southport yacht club development

The Department of State Development and Infrastructure is changing to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. Work is underway to update this website. Read more about the new Ministerial portfolios . For Planning-related matters, please visit planning.qld.gov.au

Infrastructure

• Projects and programs
• The Spit Master Plan implementation
• Implementation projects

Southport Yacht Club Superyacht Berth (complete)

• Infrastructure planning
• Queensland Government Infrastructure Pipeline
• South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal
• The Spit Master Plan
• Our partners and staying informed
• Great Keppel Island (Woppa) Concept Master Plan Project
• Social infrastructure
• SEQ digital twin
• Infrastructure industry
• Governance and resources

The Queensland Government committed $2.87 million, City of Gold Coast $2.4 million and Southport Yacht Club $3.7 million to help deliver a superyacht berth at the Southport Yacht Club to create more jobs in the rapidly growing superyacht industry. This crucial infrastructure was officially opened by Michael Healy, Member for Cairns, Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Government’s Superyacht Strategy Champion, on 16 February 2022.

This superyacht berth is a critical component of the Queensland Superyacht Strategy 2018-23. It's the first initiative supported by the $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure fund for shovel-ready projects as part of the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover economic recovery strategy.

The Southport Yacht Club estimates the superyacht berth, located adjacent to Jack Gordon Park, supported up to 30 jobs during the construction phase, with many more supported as a result of the project. The new berth will cater for more and larger boats opening up the Gold Coast to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts, benefitting businesses across the region.

Last updated: 18 Jul 2024

• Skip to content
• Funding and grants
• Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund

Southport Yacht Club Superyacht Berth

The Gold Coast is the number one Superyacht destination in the country. With our support the development of a Superyacht berthing facility delivers significant value to the local economy.

Project overview

The Queensland Government partnered with City of Gold Coast and Southport Yacht Club to deliver a 163-metre Superyacht berth at the Southport Yacht Club. Officially opened in February 2022, the new berth allows the Southport Yacht Club to cater for larger vessels (up to 135 metres), opening up the Gold Coast to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious yachts.

This project is a part of the $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure (GTI) Fund 2020/21 which is a key element of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs to help accelerate the State’s recovery from COVID-19.

Visit  http://www.southportyachtclub.com.au for more information.

• Forecast to create around 30 jobs during construction
• Expected to grow the local economy by $2.9 million each year
• Forecast to support 20 ongoing jobs once operational

Testimonials

The new berthing facility will create more local jobs across the food and beverage, tourism and services sectors and will be supported by our region’s world-class capabilities in vessel repair, refit and maintenance.

Brett James – General Manager – Southport Yacht Club

Page feedback

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

Australia’s Largest Superyacht Berth ‘Ready by December’

By George Bains

Construction is now well underway at Southport Yacht Club for a new 163-metre superyacht berth, which will become the largest in Australia. The berth is on track to be completed by December of this year, with interest from international superyachts already being registered for January 2021.

The 163-metre beth at Southport Yacht Club (SYC) is an integral part of the Queensland government’s Superyacht Strategy to become a major superyacht hub for the Asia-Pacific region by 2023. The development will cater to larger international yachts looking to head to the region to explore its inexhaustible land and seascapes, taking advantage of the new charter legislations which have opened up new possibilities for superyacht adventures.

Mark Riddell, Waterfront Manager of SYC, outlined the vision of this exciting project. “SYC commenced works on the new Superyacht berth on Monday 17th August, and we envisage to have this completed by December 2020,” said Riddell. “ It will be the largest Superyacht berth in Australia, fitted with enough power to supply the largest superyachts in the world.”

The new superyacht berth has been a meticulously planned project which extends to a development of the surrounding area, with landscaping of a new park to benefit all. “There will be a service road running the length of the berth for trucks and crane access, which will make provisioning easier ,” continued Mark Riddell. “The design of the new dock will ensure easy access to the yachts for maintenance, contractors and suppliers .”

