A local guide to yachting in Brisbane

Fringed by subtropical beaches, refined dining, and hidden sandy isles, Brisbane and its coastal surrounds have become a quintessential destination for yachting in Australia. Whether you're embarking on a yacht charter around Queensland, exploring the pristine waters of nearby Moreton Bay, or gliding along the Brisbane River in a privately chartered vessel, this region offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and opulent cruising opportunities. Queensland's yachting scene is a captivating fusion of rugged coastlines, crystalline waters, and world-class luxury.
Our trusted Australian distributor, Princess Yachts Australia, has curated expert local recommendations on where to stay, dine, and explore - ensuring every moment ashore reflects the same standards of excellence as life aboard. From private dining on the waterfront to secluded anchorages and bespoke cultural encounters, their local insight elevates your voyage into something truly exceptional.
Let Princess Yachts Australia be your guide to the ultimate Brisbane yachting experience - where luxury, adventure, and unforgettable cruising converge on one of the world’s most captivating coastlines.
Exclusive residences & retreats in Brisbane: Where luxury meets comfort
Brisbane’s stunning coastline and vibrant cityscape provide a range of luxurious accommodations, whether you’re in town to explore, relax in style, or cruise further afield.
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
This five-star resort is nestled in 4.2 hectares of tropical gardens and features a beautiful lagoon beach, where kangaroos are a frequent sight. The estate is home to four exceptional restaurants and bars - don’t miss the resort’s High Coffee, a sophisticated, caffeinated take on the traditional High Tea.
The InterContinental also makes the ideal base for attending the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, which will take place from 21st to 24th May 2026 (insert link to the Princess Yachts event page with this listing on).
InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

W Brisbane
Rising above the Brisbane River, the W Brisbane blends urban energy with bold luxury. A river-inspired design flows through modern interiors influenced by Indigenous Australian culture and the city’s playful BrisVegas spirit. With rooftop lounges and cocktail bars, it’s the perfect destination to unwind or turn up the glamour.
The Calile Hotel
Located on fashionable James Street, The Calile combines architectural sophistication with a laid-back, coastal attitude. Surrounded by boutiques and upscale eateries, the hotel invites guests to enjoy lazy afternoons by the pool, signature cocktails in hand, and restful nights in elegant rooms.
Explore Brisbane with bespoke adventures & curated experiences
With its year-round sunshine and subtropical climate, Brisbane is a gateway to outdoor exploration and natural beauty. These standout activities showcase the very best of Queensland’s scenic landscapes and coastal charm.
Snorkelling at Tangalooma
Explore the Tangalooma Wrecks - one of Australia’s top underwater sites. Teeming with over 100 species of tropical fish, these coral-draped shipwrecks also attract dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles. A must for marine lovers.
Tangalooma Wrecks

Tamborine Mountain
Escape the heat and discover ‘the green behind the gold’ in the Gold Coast Hinterland. At higher elevation, Tamborine Mountain offers cooler air, rainforest walks, boutique wineries, and long, leisurely lunches amid tropical tranquillity.


Noosa Beaches
Noosa’s pristine beaches and boardwalks invite you to slow down. Main Beach offers calm, swimmer-friendly waters, while Peregian Beach is beloved by locals for its charm and proximity to cafés and boutiques. For surfers, Granite Bay delivers both natural beauty and a world-class break.
Noosa Beaches

Queensland’s premier anchorages & hidden marine havens
For yacht owners, few places compare to Queensland’s glittering coastline, where many of the most breathtaking destinations are accessible only by boat.
Tangalooma
A marine sanctuary of rugged beauty, Tangalooma on Moreton Island is known for its resident dolphins, coral-covered wrecks, and captivating sunsets. From June to October, you may also spot humpback whales migrating along the coast - an awe-inspiring sight at sea.
Jumpinpin
Affectionately known as ‘the Pin’, this sandbar-strewn haven is a hotspot for boating and fishing. Navigate with care through shifting channels and sandbanks - the reward is a bounty of bream and flathead. For overnight stays, Couran Cove’s marina and resort offer a refined, island-style retreat.
Great Sandy Strait
Nestled between the Fraser Coast and the pristine shores of Fraser Island (K’gari), the Great Sandy Strait is one of Australia’s most exquisite hidden gems - an unspoiled marine sanctuary offering understated luxury and unrivalled seclusion. Sheltered like the Whitsundays yet far less traversed, its glassy turquoise waters, powder-white sandbanks, and winding creeks provide an idyllic setting for private cruising, superyacht anchorage, and intimate exploration by tender or seaplane.

