Australia - Facts

Australia FAQs

Pre-Arrival Boat:  Australian Border Force require an Advance Notice of Arrival (see Clearance for details) and a Biosecurity Pre-Arrival Report (see Biosecurity for details). Australia has very strict Biosecurity and Biofouling regulations so any banned foodstuffs including meat and meat products should be consumed or disposed of prior to your arrival and your vessel must meet certain biofouling standards and procedures.
Pre-Arrival Crew:   All nationalities, with the sole exception of New Zealanders, must obtain a visa in advance or be registered as an eVisitor.  See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? All international non-commercial vessels must only arrive at specific Australian ports, known as First Points of Entry (FPOE). You must also ensure that your FPOE is also a Biosecurity First Point of Entry.  If you want to arrive at a Port that is a Non-First Point of Entry, you must apply for permission at least 10 days before arriving into Australia territory.  See Clearance for details of Australia's First Ports of Entry (FPOE).
Are fees high to enter by yacht? The Australian Border Force does not levy any charge for clearance. However, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry operates on a full cost recovery basis. See Fees for more information.
What security and safety concerns should I know about? Australia is generally a safe country.  However, Australia is also home to some of the deadliest creatures on Earth including snakes, spiders, jellyfish and crocodiles, so do not be tempted to go swimming in remote locations.  See Security for more information.

Australia Facts for Sailors

• In spite of a large number of yachts in Australia, the number of Australian yachts cruising overseas is surprisingly small and the only explanation for this is that Australia possesses such beautiful and varied cruising grounds that they do not need to go and look for variety elsewhere. From the wind-swept coasts of Victoria and Tasmania to the picturesque harbours of New South Wales, the tropical islands and Great Barrier Reef of Queensland to the huge shallow bays of the Northern Territory, Australia has it all.
• The Torres Strait Islands are also part of Australia as are the overseas territories of Norfolk Island, Cocos Keeling and Christmas Island.
• Getting work done: Facilities in Australia are generally good and anywhere near a yachting centre are excellent. For yachts arriving from the Pacific, it is a great relief to find a country where everything is available and virtually anything can be fixed. If in need of a major overhaul or repairs, it is advisable to head for the main centre, such as Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns or Darwin, where repair facilities are of a high standard and spares readily available. Prices are high, however.
• Due to the large fishing fleet based in Darwin, there are excellent repair facilities of all types and chandlers in the area around the Mooring Basin. Boats bound for Darwin should join the annual "Over the Top Cruise" organised by the Gove Yacht Club as it includes stops in several places that are normally closed to visitors
• Provisioning: You will find everything you want here, but food shopping in Australia is expensive.
• Yacht clubs everywhere are welcoming and are also a valuable source of advice concerning repairs or provisioning. Australian charts are excellent and are continually kept up to date. They are available in any port of significant size.
• Most marinas in Australia now require any visiting vessel to have public liability insurance for AUD$10 million. See the formalities section for more details.