General News
27 May, 2026
Boat luring big spenders
A CAIRNS family-owned Great Barrier Reef operator has launched its luxury private charter vessel to international buyers at the 2026 Australian Tourism Exchange in Adelaide.
Owned and operated by Passions of Paradise, Allure is a 14m Riviera Cruiser catering for diving, snorkelling and fishing charters for up to eight passengers on day trips or four overnight guests.
Passions of Paradise chief executive officer Scotty Garden said Allure had operated charter trips for the past two years and would now target North and South American markets.
“Allure is perfect for the high-end luxury market wanting a private vessel with a personalised crew to explore the Great Barrier Reef at their leisure,” he said.
“We have been testing the North American market and found strong interest with key inbound operators wanting to make bookings, so it is time to officially launch to the western market.”
Mr Garden said the vessel complemented the company’s existing reef tourism operations, which have run since 1988.
“Two years ago, we decided to launch an exciting product, which was a five-star charter vessel out to the Great Barrier Reef, bringing all the ethos and everything we know from Passions of Paradise,” he said.
The launch comes as tourism operators continue to face rising operating costs, including fuel and marina fees.
Passions of Paradise managing director Allan Wallish said marina charges at Ports North were among the highest in Australia.
He said with two boats the cost was $150,000 a year, including a small office.
