The Opex Report

INTERNATIONAL PORT OF ENTRY

Making it easier for superyachts to visit our waters

It’s hard to believe that before 2017, one of Australia’s largest marine destinations didn’t have its own port of clearance. Now, four years on, the Gold Coast is welcoming foreign superyachts and other international vessels directly to its waters.

The Southport Yacht Club, located in the Broadwater, not far from the Gold Coast seaway entrance, is an appointed Port of Entry by the Australian Government. Here, you can obtain the clearances you’ll need for your stay. In addition, the Australian Government has reduced red tape for superyachts operating commercially in Australian waters. The Special Recreational Vessels Act 2019 (SRV Act) is intended to allow ‘special recreational vessels’ (superyachts) to visit and charter for up to 12 months and conduct commercial activities without being regarded as imported under customs legislation. The Gold Coast is seeing a remarkable increase in demand with internationally flagged superyachts heading to Australia for charter opportunities and world-class marine infrastructure in a safe region.

1. Southport Yacht Club, location of the city’s port of entry 2. Gold Coast broadwater, protected by South Stradbroke Island

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VISION

A major superyacht hub for the Asia-Pacific

The Gold Coast’s yachting industry is having a coming of age (arguably decades in the making) as the facilities and infrastructure are expanding to meet a remarkable increase in demand from both domestic and international yachts.

Australia’s largest superyacht berth, at 163 metres, was recently constructed at the Southport Yacht Club, the location of the city’s designated port of clearance. This investment, in partnership with government, is evidence of the region’s vision to become a major superyacht hub for the Asia-Pacific. Adjacent to Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage is undergoing an overhaul to cater to more luxury vessels. Aside from more and bigger berths, the new facility will provide the highest standards in luxury dining, shopping and lifestyle…not to mention, Palazzo Versace Hotel is located right next door. Gold Coast City Marina, already one of the largest facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, has announced plans to more than double in size which will increase the yard’s lifting capacity by an eye-watering 400 per cent to more than 1000 tonnes.

Neighbouring facility, The Boat Works, is on a similar trajectory recently unveiling the first stage of its $100 million expansion. The new facility caters to yachts of all shapes and sizes along 500 metres of river waterfront.

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1. Palazzo Versace Hotel, Sheraton Mirage and Marina Mirage offer exclusive amenities along the broadwater

2. Lady Christine Superyacht navigating Gold Coast waters 2. 1.

CAPTAINS TIP: PALAZZO VERSACE AND SHERATON MIRAGE ARE LOCATED WITHIN A FEW MINUTES WALK OF THE PORT OF ENTRY AND PROVIDE FIVESTAR ACCOMMODATION.

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STAY

Be reeled in with the laidback lifestyle and endless ways to spend your days

You may know of the Gold Coast, a city of close to 700,000 people, for its surf breaks, theme parks or spectacular skyline. But the Gold Coast of today is so much more. It’s also a city of espresso coffee, authentic cuisines and a growing arts and cultural scene. It’s a place of world-heritage listed rainforests, golfing greens and eco-tourism. It’s laidback. Thongs in the morning, heels in the evening. People are friendly and share a passion for their city. The easiest way to experience the Gold Coast is by coastal neighbourhoods, thrown in with some adventures to theme parks, golf courses and the Gondwana Rainforests.

Getting in and out of the Gold Coast is easy with access to two international airports (Gold Coast and Brisbane). And, an easy day trip from the Gold Coast is Byron Bay, a vibrant town now known for it’s famous locals. Or, if you are looking to get back to some hustle and bustle you can venture to Brisbane, the capital of the State of Queensland.

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1. Oceanfront dining at Burleigh Pavillion

2. Retail therapy at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

3. Tallebudgera Creek, a popular spot to swim after a walk through the national park

4. Surfer enjoying the swell at Kirra, part of the world surfing reserve

5. Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers at Currumbin Beach

6. Only the best in dining at The Start Resort and Casino

7. Sky high luxury at The Star Resort and Casino

8. Smiles and adrenaline at Gold Coast theme parks

TIMELESS BEAUTY

Soaring by A&R