Australia offers some of the world’s most spectacular charter cruising, from the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays to Sydney Harbour, Tasmania and the Kimberley. Foreign-flagged superyachts can charter in Australian waters, provided the vessel is set up correctly before the first charter begins.
Chartering counts as working in Australia, so a chartering yacht has different customs, tax and crew obligations to a yacht cruising privately. Allow at least 60 days to put everything in place.
Do I count as chartering?
Your superyacht is working in Australia if it is used for any of the following:
- chartering (with or without crew)
- leasing or hiring the vessel to others
- commercial touring
- carrying fare-paying passengers
- operating for a reward of any kind.
If any of these apply, the yacht cannot stay on a Control Permit or be temporarily imported. It must be set up for commercial use through one of the options below. See Clearance Options for more on how private yachts are cleared.
Options for chartering in Australia
| Temporary Coastal Trading Licence | Entry for Home Consumption (import) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A licence under the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 that allows a foreign-flagged vessel to carry passengers between Australian ports for authorised voyages | Formal importation of the yacht into Australia |
| Issued by | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts | Australian Border Force |
| How long | 12 months, limited to the voyages authorised by the licence | No limit |
| Import duty and GST on the vessel | Not payable on the vessel, as it remains an international vessel | Payable on arrival (see below) |
| How the yacht is treated | As an international commercial vessel, subject to commercial vessel reporting and clearance requirements | As an Australian-imported vessel |
| Best suited to | Yachts visiting for a season with planned charter itineraries | Yachts basing themselves in Australia long term |
Temporary Coastal Trading Licence
A temporary licence authorises specific voyages over a 12-month period. Applications are made online through the Coastal Trading Licensing System. Applications are published, and Australian general licence holders may respond, so apply well before your first charter.
Under a coastal trading licence:
- the superyacht is treated as an international commercial vessel and must meet the reporting and operating requirements for international commercial vessels under the Coastal Trading Act and customs legislation
- arrivals at ports without a permanent ABF presence (non-appointed ports) need approval from the Maritime Traveller Processing Committee, and border clearance costs may apply at each non-appointed port visited
- Australian minimum pay rates may apply to crew while the vessel is engaged in coastal trading.
More information: Department of Infrastructure: Coastal trading and ABF: Requirements for superyachts.
Entry for Home Consumption
Importing the yacht gives the most flexibility for operating in Australia long term, but duty and GST are payable on the vessel.
- Yachts generally attract 5% customs duty. Superyachts over 150 Gross Construction Tonnes (GCT) have a free rate of duty, and Free Trade Agreements may provide other concessions.
- GST of 10% is payable on the value of the taxable importation (the customs value plus duty, international transport and insurance).
- Operators registered for GST may be able to defer the GST payable on importation through the ATO’s Deferred GST scheme and claim it back as a GST credit.
More information: ABF: Importing a yacht.
Setting up to charter: step by step
Start at least 60 days before your first charter in Australian waters.
- Engage a local agent or charter broker. An experienced Australian agent can guide you through the licence or import process and liaise with the authorities on your behalf.
- Choose your option. Decide whether the yacht will operate under a Temporary Coastal Trading Licence or be entered for home consumption.
- Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN). Apply through the Australian Business Register. You will need identification and the vessel’s registration documents.
- Register for GST. Registration is required if your GST turnover is A$75,000 or more, which most charter operations will reach.
- Apply for your licence or arrange your import entry. Apply for a temporary licence through the Department of Infrastructure, or arrange entry for home consumption with the ABF (and apply for the Deferred GST scheme if eligible).
- Check crew visas. Make sure every crew member holds the right visa for working on board. See Visas for Crew & Guests.
- Check safety and insurance. Confirm marine safety requirements for commercial operation with the relevant authority and make sure your insurance covers charter in Australian waters. See Maritime Safety & Reporting.
- Report your arrival. Complete the usual arrival reporting and biosecurity requirements. See Arrival, Border & Biosecurity.
Tax at a glance
| Tax | What applies to charter operations |
|---|---|
| GST | 10% GST applies to charter income earned in Australian waters. GST paid on fuel, provisions, repairs and other business costs can generally be claimed back as GST credits. |
| Income tax | Net charter income earned in Australia is generally taxable in Australia. Companies pay tax at the company rate. Individuals and partnerships pay non-resident tax rates. Double tax agreements may apply. |
| Crew tax | Varies by vessel and crew arrangements. Seek specific advice. |
| Duty and GST on the vessel | Only payable if the yacht is entered for home consumption (see above). |
Tax obligations depend on your circumstances. Always seek professional tax advice before chartering. See Taxation and the Australian Taxation Office.
Finding an agent or broker
Superyacht Australia members include experienced vessel agents, charter brokers and tax advisers who can help you prepare for charter in Australia. Find a specialist in the Superyacht Australia member directory.
Common questions about chartering in Australia
Can a foreign-flagged superyacht charter in Australia?
Yes. Foreign-flagged superyachts can charter in Australian waters, either under a Temporary Coastal Trading Licence or by being entered for home consumption.
Can we charter while on a Control Permit?
No. Control Permits are only for vessels visiting for non-commercial purposes. Chartering, even once, means the yacht must be set up for commercial use first. Failing to tell the ABF about a change in use can result in the yacht being treated as imported, with duty and GST payable.
Can the owner use the yacht privately and charter it too?
Yes, but the yacht must be set up for charter before any charter takes place. Talk to your agent about how private use and charter use will be managed.
How far ahead should we start?
Allow at least 60 days before your first charter to obtain an ABN, register for GST and arrange your licence or import entry.
Do we have to use an Australian agent or broker?
It is not a legal requirement, but a local agent with experience in Australian charter is strongly recommended.
Can our crew work on charters?
Crew must hold a visa that allows them to work on board. See Visas for Crew & Guests.
Last reviewed October 2026. Requirements change: always confirm with the relevant authority or a Superyacht Australia member agent.
