Australia - Yachting Essentials

Electricity:

Voltage: 240v - (Outlets typically controlled by adjacent switch)

Frequency: 50 Hz

LPG:

International tanks are able to be filled conveniently and inexpensively all across the country. If your tanks are out of date, they are not to be filled until re-certified - which should cost approx. $20 a tank.

Camping stores and fishing stores are the best places to get gas bottles filled.

Insurance requirements for Australian marinas:

Australian marinas and boatyards require any visiting vessel - both for domestic and foreign to have public liability insurance for A$10 million. Some will require A$20 million. You may be refused entry to marinas if you have insufficient liability insurance. Be sure to check with your chosen marina prior to arrival.

Lobster Pots and Tuna (Fish Farming) Pens on the southern coast of Australia:

If sailing Australia's south coast, be aware of Lobster Pots offshore of Robe in South Australia.  Locals advise not to sail at night through this area from October to May, in less than 100 meters of water.  Robe is known as the lobster capital of Australia and during this time there are hundreds of pots laid off the coast.  They are marked with small floats which are difficult to see during the day and almost impossible to spot at night.  There are plenty of day hops and small towns along this coast to avoid sailing at night.

Approaching Port Lincoln in South Australia, be aware of commercial tuna fish pens.  Locals say Locals advise the net pens are in rows and the route through is to start at an end of a row and go all the way to the other. They also advise against sailing in this area at night as while the nets are marked with small flashing lights, they are difficult to see. The aquaculture facility covers a much larger area than is marked on Navionics charts.

See this report for some very useful information:

• Australia:  Heading South From Sydney then West (Noonsite March 2024)

Last updated:  January 2025