Inside the world of Australia’s superyachts
See the photos: Australia’s most jaw-dropping superyachts are multimillion-dollar floating palaces that ooze luxury and style.
National
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They are the multimillion-dollar floating palaces that boast state-of-the-art interiors and are the last word in luxury.
Australia’s super yachts, the playgrounds of billionaires, boast cinemas, private suites with room service, sun-drenched jacuzzis and bars stocked with the most expensive champagne and caviar.
For those willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars an hour for a charter, there are the “toys” — luxury day cruisers and tenders for those who want to take a quick spin, floating sunbathing docks and on-deck clay pigeon shooting.
Behind the scenes, dedicated staff are on hand to cater to every possible whim, with no request too outlandish.
British-based former deckhand Ben Proctor, who describes the boats as “the most beautiful boutique hotels on water” still finds the industry fascinating.
“I’ve heard stories of numerous outlandish requests from other crews — guests requesting a hot tub was drained and filled with champagne was probably the craziest.
“There were also some stories of generous owners of the yachts. One yacht crew at the end of the season turned up to the dock to find a row of brand new BMWs sitting on the dock, a gift from the owner to all the crew for a great season of hard work.
“I also met some crew members who had been given Rolex watches as gifts from owners.”
Australian billionaire pub magnate Chris Morris is keen to attract more of the luxury vessels to our shores.
The founder of Computershare and owner of the Morris Group, is bringing the 40 metre Benetti Oasis, his second superyacht, to Townsville next year as part of an $80 million expansion of The Ville Resort and Casino.
Mr Morris, who plans to build a superyacht marina in front of the casino to draw high-end patrons, said Australia was a big drawcard for owners of the luxury vessels.
“I’ve done quite a few charters in previous years in the Med,” he said. “It’s magnificent, it’s got its own beauty and you pull in to different countries and go to restaurants.
“But Australia has got something they haven’t got — it’s got so much area, you can go out there and you don't see anyone.
“You can actually catch fish — you can’t catch a fish in the Med.”
Here are some of Australia’s biggest and most expensive superyachts:
ANTHONY BELL GHOST II
Anthony Bell’s Ghost II is a regular sight on the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour.
It’s a home away from home for Michael Clarke and on-off partner Pip Edwards, who are regularly spotted sipping champers while lounging on the $15m superyacht.
The craft boats a state-of-the-art interior with panoramic windows offering sweeping views of the sea.
It features five bedrooms, an expansive exterior deck with entertaining area and a jacuzzi,
The Ghost II can cater up to 120 guests and five luxury suites to accommodate between 10 to 12 people.
CLIVE PALMER – AUSTRALIA
Clive Palmer’s new $40 million superyacht – which bears the name Australia – measures 56 metres and can host 12 people alongside its 12 crew members.
The Italian made Gibraltar-registered vessel comes complete with the obligatory jacuzzi, bar, a floating pool and a special storage area for jet skis.
The mega vessel does not skimp on luxury, with an owners suite, a VIP suite and four staterooms.
IAN MALOUF – MISCHIEF
Sydney waste management king Ian Malouf’s 52.4 metre superyacht Mischief takes the cake when it comes to opulence.
Designed by world-renowned Italian yacht master Francesco Paszkowski, the interior of the superyacht was reportedly overhauled by Malouf’s wife Larissa when they purchased it in 2015.
The boat features on-deck clay-pigeon shooting, a climbing wall that descends to the water, a slide and a floating sunbathing dock.
Malouf also developed a bespoke app so guests can order room service via their phones from a menu that allows coffee lovers to specify how hot they want their beverage.
DAVID RUSSELL – LADY E
Billionaire David Russell is the owner representative of superyacht Lady E which caused a stir when it moored off Melbourne’s Brighton beach last March.
The 74.5 metre long yacht is available for charter with a price tag of $1.3 million per week.
Russell, who has made his fortune as the co-founder of Singapore based Equis private equity group, already owns multimillion-dollar properties in Australia and a private jet.
FRANK LOWY – ILONA
Billionaire Sir Frank Lowy’s majestic $110m super yacht Illona, named after his late mother, has a 14-seat cinema, a crew of 28 and a retractable helicopter landing pad.
The stylish mahogany-lined interior was designed by the world-leading studio Redman Whiteley Dixon.
A lift connects the five decks, which incorporate a large owner’s suite and accommodation for up to 20 guests in six cabins.
JAMES PACKER- IJE
James Packer’s 108-metre yacht was put on the market last September for $282 million.
Designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, the super yacht features “a relaxed beach house-style interior”, according to the listing on the website of British luxury yacht brokers Burgess.
The yacht can accommodate 22 guests in 11 suites and boasts a private owner’s deck, a pool with bar, a bridge deck with a firepit, a cinema, nightclub and elevator.
LINDSAY FOX VOLPINI 2
Lindsay Fox’s yacht Volpini 2, which translates to Fox in Italian, can accommodate 12 guests and a crew of 13.
The yacht’s interior is designed by Reymond Langton and features include a large beach club, a wellness centre and a gym.
Originally published as Inside the world of Australia’s superyachts
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