mackay Marina: 4.5 m LAT, 55 m-plus on request, 6 berths over 50 m; 65 t lift at the marina and a 600 t slipway at Pacific Marine Group.

Reef

Hydrographers Passage, to the east, is a compulsory pilotage area for vessels of 70 m or more. Vessels of 50 m or more report to REEFVTS.

Sources: MSQ pilotage areas · AMSA coastal pilotage

We clear yachts in at Mackay and set up the Whitsundays itinerary, anchorages and pilots from here. ASY handles clearance and berthing here. Talk to us or email us.

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Other ports in the guideQueenslandGold Coast (Southport) · Brisbane · Bundaberg · Gladstone · Whitsundays (Airlie Beach) · Townsville · Cairns · Port Douglas · Thursday Island (Port Kennedy)New South WalesSydney · Newcastle · Coffs Harbour · Port Kembla · Eden · Lord Howe IslandVictoriaMelbourneTasmaniaHobart and TasmaniaSouth AustraliaAdelaide and South AustraliaWestern AustraliaBroome and the Kimberley · Fremantle and Perth · Exmouth and NingalooNorthern TerritoryDarwin

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 29 October 2026.