Why Refit in Queensland 
Vast and pristine cruising grounds, world heritage natural assets, extensive infrastructure, world-class industry capability and five star service provision make Queensland an appealing destination for international superyachts.
Queensland boasts Australia’s largest superyacht industry and is considered the Asia Pacific superyacht hub. International superyachts are drawn to the State’s tropical waters in increasing numbers, with many using the opportunity to undertake maintenance and refit work while cruising the region. Queensland maintains a reputation for high quality workmanship and excellent project management skills, with a proven track record in completing projects on time and within budget.
The Queensland superyacht industry is concentrated in four major regions:
Cairns (in the north)
As the superyacht hub of the South Pacific, the city of Cairns has become a popular base for superyachts visiting Australia. The two primary superyacht maintenance and refit facilities in Cairns are capable of handling vessels up to 70m in length and 11m beam, including climate controlled paint sheds, full-service facilities, a 60m dry dock, a 400t travel lift and a 1500t slipway. Cairns also affords same-day approvals for class renewal and annual inspection according to the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Lloyds survey (international classification society).
Mackay and the Whitsundays (the heart of the Great Barrier Reef)
The Mackay/Whitsunday region includes services facilities at a number of locations, including a 65t travel lift and hardstand area at Mackay Marina and 68t travel lift and minor maintenance facility at Hamilton Island Marina. Further facilities are planned, including a 375t travel lift and 14,280m² hardstand area at Port of Airlie Marina and 80,000m² industrial land to be made available for superyacht maintenance facilities at Bowen International Marina.
Brisbane (Queensland’s capital)
Brisbane has extensive superyacht maintenance, refit, manufacturing and deep-water berthing capability. Maintenance and refit services are conducted at two primary facilities. Brisbane Marine Industry Park houses the largest travel lift capacity in the southern hemisphere at 600t, plus has a further two 330t travel lifts and 20,000m² of hardstand area. Rivergate Marina and Shipyard is one of Australia’s largest, cleanest and safest refit complexes, with 75t and 300t travel lifts, 12,000m² of hardstand area and six refit sheds up to 55m long.
A 2,500t slipway and 100m capacity at Brisbane Slipways have a structure that enables the entire yard to be dedicated to a single slipping. At 266m x 34m, the dry dock at Forgacs Cairncross is one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. They also have a 300m long lay-berth with deep water access that is serviced by a 30t crane.
The Gold Coast (located in south east Queensland)
The Gold Coast has a reputation as the ‘Glamour City’ for its premium service provision and prime berthing locations. The Gold Coast Marine Precinct, the largest such facility in the southern hemisphere, provides maintenance, refit and new build facilities for superyachts to the highest international standards, including a 150t travel lift and seven superyacht refit and construction facilities.
Each of the four regions hosts its own superyacht industry cluster, whose members work collaboratively to further develop the superyacht industry in their regions.