Third Sydney marina given biosecurity entry status
Biosecurity procedures are in place for arriving international yachts
Sydney’s Jones Bay Superyacht Marina has been designated as a Biosecurity Entry Point (BEP) under the Biosecurity (First Point of Entry-Port of Sydney) Determination 2019. It is the third facility in Sydney Harbour to hold this status.
Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, all international vessels and goods become subject to biosecurity control when they enter Australian territorial waters.
The other two facilities in Sydney Harbour with BEP status are the Department of Home Affairs Jetty – Neutral Bay and Sydney Superyacht Marina – Rozelle. Across Australia, there are approximately 40 sites with similar approvals.
The BEP designation is granted by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry following an assessment of the marina’s infrastructure, operational procedures and biosecurity risk management systems. The amendment, which took effect from 27 March 2026, allows Jones Bay to receive international vessels, along with associated baggage, biosecurity-controlled waste and customs entry requirements.
Jones Bay Superyacht Marina is located in Pyrmont, Sydney. The facility provides deep-water berthing and access to the central business district. It accommodates vessels over 100 metres.
“This recognition is a significant achievement for our team and reflects years of investment in systems, training and infrastructure to meet the highest national biosecurity standards,” says Jones Bay Marina manager Scott Cotton. “It enables us to provide a seamless and compliant arrival experience for international superyachts, while supporting Australia’s strict biosecurity framework.”
The First Port of Entry (FPoE) designation follows a redevelopment at the marina completed in 2024. The project brings updated berthing infrastructure, upgraded utilities, revised security measures and operational systems. It also includes facilities designed to support international arrivals and regulatory compliance.
The FPoE approval indicates that Jones Bay meets requirements including approved waste management systems for international vessels, secure berthing and isolation arrangements, staff training and biosecurity awareness programmes, as well as coordination with government agencies and approved treatment providers.
David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia, says: “Jones Bay Superyacht Marina now has the largest superyacht berth in Sydney and one of the largest on Australia’s east coast, making it a natural clearance point for vessels entering the country.” He adds: “With the superyacht sector contributing over A$3bn (US$2.07bn) annually to the Australian economy and supporting more than 22,000 jobs, streamlined access through facilities like Jones Bay will further strengthen industry growth and economic impact.”
Under its operating model, Jones Bay is expected to receive international superyacht arrivals each year, mainly from the South Pacific region, including Fiji, Tahiti, Vanuatu and New Zealand. Activity is likely to peak between October and April.
The designation increases Sydney Harbour’s capacity to process international superyachts, including during busier periods such as New Year’s Eve.
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