Refit in the Sunshine State
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, on the Brisbane River is adjacent to the CBD and its vibrant culture.
As the world deals with the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic, Queensland has managed to ‘flatten the curve’ and emerge from restrictions with a responsible approach to what is now, for everybody, the ‘new normal’.
Known as the Sunshine State, where temps seldom dip below 65F (18C) and hover at a balmy 70F (21C) during the day in winter, Queensland can lay claim to being the cruising and yachting epicentre of Australia, anticipating peak season as we move into the southern hemisphere spring/summer from September.
On the river’s edge
Since commencing operations in 2006, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, situated on the Brisbane River, minutes from the CBD, has worked with hundreds of superyachts, both privately owned and charter vessels. Rivergate is renowned as the Captains’ and owners’ choice for service and refit. Rivergate was named in the Top 3 world’s best shipyard for refits, according to Captains and Crew, as reported in Boat International in December 2017.
In the heart of the Brisbane CBD, South Bank Parklands offers galleries, theatres, museums, recreation and restaurants.
CBD, sunshine and plenty to do
While their vessel undergoes work, crew feel right at home in Brisbane, which is blessed with a sub-tropical climate and average of 283 days of sunshine per year, promoting a vibrant ‘alfresco’ lifestyle.
Where else in the world does crew R&R consist of surfing, hiking, socialising with the locals, savouring gourmet fare, barefoot bowls with a Pot, Pint or a Schooner (beer glasses in the local lingo) a round of golf, or cuddling a koala?
On our doorstep is a cosmopolitan city pulsing with cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, galleries, Botanic gardens, shopping centres and boutiques specialising in unique designer and ‘indy’ labels. Brisbane boasts a compelling calendar of sporting and cultural events throughout the year, including Riverfire Festival, international film festivals, outdoor cinema and spectacular fireworks for NYE and Australia Day.
With the standard Covid-safe recommendations in place, venues all over Brisbane are welcoming patrons with diverse offerings – from craft breweries, stone-hearth pizzerias and artisanal bakeries, to haute cuisine, or if you prefer, seafood straight from the trawler, farm-fresh produce at the local Farmer’s Markets and more pubs, cafes and bistros than you could sample in a year.
An easy cruise from Rivergate is Moreton Bay, with picturesque anchorages such as Tangalooma on Moreton Island.
Natural wonders
An easy drive from Brisbane to the south are the Theme Parks, Gold Coast beaches and iconic Byron Bay with its laid-back bohemian lifestyle, while to the north is the Sunshine Coast, famous for the Irwin’s amazing wildlife park, “Australia Zoo” and an enticing blend of beaches, bushland and bucolic mountain communities.
Lamington National Park - just one of the World Heritage listed areas close to Brisbane.
An easy cruise from Rivergate is the yachting wonderland of Moreton Bay, covering more than 3,400km² (1313-square miles), dotted with islands and abounding in marine life, birds and native species.
North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island offer protected anchorages and access to a diverse range of water and land activities: diving, snorkelling, bushwalking and quadbiking. Tangalooma is one of the only places in the world where you can hand feed wild dolphins who visit the shores each day.
In the west, UNESCO listed National Parks for bushwalking and camping, rustic villages, wildlife parks, farms, vineyards and festivals celebrating the rural way of life.
Rivergate is within walking distance of an incredible venue, the BrewDog brewery and restaurant, decorated with street art and with sweeping views over the Brisbane River. With a fantastic atmosphere, BrewDog offers a tantalising 28 beers on tap, and an extensive menu of wine and spirits.
We’ve been known to host a do or two ourselves, and love nothing more than throwing an “Aussie barbie” for visiting crews.
MY Dorothea III, among the 25 superyachts each year that berth at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard.
Best choice for refit
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard is considered a world-class refit destination, the choice of the region’s superyacht owners for the concentration of skilled marine professionals supported by a highly motivated workforce and extensive infrastructure.
MY AURORA moored at the Brisbane City reach with the breathtaking backdrop of the city.
We are a bit biased, but we believe Brisbane ticks all the boxes for owners, Captains and crew: cost-competitive, skilled craftspeople, easy access to the cruising grounds of Moreton Bay, North Queensland, the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, the Kimberley Coast. And now, foreign flagged vessels are able to charter, thus amortising some of the costs of relocating for an extended stint and refitting ‘downunder’.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Brisbane, where the hospitality is as warm as the weather.
To get in touch with our team email info@rivergate.com.au or visit https://rivergate.com.au/