Located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, the Southport Yacht Club is a popular destination for visiting superyachts, catering to every need of owners, guests, captains and crew. Along with Cairns , the Gold Coast is a leading homeport destination within Australia, with a wealth of world class refit facilities and enthralling activities to ensure superyachts are well cared for during their stay. More than its large, secure marina, SYC boasts absolute waterfront dining and phenomenal facilities for entertainment and events, which regularly welcome industry members from across Australia.

Its location along the eastern coastline between Sydney and Cairns makes Southport Yacht Club an inviting prospect for superyachts, especially those keen to uncover the gems of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This is also a gateway to the majestic Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef region, an area of unparalleled natural splendour with incredible potential for unforgettable superyacht charters.

With this significant development underway, Australia’ s offering for international superyachts continues to grow. Southport Yacht Club aims to have the new 163m berth ready to welcome superyachts from December, and there are already enquiries being fielded for January. With an incredible range of diverse experiences in Australia, along with the newfound charter possibilities, the new berth will help Australia on its way to attracting the largest superyachts in the world.

"It will be the largest Superyacht berth in Australia, fitted with enough power to supply the largest superyachts in the world." Mark Riddell, Waterfront Manager of Southport Yacht Club

"It will be the largest Superyacht berth in Australia, fitted with enough power to supply the largest superyachts in the world."

Related News

Featured events.

Superyacht Australia

Queensland prepares to welcome world’s largest superyachts by george bains - superyachts.com.

By George Bains – Superyachts.com

Development of a 163-metre berth at the Southport Yacht Club (SYC) is soon to be underway, with plans being finalised on what will become Australia’s largest superyacht berth. The move is seen as an important part of the Queensland government’s Superyacht Strategy, aimed at establishing the Australian state as a world superyacht hub by 2023.

Located on Australia’s Gold Coast, one of the country’s most all-encompassing tourist hotspots, Southport Yacht Club is a famed pillar of the region’s sailing community, offering everything from watersports, regattas to even just a relaxing bite to eat overlooking the marina.

The construction of a 163m berth, located west of the vibrant SYC Clubhouse, will be a landmark step in Queensland’s bid to become the Asia-Pacific region’s key superyacht hub. The berth will allow the SYC to accommodate superyachts of up to 135m in length and with a maximum beam of 19m, though it is thought that it will initially welcome vessels of around the 85m mark.

The development is part of a wider project to enhance the tourism experience at The Spit, a sandy isthmus at the tip of the Gold Coast that also hosts Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace and Sea World. Alongside the building of this unprecedented berth, a plot of just under 11,000m2, known as Jack Gordon Park, will be professionally landscaped for the benefit of the wider community. The plot of land, which runs adjacent to the new berth, will be fitted with a pedestrian promenade as well as a new service lane to facilitate provisioning for visiting superyachts.

Mark Riddell, Waterfront Manager of SYC, told Superyachts.com of the profound impact that the development will have not only on his marina, but on the entire Gold Coast city.  “ The new berth will complement the already existing superyacht berths we have at SYC and give Gold Coast contractors and suppliers significant benefits in supplying and provisioning these size vessels with ease.

“This berth will be a game changer not only for the Gold Coast but also the Australian superyacht industry. Within walking distance to our world class Gold Coast beaches, theme parks, motor sport events, Magic Millions horse racing and many other events that the Gold Coast showcases, this will change tourism on the Gold Coast.”

The construction period is predicted to last six months and is seen as an easily deliverable part of the Spit Master Plan. The project will provide a massive boost to local industries, with the community expected to see a return of at least $12m in the form of jobs and revenue. Not only will the sight of a 100m+ superyacht against the Gold Coast’s magnificent coastline be postcard-worthy, but the new berth will also host public maritime events and opens to possibility to bringing novelty boats such as HMS Endeavour to the region.

For the Australian superyacht industry, it marks a significant milestone in progress to revamp infrastructure in order to welcome larger vessels. The region of South East Queensland alone has seen heavy investment into superyacht facilities over the last few years. The opening of a new $120m superyacht shipyard at The Boat Works, along with major projects planned for industry stalwarts Rivergate and GCCM, has seen the region become a refit capital for superyachts in the South Pacific.  

