Whale Watching Gold Coast Crew & Vessels
History of “Sir Henry Morgan”
We set sail on a voyage of discovery as we leave the high rise jungle and head to paradise…
The square rigged tall ship “Sir Henry Morgan” was built in 1970, but has a most colourful history for a vessel so young. It was built by a retired New Zealand naval architect, but a nasty divorce prevented him from ever sailing her. Her first duty was as a floating brothel and illegal casino in Sydney Harbour — a fleeing crew set fire to her while trying to escape the police.
The ship was salvaged, completely rebuilt, refurbished, refitted and relaunched and now lives a reputable life on Queensland's Gold Coast. In fact, she is the star of the Tall Ship fleet.
MV2000
The MV 2000 was built in Tasmania by Incat. It is a 32m High speed purpose built luxurious air-conditioned, wave piercing Catamaran. This vessel is available for whale watching tours on the ocean, calm water cruises and charters, Island Adventures, along with corporate events, wedding venues, private functions, Christmas parties and boat charters on the Gold Coast.
Spirit
The Spirit is currently chartered privately.
Parasailing Fly Boat
Our fly boat is used daily for parasailing flights directly off the Tallship and at South Stradbroke Island. Bookings can be made for flights departing daily from Mariners Cove Marina. Phone us for more info on 1300 WHALES.
The Island
Imagine a day out at our exclusive Balinese Island paradise on the Gold Coast
Our nine-acre, multi million dollar location on South Stradbroke Island is situated only 17 kilometres by water from the heart of Surfers Paradise and has plenty to offer. Enjoy friendly wallaby & kookaburra feeding, or play a free game of pool, darts or volleyball. There's beach cricket or shuttlecock to play or sit back and relax with the island entertainment as you enjoy a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch buffet on the Island.
After lunch for an optional cost, we offer a 4WD Beach Wilderness Eco Tour of South Stradbroke Island, which includes sand tobogganing down the eastern slopes of South Stradbroke.
If you prefer, you can choose from an array of water sports, or take a spectacular flight over the Gold Coast in the Cloud 9 seaplane. Motorized water sports attract additional charges however FREE kayaks and paddle boats are available for you to use throughout the day.
McLarens Landing has a calm water private beach overlooking the Gold Coast Broadwater, surrounded by an abundance of beautiful flora and native wildlife including our friendly Pretty Faced Wallabies.
McLarens Landing is a magnificent and unique venue, not far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Our property is accessible within 35 minutes by our luxury fast catamaran or, at a more leisurely pace, on our square rigged Tall Ship.
McLarens Landing is an all-weather venue located in a beautiful natural bushland setting overlooking its own calm water private beach and is ideal for any type of event, day or night.
The homestead and covered terraces cater for a range of functions and events and are perfect for lunch, partner programs, team-building, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, sunset cocktails or fully themed events. Take an exclusive-use cruise on the world famous calm waterways of the Gold Coast choosing from an array of square-rigged boutique Tall Ships or luxury high speed catamarans.
McLarens Landing caters for groups of all sizes from small, exclusive incentives to large conventions of 1000 guests & for any occasion.
The Crew
The crew at Tallship Cruises are all hand picked dependant on Professionalism, Dependability and Personality.
We believe the crew are an extremely important part of your days experience, so selection of the best staff is first and for-most. All crew are trained and carry the required certificates for their chosen positions.
Our Captains/Skippers have all been with the company for many years and were initially choosen for their years of experience and professionalism both on the ocean and with calm water cruises.
Our eco marine team have been involved in Whale Watching since the very first vessels travelled out onto the ocean, to visit the Humpback Whales here on the Eastern Coast of Australia. Our crew maintain their knowledge with the most up to date information and research, supplied by Universities and various whale organisations.
Our deck crew practice regular safety drills and various courses to keep them up to date with any new changes in regulations or company policy.
Island staff range from Our Island Princess, Chefs, Eco 4WD Tour Guides, Food & Beverage staff, Entertainers, Gardeners, Maintanence crew and many more! Most of the staff on the island are capable of any of the duties required on the island.
