Five superyachts to hire for a luxe summer
We have found the best motor yachts available on Australia’s east coast that range from $500 an hour to $45k a night.
Live your best life on these motor yachts cruising the east coast this summer, whether it be on the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Port Douglas, Sydney Harbour or Byron Bay.
1. AIX
This 44.5m motor yacht made its grand entrance on the water in July 2022. AIX is sleek and ultra-modern in design, with a colour palette of white and black softened with warm timber, stone and glass. There is spacious accommodation for 10 guests spread across five cabins, including two doubles and a pair of twin rooms.
The centrepiece is the owner’s cabin – a sprawling private apartment over three levels with its own outdoor areas. There are extensive outdoor entertaining decks and multiple lounge areas for relaxing and entertaining, making the most of flowing indoor and outdoor spaces.
The jacuzzi offers panoramic ocean views and is an ideal place to enjoy the scenery with a cocktail in hand. Water sports gear on board includes diving, snorkelling and paddle-boarding equipment. With a crew of nine, Aix is focused on Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays this summer. From $45,000 a night, plus fuel and catering; minimum two nights.
2. Sea Raes
This 29m motor yacht is part of the Raes portfolio, which includes the legendary Raes on Wategos boutique hotel at Byron Bay. The vessel divides its time between Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef, and arrived in the Emerald City last month for its second summer season. Boasting a classic European style with interiors by Tasmin Johnson, Sea Raes offers guests a range of charter formats, from day trips and jaunts on Sydney Harbour to wider-ranging exploration.
It can accommodate eight people for overnight stays and up to 30 for events. With a menu devised by Raes on Wategos executive chef Jason Saxby, food is a highlight. Accommodation includes four rooms with a master suite, a VIP guestroom and two twin rooms with ensuites. Water toys include stand-up paddleboards, water skis, wakeboards, snorkelling gear, and an inflatable pool and trampoline. $18,000 a night or $2000 an hour (minimumm four-hour hire) for events, all inclusive.
3. Beluga
A custom-built 35m explorer-style motor yacht, Beluga has an impressive cruising range of 4000 nautical miles and is fitted with a stabilisation system for a smooth ride. Stationed in Port Douglas, it provides a gateway for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The layout features a luxurious master suite, two double cabins, two twin cabins, plus two pullman beds for a maximum 10 guests.
The decor is classically elegant, replete with glossy timber panelling. Head to the sundeck for soaks in the four-person jacuzzi, or the aft deck for sunset drinks and canapes followed by al fresco dining.
Beluga takes part in environmental projects such as volunteering missions at a turtle sanctuary in the Conflict Islands off Papua New Guinea. Activities include whale-watching, swimming with turtles and fishing trips, plus scuba diving, snorkelling and waterskiing. From $37,000 for two nights, plus fuel and catering.
4. MV Bel
This little beauty delivers a touch of Lake Como and James Bond to Sydney Harbour. MV Bel is a 28ft cruiser that enables access to secret gems; the secluded bays and estuaries that can be explored only in a vessel of this size.
Gleaming teak hull and chic leather seats make this a glamorous option for shorter outings. An experienced skipper guides passengers around the harbour, providing expert commentary and a local perspective.
From $500 an hour; $800 for two hours with BYO drinks for a maximum six guests. Grazing platters available from $115; $150 for seafood.
5. De Lisle III
The Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are all within reach on this 42m luxury superyacht, built in 2008.
A complete overhaul in 2022 has brought the vessel up to the minute, with quality finishes and advanced technology. It has capacity for eight guests in a master cabin, queen cabin and a twin room on the lower deck as well as a VIP cabin on the main deck; the cinema room can be converted to sleep two more.
Spread across four decks is a variety of indoor-outdoor areas, a jacuzzi, central wet bar and generous seating. Food takes centre stage, with chef Nigel Syme delivering innovative modern cuisine, and you can work off the calories using the latest gym equipment. From $27,500 a night, plus fuel and catering.
