Australia, port by port · Victoria
Melbourne
An ABF port with no biosecurity entry point for private yachts, pilotage over 35 m with no recreational exemption, and one superyacht marina in Docklands.
Last reviewed 30 October 2026
ABF port of entryNo DAFF first point of entryPilotage over 35 mBerths to 65 m
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Entry status
Melbourne, Geelong, Portland and Westernport are ABF ports of entry, but Victoria has no DAFF first point of entry for private yachts: arrive elsewhere first, or get DAFF permission.
Pilotage
Over 35 m LOA in Port Phillip and the Port of Melbourne, with no stated recreational exemption (Melbourne Harbour Master’s Directions, edition 13.3, September 2026, clause 2.9.1), so plan on a pilot over 35 m; pilots need 24 hours’ notice. Pilot exemption certificates (vessels over 35 m, valid 2 years, one vessel and one port, Master Class 1 or an AMSA-recognised foreign equivalent) are issued by Ports Victoria from 1 October 2026. Mandatory VTS reporting on VHF 12 for vessels of 35 to 50 m.
Berths
The City of Melbourne’s Melbourne City and Superyacht Marina on the western side of Victoria Harbour, Docklands, hosts boats up to 65 m (marina office 03 9658 8738, berthing@melbourne.vic.gov.au). Melbourne has no listed lift over 150 t; the nearest large capacity is Launceston.
Marine parks
No fishing in the 24 marine national parks and sanctuaries. Charter tours need a Parks Victoria tour operator licence, applied for at least 8 weeks ahead.
Sources: Melbourne Harbour Master's Directions, edition 13.3 (September 2026) · Ports Victoria pilot exemption certificates · Port of Melbourne pilotage
We arrange the pilot, the Docklands berth and the clearance route for yachts heading to Melbourne or on to Tasmania. 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.
