Imagine this: warm salt air on your face, sun glittering on turquoise water, and a summer voyage that takes you from the sparkling city lights of Sydney to the tropical magic of the Whitsundays. Along the way, you’ll find a chain of marinas — each one a mix of safe harbour, vibrant local life, and that little touch of luxury that makes a summer trip unforgettable.
Sydney & New South Wales – Where the Journey Begins
Sydney Superyacht Marina – Rozelle Bay, Sydney, NSW
Sip your morning coffee while the city skyline shimmers just beyond your bow. This marina is the heartbeat of Sydney’s yachting scene — perfect for watching the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race or slipping out for a sunset sail past the Opera House. Crew lounges, secure parking, provisioning… everything’s here so you can just focus on the fun.
Jones Bay Wharf – Pyrmont, Sydney, NSW
Old-world timber wharf meets sleek, modern luxury. Moor here and step straight into some of Sydney’s most celebrated restaurants. By night, the lights of the Harbour Bridge sparkle right across the water.
Summer Side Trip: Sydney Harbour
Glide past the Opera House, anchor off Athol Bay for a swim, or kayak under the shadow of the Harbour Bridge. Dolphins sometimes pop up to join the fun — no summer trip to Australia is complete without a few lazy days here.
Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club – Newcastle, NSW
Lively, welcoming, and right in the heart of a working harbour. Great for stocking up at the shipyard, then unwinding at the waterfront café with fresh seafood and a cold drink.
Soldiers Point Marina – Port Stephens, NSW
Think boutique hotel, but on the water. Complimentary laundry, courtesy cars, and staff who remember your name. The surrounding waters are glassy, calm, and home to playful pods of dolphins.
Port Macquarie Marina – Port Macquarie, NSW
Tie up, kick off your shoes, and walk to the beach in five minutes. The marina’s pontoons are rock-solid, the sunsets here are pure gold, and the town is buzzing with summer energy.
Coffs Harbour International Marina – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Halfway to the Gold Coast, this is your stretch-and-explore stop. Wander the boardwalk, check out Muttonbird Island, then feast at one of the waterfront restaurants before heading north.
Yamba Marina – Yamba, NSW
Freshly refurbished and just a stroll from one of the most laid-back beach towns on the coast. Order fish and chips from the marina café and eat it right on the dock while pelicans cruise past.
Queensland – Sunshine, Sand, and Island-Hopping
Marina Mirage – Main Beach, Gold Coast, QLD
Pull in here and you’re mooring at the doorstep of waterfront champagne bars and designer boutiques. Deep water, huge berths, and the option to hit the Broadwater within minutes.
Sanctuary Cove Marina – Hope Island, Gold Coast, QLD
Yacht in, golf in the morning, shopping in the afternoon, cocktails by evening. This is where berthing comes with five-star service and a resort village right outside the gangway.
Summer Side Trip: Great Sandy Strait
A glassy waterway between Fraser Island and the coast. Swim off sandbars, spot dugongs, and enjoy some of the best flathead fishing in Queensland.
Hervey Bay Boat Club Marina – Urangan Harbour, QLD
The perfect base to explore Fraser Island’s wild west coast. Fuel up, grab lunch on the verandah overlooking the harbour, and watch humpbacks (in season) from your deck.
Keppel Bay Marina – Yeppoon, QLD
Bright, breezy, and full of local flavour. Sail straight to the Keppel Islands for a beach BBQ, then return for a sunset dinner at The Waterline Restaurant.
Hamilton Island Marina – Whitsundays, QLD
Arrive here and you’ve made it to the jewel of the trip. Resorts, restaurants, reef tours, and 74 islands to explore at your own pace. Grab a sundowner at the marina bar, then plan tomorrow’s island-hop.
Summer Crown: Whitsunday Islands – QLD
Whitehaven Beach’s pure silica sand, Hook Island’s coral gardens, and Hayman’s luxury hideaways — all wrapped in the warm, clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Days here drift into each other, filled with snorkelling, sailing, and slow sunsets.
Bonus Adventure: The Kimberley – WA
Far from the summer crowds, this is wild, raw Australia. Waterfalls tumble into jade-green rivers, cliffs glow orange at sunset, and you can drop anchor in bays where you’re the only boat for miles.
Why This Route is Perfect for Summer 2025:
- Warm weather from start to finish.
- Calm, clear waters along much of the coast.
- A mix of city nights, island days, and wild escapes.
