Some family occasions deserve more than a long lunch at the local. A sixtieth birthday, a fiftieth wedding anniversary, three generations finally in one place at the same time. For celebrations like these, a private yacht charter turns a holiday into the story everyone retells at Christmas for years.
Perth families already know the magic of a day on the water. Take that feeling east, add your own crew and chef, and you have a day on Sydney Harbour or among the islands of the Whitsundays that nobody else on board will forget. One of the newest names offering it is ORRAIA, which launched with a single superyacht on Sydney Harbour in 2024.
Why a private yacht charter suits a big family celebration
The hardest part of any family get-together is keeping everyone in one place and happy. A yacht solves both. Nobody wanders off, nobody needs to drive, and Nan gets the best seat in the house while the grown kids swim off the back.
It is also the rare holiday activity where every age has something to do. On M/Y ORRAIA, that means a swim platform, kayaks and paddleboards on request, and a tender for up to twelve guests to reach quiet beaches. For the adults, there is a spa on deck and shaded indoor and outdoor dining.
Best of all, there is no cooking and no washing up. Private chefs on board build the menu around your charter, so the person who usually hosts Christmas gets a day off too.
Meet the yacht: M/Y ORRAIA
The flagship of the ORRAIA fleet is a custom Horizon FD90, delivered in 2024 and described by the brand as the first of her kind in Australia. Here are the numbers that matter for a family booking.
| Detail | M/Y ORRAIA |
| Length | 27.45m (90ft) |
| Guests on a day charter | Up to 49 |
| Guests overnight | Up to 10 |
| Cabins | 5 (1 master, 2 VIP, 2 twin), each with its own ensuite |
| On board | Private chefs, spa on deck, 5G WiFi, tender, kayaks, paddleboards |
| Cruising areas | Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays, the Gold Coast |
For smaller groups, ORRAIA also offers Orraia Riva, an 11.88m Riva for up to eight guests per day. For very large families, Northern Escape is a 40.8m superyacht taking up to 50 guests by day and 12 overnight.
Sydney Harbour or the Whitsundays?
Sydney Harbour is the classic choice. You get the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the water, quiet coves for a swim, and the city lights coming up over dinner. It is an easy add on to a family trip to Sydney.
The Whitsundays suit families who want the reef. The region covers 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, with short passages between stops and warm water for swimming. It makes a natural centrepiece for a longer holiday in Queensland.
What a private yacht charter costs
These are ORRAIA’s published rates for M/Y ORRAIA in Australian dollars, as listed on orraia.com in October 2026.
| Charter | Price (AU$) |
| Day charter (four hour minimum) | 3,500 per hour |
| Eight hours, up to 49 guests | 24,000 |
| Overnight, one night | from 28,000 |
| Three nights | from 70,000 |
It sounds like a lot until you split it. A four hour charter costs AU14,000,whichisAU700 a head for a party of 20 on the charter fee. Pooling it as a group gift for the person being celebrated makes it far easier to manage.
Tips for planning your family yacht charter
- Plan around school terms. Check the WA school terms before you lock in dates, so the whole family can travel.
- Count heads early. Guest numbers decide which yacht fits, and whether staying overnight is an option.
- Ask about children on board. Check age guidelines and life jacket sizes for little ones when you enquire.
- Share dietary needs. Menus are built around each charter, so tell the team about allergies and fussy eaters up front.
- Mention the occasion. ORRAIA has dedicated planning for milestone celebrations, weddings and corporate events.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can come on a private yacht charter? Up to 49 guests on a day charter aboard M/Y ORRAIA, or 50 on Northern Escape.
Can the family stay on board overnight? Yes. M/Y ORRAIA sleeps ten guests across five cabins, and Northern Escape sleeps twelve.
What is the shortest charter? Day charters on M/Y ORRAIA have a four hour minimum.
Start planning
If your family has a big birthday or anniversary on the horizon, a private yacht charter could be the way to mark it. Send ORRAIA your date, the occasion and your guest numbers at [email protected], or call 1300 677 242, and the charter team will come back with availability and a plan for the day.
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