Secret Spot – Slipping Sands
The golden sands of this secluded anchorage slide gently into calm, clear waters. A well-kept local secret, Slipping Sands is an idyllic lunch stop - perfect for fishing, swimming, and strolling barefoot along the dunes.
Where to dine in style: Exclusive Brisbane restaurants & waterfront gems
Queensland’s dining scene reflects its laid-back luxury and cultural diversity, with standout venues offering everything from ocean-fresh seafood to bold Pan-Asian flavours.
Omeros Bros – Marina Mirage, Gold Coast
Perfectly positioned on the Marina Mirage boardwalk, steps from private berths, Omeros Bros remains a go-to for discerning yacht owners seeking sophisticated seafood in a discreet, waterfront setting. The restaurant’s legacy of excellence is built on pristine use of local ingredients and seamless hospitality. A standout is the Snapper en Papillote, a delicately steamed fillet layered with velouté, fresh tomatoes, coriander, and a whisper of chilli, renowned for being elegantly restrained and deeply flavourful.
Sydney Rock Oysters served natural or dressed, and live mud crab, prepared to your preference, offer further indulgence. Whether arriving by tender or hosting a private lunch post-charter, Omeros delivers consistently elevated dining, anchored in understated elegance and Broadwater serenity.
Dragon Cove – Sanctuary Cove
Dragon Cove at Sanctuary Cove offers an elevated Chinese dining experience that overlooks the tranquil marina. Renowned for its contemporary Cantonese cuisine, the restaurant blends refined flavours with elegant presentation. Guests can enjoy traditional yum cha by day and indulgent signature dishes, such as Peking duck carved tableside, live seafood from the tanks, and handcrafted dim sum, by night. The interior is stylish and serene, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and group celebrations. With warm service and a curated wine list, Dragon Cove is a standout destination for those seeking fine Asian cuisine in a relaxed, waterfront setting.
Rick Shores – Burleigh Heads
Accessible via a short tender transfer to nearby Tallebudgera Creek or via chauffeur from local marinas, Rick Shores is one of Australia’s most talked-about oceanfront dining destinations - where modern Pan-Asian cuisine meets surfside sophistication. Just metres from the tide, the dining experience is immersive yet relaxed, with curated cocktails and an award-winning wine list enhancing each plate.
The iconic Moreton Bay Bug Roll, lightly battered and finished with Sriracha mayo, remains a signature indulgence. For those seeking something richer, the Crispy Suckling Pig with XO Sauce and Sichuan Roasted Duck Breast with Lychee offer a bold, refined take on coastal dining. With unobstructed views and an atmosphere that balances buzz with polish, Rick Shores offers the perfect land-based complement to your yachting itinerary.


Favourite Local Dish: Grilled Moreton Bay Bug Tail
A true expression of the Gold Coast’s luxury coastal dining, this signature dish highlights the pristine seafood and native botanicals that define the region. Freshly sourced from nearby waters, the tender Moreton Bay bug tail is gently grilled over flame to preserve its natural sweetness. It can then be glazed with a silky emulsion of native citrus, featuring sunrise lime and lemon myrtle, for a fragrant, tangy lift. When coupled with charred baby leeks, they add a delicate smokiness and depth, while finger lime caviar scattered over the top bursts with refreshing pops of acidity. The dish should be elegantly plated with micro herbs and edible flowers, drawing inspiration from the ocean and hinterland.
When paired with a cool-climate Chardonnay or an aged Semillon, it offers a perfectly balanced journey of flavour and texture—luxurious yet distinctly Australian. A staple of Gold Coast fine dining, this dish is both sophisticated and deeply connected to its coastal provenance.
Discover Brisbane like never before, with its shimmering waterways and unparalleled coastal charm, offering a truly unique way to traverse the city. For the ultimate travel experience, Australia’s beautiful coast should be explored from the deck of a Princess Yacht. Combining refined elegance, exceptional comfort, and the promise of exclusivity, Princess Yachts ensures your time on the water is nothing short of extraordinary. Why not make your next voyage one to remember? Brisbane's waterways are calling.


