Brisbane could have more than 200 international superyachts heading its way around the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but finding somewhere for them to stay is already proving difficult.
Superyacht Australia says the city is turning away luxury vessels because suitable berths are limited. Its answer for 2032 includes six dedicated mooring zones planned along the Brisbane River downstream of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, putting that stretch of water at the centre of preparations for a very different kind of Olympic arrival.
A Premium Spot With Little Room To Spare
A berth close to central Brisbane is likely to be highly sought after by owners wanting direct access to the Games. The scale of the market was on display recently when Clive Palmer’s 56-metre superyacht Australia anchored in the Brisbane River for Riverfire. A vessel of similar size can pay about $20,000 a day for a river berth, while yachts longer than 90 metres are likely to pay more than $35,000 a day.
The difficulty is capacity. Industry representatives say only a couple of Brisbane River berths are currently available for superyachts, leaving planners with six years to work out how a much larger visiting fleet can be accommodated.
Superyacht Australia is pressing for additional berths, including temporary options. Without them, vessels may have to anchor in the river, requiring regular repositioning and potentially affecting waterways.
Not every yacht would necessarily stay in central Brisbane. Tangalooma Island Resort at Moreton Island and Southport Marina on the Gold Coast have been identified as alternatives, with passengers able to reach Olympic events by helicopter or tender boat. Some event venues can also be approached from the water, adding another transport option for passengers travelling from vessels during the Games.
The Fleet May Linger Long After The Flame Goes Out
The expected superyacht traffic is not being planned as a two-week rush. Superyacht Australia believes some vessels could remain in Australia and the surrounding region for 12 months or longer, travelling through Queensland, the Pacific Islands and parts of Asia before and after Brisbane 2032.
An economic assessment by AEC Group, commissioned by Superyacht Australia, estimated the visiting fleet could generate $1.8 billion in national business output. Preparing for those arrivals involves more than finding space on the river. The Brisbane 2032 Marine Project also covers environmental assessments, workforce development, logistics, biosecurity and customs support.
BCC and Gold Coast councils have given in-principle support to the broader project, while the Northern Territory Government has provided funding as it seeks to attract vessels travelling to and from Queensland.
Superyacht Australia is now seeking Queensland Government funding for further planning and assessment work. A spokesperson for acting Transport and Main Roads Mr Tim Mander said requests to moor superyachts in the Brisbane River would be dealt with through the usual process.
Published 29-September-2026
