14 | WATERLINE December 2025 FEATURE SUPERYACHTS North Queensland’s superyacht season has reached new heights in 2025, with Cairns cementing its status as Australia’s northern gateway for the world’s most impressive vessels. This year alone, two of the largest superyachts afloat, MY Octopus and MY Liva, have graced its shores at the same time, highlighting the port infrastructure capability for hosting vessels well over 100m and underscoring the region’s growing appeal as a cruising destination. The legendary MY Octopus delivered by Lürssen in 2003, at 126m, is one of the world’s most recognised explorer yachts. Commissioned by Microsoft co-founder the late Paul Allen, she is purpose-built for adventure, complete with two helipads, a submarine hangar, a 50+ person crew and a recording studio once used by famous musicians. Her visit to Cairns, her first since 2018, reinforces the city’s ability to accommodate vessels of exceptional scale and capability. Joining her this season, MY Liva the 118.2m masterpiece and the largest vessel ever constructed by Abeking and Rasmussen in over 115 years of shipbuilding. Completed in 2023, showcases next-generation design and engineering with hybrid electrical propulsion. Liva represents the modern era of megayachts: sustainable, silent and stunning. Her presence in the Great Barrier Reef region signals confidence in Cairns as a destination that meets the expectations of the world’s most discerning owners. Cairns’ strength lies in the seamless blend of world-class marine infrastructure and unmatched natural access. The Cairns Marlin Marina provides deep-water berths capable of accommodating yachts up to 140 metres, complemented by comprehensive local refit, engineering and provisioning services. Its location at the heart of the city allows visiting vessels to enjoy immediate access to technical support, hospitality and logistics, all within a short walk from Sailfish Quay. Beyond the dock, the attraction only grows stronger. The region’s proximity to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest offers some of the world's best diving, game fishing and exploration opportunities just hours from port. For crew, Cairns provides a lifestyle that’s hard to match, a relaxed tropical atmosphere, easy access to cafes, gyms, beaches and a community that warmly embraces visiting yachts. This combination of natural adventure and onshore amenity makes Cairns not just a place to visit, but a place to stay. As the 2025 season unfolds, North Queensland is showing how it’s the perfect place for some of the world’s largest yachts to base between owner trips and charters in Australia, PNG, Solomons and the wider South Pacific region. CAIRNS LEADS THE WAY IN NORTH QUEENSLAND’S SUPERYACHT SURGE By David Good, CEO Superyacht Australia MY Octopus
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