Cairns and Far North Queensland
Superyacht agent in Cairns and Far North Queensland. Cairns is the natural arrival point for yachts coming from the South Pacific and Asia, and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Our agency partner Captain Pat McLoughlin is on the ground in Cairns, backed by our office in Newport, NSW.
Why yachts come to Cairns
- A practical first Australian port for yachts arriving from the Pacific islands, Papua New Guinea and Asia
- Dedicated superyacht berths in the city, close to the airport, shops and services
- The Great Barrier Reef on the doorstep, with Port Douglas, Lizard Island and Cape York within reach
- An international airport for guest and crew changes
Arriving in Cairns
We plan the arrival with you before you leave your last port: the notices Australian Border Force and biosecurity need, your ETA and the berth for clearance. Captain McLoughlin meets the yacht on arrival and coordinates the boarding by the officers. If you are coming from the Pacific islands or Papua New Guinea, tell us early, as biosecurity checks for yachts from that region need planning.
Berths in Cairns and Port Douglas
Cairns has dedicated superyacht berths in the city marina, and Port Douglas has a superyacht marina an hour to the north. Availability depends on your size and the season, so send us your dimensions and dates and we will confirm what is realistic.
Cruising the Great Barrier Reef
The Reef is a marine park with zoning, anchoring and permit rules, and some of its waters are compulsory pilotage areas. Under AMSA rules, vessels over 70 metres must take a licensed coastal pilot in the Inner Route, Torres Strait, the Great North East Channel, Hydrographers Passage and the Whitsundays. We help you plan an itinerary that works within the rules and arrange pilots where they are needed. See AMSA Marine Notice 06/2022.
When to come
The dry season, roughly May to October, is the main cruising season in Far North Queensland. The wet season from November to April brings heat, heavy rain and the risk of tropical cyclones, and most visiting yachts plan around it.
What we arrange in Far North Queensland
- Arrival, clearance and departure formalities
- Berths in Cairns and Port Douglas, and anchorages along the coast
- Coastal pilots for compulsory pilotage areas
- Fuel, spares and Tradex imports
- Crew visas and crew changes through Cairns Airport
- Provisioning and logistics for extended Reef cruising
Captain Pat McLoughlin
Captain Pat McLoughlin is our agency partner in Cairns and looks after visiting superyachts across Far North Queensland on the ground. He is also Deputy Designated Person Ashore (DDPA) for Australian Superyachts, so he knows our systems and our clients’ yachts from the inside.
Planning, government liaison and accounts are handled from our office at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Newport, so you deal with one agency and one account wherever the yacht goes in Australia.
Questions
Can a foreign superyacht clear into Australia at Cairns?
Cairns is commonly used as a first port of entry by yachts arriving from the north and east. We confirm the clearance arrangements with the authorities for your date before you sail.
Do we need a pilot to cruise the Reef?
If your yacht is over 70 metres and your route passes through a compulsory pilotage area, yes. Smaller yachts do not need a pilot, but local knowledge is still worth having. We can arrange either.
How far ahead should we book?
As early as you can, especially in the dry season. Berths, pilots and guest flights all fill up.