With a landscape of epic proportions, it's no surprise that Australia offers so many exciting options for luxury superyacht guests to cruise the beautiful coastline, and experience a memorable charter. Australia is the height of beauty and contrast, with a diverse set of attractions to explore, from stunning crystal waters, to unique and amazing animals and landscapes. 
Photo: Unsplash/ Dan FreemanOne of the best ways to discover some of these incredible locations is by charter yacht, as Ocean Independence Senior Charter Manager Stephanie Archer knows too well from cruising Sydney and the Whitsunday Islands. The 51-metre Narasaki Zosen yacht Northern Sun is a majestic exploration yacht based in Cairns with uncompromising go anywhere ability and perfect for those wanting to traverse. This incredible yacht comes equipped with all the water toys and equipment needed to make exploring Australia a memorable experience. 
Northern Sun is an adventure in herself with accommodation for up to 12 guests across six staterooms as well as an attentive crew of 13. She has an extensive range of scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaks for those looking to have an intimate experience, as well as an impressive formal dining room and adjoining library for a relaxing evening. Her menu has been specially designed to offer a wide variety of dishes that will satisfy even the most adventurous of palettes and her foredeck is perfect for lounging and enjoying cocktails while watching the beautiful Australian sunsets.
Photo: Unsplash/ Dylan ShawThere’s so much to see in Australia but Stephanie Archer points out that Whitehaven Beach should be a must on everyone’s agenda. “There's no trick photography, there's no enhancement on colours, those amazing photographs of Whitehaven Beach, that is truly what it is about, and it's what you will see as a visitor”. For those looking for something on land to explore, the metropolitan city of Sydney offers a brilliant city break with plenty of restaurants and bars to visit. “For a longer charter you could do Sydney and then up to the Gold Coast, you could even make a whole charter from exploring the Sydney area” adds Stephanie.
Photo: Unsplash/ Todd CravensThere is plenty of wildlife to explore in Australia but nothing beats the exhilarating moment of spotting a whale for the first time! From July to September, humpback whales are a common sight off the Kimberley coastline. Another creature to lookout for are the flying fish that like to propel themselves out of the water. They can often be seen gliding above the water and can even make their way onboard! “The crew would get up in the morning and sometimes have to clear off from the deck because they had jumped onboard, it was definitely quite entertaining!” said Stephanie.
Photo: Unsplash/ Vladimir HaltakovHamilton Island offers the opportunity to take a short walk up to an aboriginal cave with paintings for your first taste of the local surroundings. The impressive National Park on Lindeman Island gives you the opportunity to experience the hiking trails and marvel at the many butterflies and varied bird life. After a busy day of exploring there is no better way to relax than at the world-class dining restaurant Qualia with mesmerising views over the Whitsundays.
Photo: Unsplash/ Cullen JonesThe end of the day also calls for a drink and Jimmy Rum’s in Port Douglas offers a cocktail experience like no other with exquisitely crafted drinks of every colour and concoction. For those looking to try something more adventurous head to the bars in the Whitsundays for an oyster shooter, a vodka shot prepared with cocktail sauce and a fresh oyster. “I had my first oyster shot in Australia” says Stephanie Archer, “it was definitely an unforgettable memory!” she added.
Top things to do in Australia
Photo: Unsplash/ Ian BranchWhitehaven Beach
One of the finest beaches in the world and home to pristine turquoise waters and brilliant white silica sand that squeaks under your feet when you walk on it! Time seems to stand still as you stroll along the 7km beach and a sense of tranquillity absorbs your total being.
Sea Whirlpools at South Molle Island
The waters off South Molle Island are marked by the colliding waters between the two bottleneck islands. The result is a stunning display of whirlpools and standing wave charts that create an unforgettable memory.
Photo: Unsplash/ Yanguang LanSnorkelling at Great Barrier Reef
An activity for all members of the family where you can snorkel along the largest coral reef system in the world that is also home to some of the most exotic and rare marine creatures on the planet. 
Photo: Unsplash/ Vish K
Magnetic Island, Forts Walk
Choose the Forts Walk to discover history, ocean views and koala sightings. You can also visit the storied, weathered and much-travelled hull of the clipper ship City of Adelaide, built in 1864.
Photo: Unsplash/ Chad TaylorSwim with turtles
You can spend the whole day swimming with Green and Hawksbill turtles off the white sands of Lord Howe Islands Old Settlement Beach. You can swim into the seagrass beds and rich corals from Settlement Beach where turtles like to graze when the tide is right.
This article was originally published in Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, subscribe here.