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Sydney Yacht Charter, Australia

Australia is a destination filled with awe-inspiring natural sights that are unlike anything anywhere else on the planet, and coupled with the beautiful harbour city of Sydney with its world-famous opera house, shopping and entertainments, it's no wonder so many choose a Sydney luxury yacht charter by sailing yacht or motor yacht.

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales as well as being Australia's most populous city. Its great natural harbour looks out onto the sparkling Tasman Sea and there are approximately 70 fine sand beaches in close proximity along this south eastern stretch of coastline.

Commencing or ending a luxury yacht charter in Sydney is easy due to an easy-to-use and well-connected public transport system from the Kingsford Smith Airport to Sydney Harbour only six miles away. The airport provides domestic as well as international flights, and private transport can be arranged to take you straight to the marina.

Sydney would also be easy to incorporate into an Australia luxury yacht charter that visits the Great Barrier Reef and then cruises down the eastern coast to Tasmania - or even across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand in an itinerary designed to see as much of this South Pacific region as possible.

The hundreds of bays and inlets provide great anchorages and you'll always find a quality restaurant, close by. One of the highlights of cruising Sydney is the atmosphere and spirit, which can be found in some of Australia's most impressive yacht clubs and marinas. The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is situated on Pittwater, by Sydney's northern beaches. It is one of Australia's most prestigious yacht clubs with long and colourful history. The marina is the largest in New South Wales and houses some exclusive luxury yachts. This marina now offers yacht charter guests some of the best marina facilities in Australia.

Luxury catamarans and other vessels with a shallow draft will be in their element for approaching close to reefs and lagoons, allowing for better views and greater privacy away from other charter vessels in popular locations. Superyachts, mega yachts and motor yachts packed with amenities could easily host their own parties on board for special occasions or corporate event charters while docked in Sydney, then take all of life's luxuries with them as they head off to the wilds.

Five quick reasons to visit Sydney:

Modern and vibrant cosmopolitan city, Numerous local beaches, Fantastic natural landmarks along the coast and inland, Myriad entertainment and dining options, World-class shopping

More about this part of Australia

To the north is one of the most popular Australia luxury yacht charter destinations and for many, the reason for coming to the southern hemisphere in the first place: The Great Barrier Reef. The white sands of the protected Whitsundays islands are also another treat in the area, however there is so much more to experience of this unique country to fill an adventure lasting week or longer.

Rainbow Beach has multi-coloured sands - which are best seen in the individual bands of the slowly eroding cliffs - and the region is renowned for its paragliding, where conditions are also great for kitesurfing other wind-based sports. Nearby Fraser Island has kilometres of soft sands along the large island's perimeter so that you're never wanting for a sunbathing spot all to yourselves, and landmarks such as S.S. Maheno further augment the stories of the region.

Pass by Brisbane and the Golden Coast and to the south is what has been crowned the world's whitest sand beach: Hyams Beach, also in New South Wales.

Sydney Yacht Charter Experiences

Embark on a Sydney yacht charter and explore this vibrant city with a pride and passion all of its own. The city offers an invigorating blend of the traditional and contemporary from cultures the world over, all skirting around the harbour and the iconic Sydney Opera House. Sydney is blessed with long stretches of heavenly beaches and a pleasant climate that sees over 300 sunny days a year , and it is for this reason that a yacht charter around Sydney and Pittwater entices so many to its shores.

Water sports lovers will have plenty to choose from at Sydney Harbour and the famous Bondi Beach, loved by surfers and sun worshipers alike. However for those looking to keep a low profile or simply avoid the crowds, then there are innumerable alternative beaches with cafes, sand bars and clear blue water for paddling with the little ones, where there are gentle waves, rock pools and netted enclosures to keep jellyfish at bay. Other beaches have conditions perfect for surfers, and to the north and west of Sydney the Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers create natural wildernesses rich in flora and fauna - perfect for nature lovers, photographers and artists.

Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach are all close to the city centre, while Milk Beach and Bungan Beach are amongst the offerings farther from city's heart.

If you've been cruising uninhabited islands or are about to disappear off into the wilderness, you might want to get in some luxury shopping in the international stores and bespoke boutiques in Sydney's CBD: There are great shopping malls, hip boutiques, local markets, antique showrooms, art galleries and vintage shops to find those items to complete a collection or pick up a memorable memento of your family holiday.

Some of the shopping streets to visit include Oxford Street and Paddington, Queen Street and Woollahra, Crown Street and Surry Hills, City Centre – George, Market and Castlereagh streets, Hall Street and Campbell Parade – Bondi. The nightlife is rocking in Sydney with pubs and clubs open until the early hours. Sydney also enjoys a fantastic reputation for a range of cuisines and has many world-class restaurants, such as The Gantry Restaurant and LuMi Bar & Dining.

Sydney also boasts a rich culture with attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art, Australian Museum, Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Olympic Park, The Rocks and Fort Denison out on Pinchgut Island, to name but a few ways to pack your hours.

You don’t have to travel far from Sydney Harbour to reach the Royal National Park or go by car to the fringes of the Blue Mountains, an unmissable World Heritage Area. These wild and rugged tourist attractions allow you to experience nature in all its raw power, from tumbling rainforests in waterfalls and bushwalks replete with kookaburras and colourful parrots, to wetlands and eucalyptus woodlands that are all cradled by sandstone gorges.

Things to Consider:

Yachting Seasons & Climate:

Sydney has been blessed with a beautiful temperate climate with a mild winter, and has more than 340 sunny days a year.

In the southern hemisphere the summer season runs from December to the end of February, when temperatures are at their highest with an average of 23°C/73°F during the daytime. Due to stronger UV rays than the northern hemisphere the temperatures often feel much higher, and sun screen with a rating of at least SPF30 is recommended for any extended period spent outdoors.

The coldest months are June through to August, with July being the coldest month experiencing an average low of 13°C/55°F. Rainfall is sporadic throughout the year, with the winter month of June having the lowest rainfall. However, during a summer charter rainfall is likely to be localised summer storms that produce a quick downpour and clear up almost immediately.

Clothing to Pack For Your Charter:

In the city and towns surrounding Sydney, daytime clothing is usually a blend of casual and smart-casual clothing, while glamorous evening wear will be on display at the restaurants, concerts and other functions. Summer evenings tend to be warm but an additional layer is recommended for air conditioned interiors.

The sunshine can become quiet intense when out in the open for long periods, and a long t-shirt is recommended in addition to waterproof sunblock to prevent skin damage while spending hours on the water toys.

Main Ports and Marinas:

Rose Bay Port, Rushcutters Bay Marina, Gladsville Bridge Marina, Kurnell Port, Botany Port, Cronulla Port, Burraneer Marina, Gymea Bay

Famous Restaurants & Clubs

The Gantry Restaurant, China Doll restaurant, LuMi Bar & Dining, The Restaurant Pendolino, Tetsuya’s Restaurant

A Must See Attraction:

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art, Australian Museum, Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Olympic Park, The Rocks and Fort Denison

Best beaches to visit in your yacht:

Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Bilgola Beach, Avalon Beach, Palm Beach, Milk Beach, Gordon's Bay, Bungan Beach

Local Yacht Events:

Sydney Harbour Regatta

Best time to go:

The summer period of December through to February is the best time to go, when Christmas and New Year festivities decorate the city in festive colours and fireworks are let off over the harbour. The shoulder seasons in spring and autumn are also an excellent time to visit, when there are fewer tourists visiting, and the latter season will have warmer sea temperatures.

Further Charter Information

Yacht Rentals Available: Go here for the current list of yacht rentals in Sydney.

Full Australia Yacht Charter Guide: Go here for the essential Australia yacht charter guide.

News: Read the latest superyacht news about Sydney.