Not only is the East Coast of Australia an all-year-round destination with some of the world’s most breath-taking cruising grounds, but it has world class infrastructure and expertise in place to ensure that superyachts can also be serviced during their stay. As the wider world becomes more apparent of Australia’s holistic covering as a superyacht destination, there will no doubt be a rising trend in migration to the relatively unexplored region of the South Pacific.

Member's Updates

The boat works: elevating marine services for the future, a timeless treasure – the refit of an icon of australia’s maritime history, australia indepth documentary.

Superyacht Australia in partnership with superyachts.com is pleased to present ‘Australia InDepth’, a series of informative short documentary films on the vast and incredible destinations on offer when cruising in Australian waters and the world-class service capabilities available to support visiting vessels..

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

MARINE JOBS

Marine Jobs is an online ‘career centre’ designed to make it easier for employers to advertise vacancies and for people to find the right job for them in the marine industry. This new industry jobs platform provides a range of career resources, including information on apprenticeships and industry training, writing a resume and preparing for an interview.

Click on the link below to see what jobs are now available.

Marine Jobs

Supported by

Upcoming Events

Dubai international boat show, superyacht australia soirée, endless summer party -sydney, australian marine industry awards 2025, join our email list.

The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory

Southport yacht club to host new superyacht berthing simulations.

Published Thursday, 20 May, 2021 at 08:30 AM

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

The next generation of superyachts of up to 130 metres will be one step closer to berthing at the Southport Yacht Club thanks to advanced simulation technology.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles opened Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show today and announced the superyacht simulation technology, an approximately $65,485 investment.  

“We have contributed $19,000 towards high-tech computer simulations to ensure the safety of large vessels on their way to the new superyacht facility at the Southport Yacht Club.

"These simulations will be a state-of-the-art run-through to show exactly how vessels of up to 130 metres will move through the Southport Spit.

“This follows our initial investment of $2.87 million to develop Australia’s largest superyacht berthing facility on the Gold Coast.

“As the world opens up after COVID-19, we want more superyachts enjoying the Queensland coastline but it is important to ensure the safety of crews and passengers as they pass through our waterways.

“Queensland has had a strong health response, so we’re getting on with our plan for the state’s economic recovery.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Gold Coast City Council was investing $20,000 in the project.

“I’m delighted to see further investment in our emerging superyacht  industry.

“The entire east coast offers so much to these high-value visitors so it’s important we do everything we can to promote our port as a must-visit destination.”

Southport Yacht Club (SYC) General Manager Brett James said the club was pleased to partner with the Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council on securing access to this vital technology.

“Maritime Safety Queensland currently allows berthing of up to an 85-metre vessel, so these simulations will help to determine if the maximum length of vessel that could safely berth at the SYC could be increased to 130 metres,” Mr James said.

Mr Miles said the Queensland Government is also financially contributing to a series of nine videos being developed by Superyacht Australia.

“These videos will put Queensland’s premier sailing destinations and infrastructure hubs on the world stage,” he said.

“Queensland has some of the best coastlines in the world, so it makes sense to broadcast that.”

Mr Miles said it’s been an impressive week for the marine industry on the Gold Coast.

“I was fortunate to also open and attend the Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Industry (ASMEX) 2021 conference this week,” he said.

“It’s clear Queensland is leading the nation in tapping into the superyacht sector, which is predicted to expand to $1.1 billion and nearly 8000 jobs by the end of this year. 

“Our goal since we announced the five-year Queensland Superyacht Strategy in 2018 has been to position the state as the place to invest in this industry.

“Fast forward to 2021, Queensland’s low rates of COVID-19 has enhanced the state’s global reputation as a safe place to do business.”

Read more about how the Queensland Government is growing the superyacht industry in the Queensland Superyacht Industry Strategy .

Media contact:       Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484