Superyacht Australia is the peak body for the Australian superyacht industry. It represents some of Australia’s most successful local and international brands, and emerging companies that showcase innovation, service and quality workmanship to the global superyacht fleet. Superyacht Australia is a division of the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX).
Our key focus
Destination
To develop and promote the Asia Pacific’s international competitiveness as a destination for the global superyacht fleet.
Visitation
To increase international superyacht visitation to Australia and increase their length of stay with our diverse offering of cruising grounds and services.
Capability
To promote the capabilities of the Australian superyacht industry to service visiting vessels.
Key facts
| Name | Superyacht Australia, formerly Super Yacht Base Australia |
|---|---|
| What it is | The peak body for the Australian superyacht industry |
| Part of | A division of AIMEX, and part of Australian Marine |
| Regional cluster | Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef |
| Chair | Chris Blackwell, Echo Yachts |
| Chief executive | David Good |
| Office | Suite 4401, 4 Daydream Street, Warriewood NSW 2102 |
| Phone | +61 413 375 820 |
| Previous website | superyacht-australia.com |
Why Australia
A destination worth the journey
Australia is renowned for its iconic attractions, pristine and secluded cruising grounds, award-winning repair and refit businesses, marina facilities and long-established supply chain.
With more than 34,000 kilometres of coastline and the largest domestic fleet of superyachts available for charter in Asia Pacific, Australia offers vast cruising options, along with a time zone advantage and political stability for Pacific-bound and global itineraries.
The industry in numbers
A $3 billion industry
$3 billion
industry value in 2021, up from $1.965 billion in 2016
22,646
jobs supported in 2021
34,000 km
of Australian coastline
$1.8 billion
projected national business output from visiting superyachts around the Brisbane 2032 Games
Sources: independent economic study of the Australian superyacht industry by AEC Group, released at ASMEX 2022; Brisbane 2032 Marine Project.
Our story
Milestones
- 1999: Superyacht Base Australia (SYBA) is formed.
- 2000: the Sydney Olympics bring significant numbers of overseas superyachts to Australia for the first time.
- 2004: SYBA first exhibits at the Monaco Yacht Show and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
- 2007 to 2009: the global financial crisis.
- 2010: AIMEX forms Superyacht Australia, taking responsibility from Superyacht Base Australia after its difficulties following the global financial crisis.
- 2011: the first ASMEX Conference is held for the superyacht and marine export industries.
- 2012: the Superyacht Crew Visa is approved by the federal government.
- 2017: the first superyacht industry Economic Impact Study is released.
- 2018: superyacht anchorages are approved in the Whitsundays Plan of Management for the Great Barrier Reef.
- 2019: collective South Pacific superyacht destination marketing begins with New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.
- 2019: foreign superyacht charter is approved by the federal government.
- 2020: the Superyacht Australia Soirée is created to promote superyacht charter.
- 2024: the first Superyacht Crew Scholarship is awarded.
- 2025: the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef merges under Superyacht Australia.
- 2026: South Pacific destination marketing expands to the Asia Pacific.
Brisbane 2032
Preparing for the Games
In December 2025 Superyacht Australia appointed Stephen Joyce to lead the Brisbane 2032 Marine Project, which aims to embed long-term superyacht visitation in the region and strengthen local industry capability.
Visiting superyachts are projected to generate $1.8 billion in national business output around the Games, with a parallel program extending the work to Pacific nations.
Governance
Committee and team
Superyacht Australia’s committee of 13 industry members is chaired by Chris Blackwell of Echo Marine Group and Echo Yachts.
The team works from the AIMEX office in Warriewood, NSW: David Good, Chief Executive Officer; Maddie Spencer, Operations Manager; Sam Rouhan, Membership and Sponsorship Manager; and Stephen Joyce, Brisbane 2032 Marine Project Manager.
Part of Australian Marine
AIMEX, ACMG and Superyacht Australia share an office in Warriewood, NSW, and a chief executive, David Good. With the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, they make up Australian Marine.
AIMEX
The Australian International Marine Export Group supports Australian marine businesses to succeed in domestic and export markets.
ACMG
The Australian Commercial Marine Group is the peak body for Australia’s commercial and defence marine industry.
Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef
Superyacht Australia’s regional cluster, promoting the Great Barrier Reef as a superyacht destination.
FAQ
Common questions about Superyacht Australia
What is Superyacht Australia?
Superyacht Australia is the peak body for the Australian superyacht industry and a division of the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), promoting Australia and the Asia Pacific as a superyacht destination and the capability of Australian refit and service businesses.
Who can join Superyacht Australia?
Businesses interested in growing the superyacht market within Australia and the Asia Pacific region. There are four membership levels, Platinum, Gold, Corporate and Local, suited to the size of the business and how widely it works. See membership.
Can foreign-flagged superyachts charter in Australia?
Yes, foreign-flagged superyachts can charter in Australian waters. Superyacht Australia recommends using one of its trained and endorsed vessel agents. Chartering in Australia.
How much is the superyacht industry worth to Australia?
An independent study by AEC Group, released at ASMEX 2022, found the industry grew from $1.965 billion and 14,483 jobs in 2016 to $3 billion and 22,646 jobs in 2021.
Where does Superyacht Australia promote Australia overseas?
At the Monaco Yacht Show, where it hosts a South Pacific stand, the Palm Beach International Boat Show in Florida, and the Australia Tahiti and Australia Fiji Rendezvous. At home it runs the Sydney Charter Show, first held in February 2026.
How is Superyacht Australia connected to AIMEX?
Superyacht Australia is a division of AIMEX and shares its office and chief executive, David Good. Its regional cluster is the Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef, and together they are part of Australian Marine.
Who leads Superyacht Australia?
Chris Blackwell of Echo Yachts chairs the committee, and David Good is Chief Executive Officer.
Membership
Join Superyacht Australia
Membership is open to businesses with a presence in Australia servicing the superyacht industry, at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Corporate and Local. Membership brings:
- Directory listings on the Superyacht Australia website and in Superyacht Australia Magazine
- Access to Superyacht Australia supported international shows and events
- Industry updates, networking events and the AIMEX Garden at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
- Eligibility for the Australian Superyacht Awards
