CRUISE TIME
Being so far from the rest of the developed world has dictated our own development. This in turn, provides unique opportunities for the cruising fraternity – be they local sailors or international visitors.
Stop for the night in Refuge Cove Tasmania, and chances are you can swap a carton of beer with a local fisherman for a delicious fresh lobster. Park your tender in the mangroves off Nhulunbuy Northern Territory, and you can almost catch a barramundi by hand. Stop over at Shark Bay in Western Australia and hand feed a dolphin. The list is virtually endless and includes internationally recognised places such as the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson’s Promontory, Kangaroo Island, Esperance and many more.
Most of Australia’s cruising destinations are reachable by yacht – and you can find them anchored in hundreds of small bays throughout the country on any given weekend. Safe harbours of untouched natural beauty are within easy reach of extensive boating facilities and support industries.
If the natural solitude is not for you, not to worry. The nautical heritage of this country ensures the major towns and cities lie predominantly along the coastal seaboard. All have numerous marina facilities on their doorsteps to cater for any size yacht. Cruising through Sydney Harbour’s heads and right into the heart of Australia’s largest city is easy, as is sailing into Perth’s Swan River.
