Exploring the Pacific from Rivergate
74m Lürssen M/Y Aurora in the Brisbane City Reach
The Pacific Ocean, which covers nearly a third of our planet, is the world’s largest and deepest ocean. Sailing the South Pacific Ocean gives you the chance to explore archipelagos, more than 20,000 islands, coral reefs, secluded beaches, pristine reaches, world-famous dive spots and idyllic backdrops for your adventures.
Vessels visiting Rivergate for periods of maintenance and refit can take advantage of our proximity to the magnificent cruising grounds of North Queensland and further to the South Pacific.
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard – Brisbane, Australia
Whitsunday Islands
Around 530nm from Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef are considered one of the World’s Natural Wonders. The Great Barrier Reef stretches for over 2600km – the same size as Italy – and consists of 2,900 individual reefs.
The Whitsundays comprise 74 islands dotting the Coral Sea – most of them zoned National Park and only eight inhabited. Around 400 species of corals can be found in the fringing reefs and bomboras diving or snorkelling are among the most popular visitor activities. Hiking, golf, karting, galleries, boutiques and accommodation are available on the resort islands such as Hamilton, Hayman, Daydream, Camp and Long Islands.
A wide range of marine exists in the crystalline waters of lagoons and reefs, including rays, sharks, turtles, barracudas and hundreds of fish species. From June to October, large populations of humpback whales make their annual migration from the cold waters of Antarctica to the tropical waters of the Whitsundays where females give birth and teach their calves to swim. They are often spotted with the Dwarf Minke Whales who also return to the Whitsundays to bear their young.
Whales are renowned for frolicking in the warm waters, the occasional tail slap and dramatic leap, known as breaching, which are breathtaking sights for guests aboard cruising yachts.
Rivergate customers M/Y No Comment & M/Y Big Fish at Coral Sea Marina – Airlie Beach – Whitsunday’s
Fiji
With the tagline, “Open for Happiness”, Fiji is the tropical destination dreams are made of, just 1,600nm from Brisbane. Fiji welcomes visiting yachts up to 85-metres through the VIP Blue Lane initiative and Port Denarau Marina in Nadi is the designated quarantine facility.
Denarau Island is the hub of Fiji’s largest integrated resort, comprising nine high end resorts; an international-standard 18-hole golf course and 300 private residences. The island is connected by a causeway to Viti Levu, the largest island, and is the gateway to exploring the idyllic sun-drenched tropical isles of Fiji’s West Coast.
The Fiji archipelago comprises more than 330 islands, of which about 110 are permanently inhabited, and more than 500 islets. Snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, surfing, sailing and exploring onshore are just some of the activities visitors to Fiji enjoy.
French Polynesia
The 4,000nm trip from Brisbane to the islands of Tahiti – or French Polynesia – is often referred to as “The Coconut Milk Run” is an epic voyage.
Famous from legends and literature, French Polynesia is a collection of 118 islands and atolls in five archipelagos which are magnets for superyachts in the South Pacific.
According to Tahiti Tourisme, the most visited islands include Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, and Rangiroa. Activities include watersports, surfing, diving, whale watching, cultural tours and on shore attractions such as hiking, exploring lava tubes, waterfalls and volcanic peaks, kayaking, quad biking, rock climbing, museums, cultural centres and markets, horse riding and even feeding reef sharks and rays in the shallows.
The tourism committees of each island group will be able to propose a range of activities for visiting vessels.
Solomon Islands
Around 1,488nm from Brisbane, the Solomon Islands is an archipelago of 992 tropical islands and atolls comprising nine main island groups.
The population of about 550,000 is predominantly Melanesian but includes other indigenous peoples with distinct customs and traditions that visitors can experience through music, art and festivals that convey their stories.
Known for its volcanic landscapes and volcanoes – some of them still active – Solomon Islands sits on the eastern edge of the “Coral Triangle” and abounds in dive sites and unique natural wonders. Scuba divers deem the WWII wreck sites, coral gardens, sinkholes and tunnels as some of the best in the world.
Visitors can witness the spectacular display of Kavachi’s underwater volcano in south of Ngatokae, Western Province. Here too, Marovo lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the world, is home to a dazzling array of teeming marine life and endemic bird populations.
Swim with dolphins on Savo Island, visit turtle nesting grounds, or snorkel with manta rays in the pristine waters of Uepi Island.
Lake Tegano, a World heritage site on East Rennell Island, is significant for the rich biodiversity it supports, land and aquatic, flora and fauna.
On several islands, visitors are able to experience ancient ceremonial sites and learn from the locals about the region’s remarkable cultural heritage.
PNG
Located to Australia’s north, 1,189 nautical miles from Brisbane, Papua New Guinea is the largest island in Melanesia and a spectacular cruising destination. Considered “the last frontier for superyachts” for its pristine wilderness and waters, this fascinating region offers visitors a kaleidoscope of experiences, from soaring volcanoes and waterfalls to reefs and islands that are as ecologically and culturally diverse as they are beautiful.
PNG is known as the “Land of a Thousand Cultures”, due to its 600 islands and atolls, and native populations who speak 800 different languages.
Dive sites and pristine coral reefs are a major drawcard for those seeking crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. There are WWII aircraft and ships, as well as deep caverns, sponge gardens and giant clams.
Rivergate Marina & Shipyard can assist with itineraries and advice ahead of cruising the east coast of Australia and the South Pacific.
