Expert Advice for Exploring Australia’s East Coast
Interview with Ant Kovacevic
– Naval Architect
You want to cruise Australia’s east coast, but where do you start when it comes to planning, preparation and ensuring the journey is safe, successful and enjoyable? We spoke with Naval Architect and lifelong boating enthusiast Ant Kovacevic to get his expert insights.
Born in Sydney and now based on the Sunshine Coast, Ant bought his first boat at just 11 years old and has spent a lifetime on the water. With degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (Honours), his career has combined technical expertise with practical boating experience. “Throughout my life, I’ve worked alongside shipwrights, boat builders, skippers, captains, fishermen and sailors, learning something from every one of them,” Ant says. After nearly two decades as a boat broker, he regularly conducts sea trials and assists owners with buying, selling and cruising their vessels. With five offices along Australia’s east coast, including one in the Whitsundays, he has helped countless owners navigate and enjoy this remarkable stretch of coastline. For those considering a journey north, Ant shares his answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO HEAD NORTH
According to Ant, the ideal time to cruise north is between May and September. Travelling during these months keeps boaters safely outside cyclone season while allowing them to take advantage of the prevailing southerly winds that naturally help push vessels up the coast. For the return trip south, he recommends waiting for the northerly winds that typically arrive between late August and October. Timing, he says, can make all the difference. “One thing “I’ve learnt over the years is that good sailing is usually about patience. Knowing when not to leave is often more important than knowing how to drive the boat.”
HOW MUCH PREPARATION TIME IS REQUIRED?
Preparation should never be rushed. Ant recommends allowing at least one to two months before departure, depending on the vessel’s age, condition and maintenance history. This preparation period should include servicing engines, generators and all mechanical systems, thoroughly testing navigation and electrical equipment, and ensuring every onboard system is operating correctly. Battery charging systems, solar power setups and other critical infrastructure should also be checked under real-world conditions. Ant strongly believes in building redundancy into every vessel, carrying spare parts for key systems, and ensuring backup solutions are available should something go wrong offshore. “If something fails offshore, make sure you already have a backup plan” he advises.
LEVEL OF CAPTAIN EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED
While only the appropriate boating licence may be legally required, Ant believes experience and training are invaluable investments for any skipper. He recommends courses such as Competent Crew, Day Skipper and a Radio Operator’s Licence. Skippers should be confident with overnight passages, weather interpretation, navigation, emergency procedures, fuel planning and decision-making under pressure. Rather than tackling long offshore passages immediately, Ant advises building experience through shorter coastal trips first. He also recommends joining your local Coast Guard or VMR and logging on and off throughout your journey. These services provide 24/7 emergency assistance, priority rescue response, discounted towing, and expert advice.
IS IT BETTER TO TRAVEL IN A GROUP?
Cruising with other vessels can add both enjoyment and reassurance to the journey. Travelling as part of a group allows skippers to share weather information, provide assistance if needed, and enjoy the social side of cruising. Simply having another vessel nearby can offer additional confidence. However, Ant is quick to point out that travelling in a flotilla is not essential along Australia’s east coast, as many cruisers naturally meet fellow travellers along the way, and end up moving between destinations together. For longer offshore adventures, such as international rallies and circumnavigations, additional crew and companion vessels become more valuable in reducing fatigue and improving safety. “You don’t need a big crew,” Ant says. “You just need capable people who work well together.”
