Australia's coastline has a pull that is difficult to explain until you've experienced it for yourself. As an island nation, the country is shaped by the sea in every sense, with close to 36,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 9,000 nautical miles to cover if you circumnavigate the mainland and Tasmania. The scale alone is extraordinary, and the variety contained within it, from remote wilderness anchorages to world-class city harbours, makes it one of the most compelling cruising grounds anywhere on the planet.
For a long time, extended coastal passages around Australia were largely the domain of sailing yachts and their crews. That has changed. Advances in navigation technology, increasingly reliable weather forecasting, and the growth of quality marine services along the coast have brought this kind of cruising well within reach for motor yacht owners. Maritimo owners, in particular, are well placed to take it on, with the comfort and range to cruise in stages while remaining connected to family, work, and friends along the way.
Queensland: the Great Barrier Reef
Few places on Earth match the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching more than 1,250 nautical miles and taking in 900 islands, many of which can only be reached by boat, it is a natural wonder on a scale that is genuinely difficult to comprehend. It is, famously, one of the only living structures visible from space.
Port Douglas serves as a natural departure point for Maritimo owners looking to explore this region, with Lizard Island among the first great destinations within reach. The anchorages here are clear and calm, the snorkelling is exceptional, and the sense of isolation is hard to find elsewhere. Green Island offers a different kind of reward, with vibrant coral gardens and the chance to swim alongside sea turtles.
Seasonality shapes the experience along this coast. Between July and November, Hervey Bay becomes a gathering point for migrating humpback whales, giving those aboard the extraordinary opportunity to observe them at close quarters. To the south, Lady Elliot Island draws divers with its turtles and manta rays, while the Whitsunday Islands deliver the postcard version of tropical Queensland, with white sand beaches, sheltered turquoise lagoons, and anchorages to suit every mood.
The Whitsundays: a tropical paradise
The Whitsundays occupy a special place in any account of Australian coastal cruising. This group of 74 islands sits in the heart of the reef and is home to Whitehaven Beach, widely regarded as among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Island-hopping through the group reveals a different character at every stop.
Hamilton Island brings the energy of a busy marina precinct, while Daydream Island suits families well. Hook Island draws divers to its well-known sites, and quieter corners such as South Molle and Cedar Creek Falls reward those willing to seek them out. Shaw Island, with its rugged natural beauty, has been the subject of a dedicated Maritimo destination guide, and represents exactly the kind of secluded anchorage that makes this archipelago so enduring a favourite.
The Whitsundays region is also home territory for Maritimo. Southeast Queensland provides world-class facilities for refits, provisioning, and marine services, making it a practical as well as a scenic base for this kind of passage.
New South Wales: iconic harbours and hidden gems
Continuing south into New South Wales, the character of the cruising changes, blending cosmopolitan energy with stretches of genuinely wild coastline. Byron Bay announces the state's northern reaches with surf culture and dramatic scenery, and nearby Yamba and Iluka, both part of the Northern Rivers, add their own coastal appeal to the mix.
Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Port Stephens each offer solid facilities for visiting vessels. Port Stephens deserves particular attention, with its bold headlands, rich marine life, and a collection of sheltered anchorages that make it easy to linger.
Sydney, of course, needs little introduction as a cruising destination. The combination of the Opera House's sails and the sweep of the Harbour Bridge creates one of the most recognisable backdrops in the world, and arriving by water is the finest way to take it in. Whether you choose to berth at Rose Bay, tuck into Middle Harbour for a quieter night, or head to the bustling Cockle Bay, the harbour rewards exploration. Just to the north, Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offer a marked contrast to the city, bringing lush bushland and genuine tranquillity within easy reach.
South of Sydney, Jervis Bay delivers a surprise that stops many visitors in their tracks. The sand here is among the whitest in the world, and the water teems with dolphins and seals. Pressing on, Ulladulla, Narooma, and Bermagui each carry their own coastal character, with Bermagui particularly well regarded among fishing enthusiasts.
This account covers only the first portion of what is a much longer journey. Part I has traced the coastline through Queensland and New South Wales, but Bass Strait lies ahead, and beyond it Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, each bringing new conditions, new landscapes, and new rewards. For now, the practical matters take priority: the engine room needs a check, the gear needs stowing, and a good rest is well earned. Part II picks up the adventure from there.