SIZE AND TYPE OF BOAT SUITABLE FOR JOURNEY
When selecting a vessel for east coast cruising, Ant believes reliability, comfort and range should be the priorities. A suitable cruising boat should offer good fuel capacity, reliable twin engines, strong seakeeping abilities, comfortable accommodation, a functional galley, quality navigation electronics, adequate refrigeration and offshore safety equipment. For many owners, the sweet spot lies between 40 and 60 feet, providing enough comfort and capability for extended cruising while remaining manageable for smaller crews. “In my opinion, life begins at 40 feet,” Ant laughs. He explains that monohulls and catamarans over 12 metres generally handle Pacific Ocean swell more effectively, reducing hobbyhorsing, rolling and seasickness while creating a far more comfortable ride.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES FOR A SUCCESSFUL PASSAGE
When it comes to essential equipment, Ant places a premium on reliability and self-sufficiency. A dependable autopilot, radar and AIS tracking system are among the most important navigation tools onboard, while reliable engines, well-maintained sails and quality electronics contribute significantly to safe passage making. Fresh water capacity, either through large tanks or a watermaker, adequate refrigeration, solar power, battery capacity, a reliable tender and a comprehensive selection of spare parts all help improve safety and flexibility. The ability to operate independently using solar power, watermakers and Starlink connectivity can be a major advantage when exploring more remote sections of the coast.
LUXURY FEATURES THAT IMPROVE COMFORT
While not essential, some onboard luxuries can dramatically improve life at sea. Comfortable forward facing lounges create inviting spaces to relax underway, while air-conditioned cabins make warmer weather far more pleasant. Freshwater-flush toilets help minimise odours, while filtered drinking water, ice makers and dehumidifiers add a level of convenience many cruisers quickly appreciate. Technological upgrades such as fuel transfer systems, fuel polishing systems and lithium battery banks also contribute to easier operation and greater peace of mind during extended voyages.
SUGGESTED TRAVEL PLAN FROM THE GOLD COAST
One of Ant’s strongest recommendations is simple: don’t rush. Rather than focusing solely on reaching the destination, he encourages cruisers to stop every 100 nautical miles or so, and enjoy the journey. A popular route begins on the Gold Coast waterways before heading to Moreton Island and Tangalooma, then continuing north through Mooloolaba, Tin Can Bay and the Great Sandy Strait, before reaching Bundaberg and the nearby reef destinations of Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Island. From there, many continue through 1770, Gladstone and Heron Island before reaching Great Keppel Island, near Yeppoon, Mackay and ultimately the Whitsunday Islands.
For many boaters, the Whitsundays represent the highlight of the entire adventure. Favourite destinations include Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Lindeman Island and Brampton Island, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and tropical charm.
FROM WHITSUNDAYS TO FURTHER NORTH
For cruisers eager to continue beyond the Whitsundays, there are countless opportunities to explore. Popular destinations include Townsville and Magnetic Island before heading further north to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Beyond Cairns, many sailors make their way to Lizard Island and eventually Cape York, Australia’s northernmost point. For some, the adventure does not stop there, with many experienced cruisers continuing onward into Southeast Asia and beyond, using Australia’s east coast as a launching point for larger offshore voyages.
HOW SHOULD YOU PLAN THE RETURN JOURNEY?
Patience once again plays a key role. Ant recommends waiting for the favourable northerly winds that typically arrive between August and October, allowing the trip south to be faster, more comfortable and more fuel efficient.
KEY DANGERS AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
No matter how experienced the skipper or how well-equipped the vessel, weather and navigation should always remain the highest priorities. Conditions along Australia’s east coast can change rapidly, and even seasoned sailors encounter challenging situations. Among the most common risks are sudden weather changes, fatigue during overnight passages, humpback whales during migration season, floating debris, mechanical failures, shallow reef systems, running aground, bar crossings and fuel management mistakes. Ensure that you check updated bar conditions at every port. Fortunately, Ant believes many of these challenges can be minimised through careful planning, proper maintenance and sound decision-making. “Many issues can be avoided through proper planning and preparation,” he says.
THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
Australia’s east coast offers some of the finest cruising anywhere in the world. From sheltered waterways and pristine islands to world-class diving, snorkelling and abundant wildlife, the coastline delivers endless opportunities for adventure. Yet for Ant, the greatest reward is not necessarily the destinations themselves. It is the knowledge gained about your vessel, the confidence built through experience and the friendships formed within Australia’s welcoming boating community. As he puts it: “It’s about the journey, not just the destination.” For those dreaming of pointing the bow north, there may be no better advice. Contact Ant at ant@wwbb.com.au
Published in print August-December 2026
