Australia Cruising Permit

[prae]

We want to leave our boat in Australia for up to two years while we return to NZ for the hurricane seasons.
Has anyone had any experience with getting the "Control Permit"; AKA cruising permit; extended beyond twelve months?
Or has anyone had the temporary import permit for longer than twelve months?

[maxingout]

If you haul your boat out of the water and put it in customs bond - which means that you cannot use it - you can store it in Australia for longer than a year. That's the way things were when we cruised Australia.

[GordMay]

Information for Yachts Travelling to Australia from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
information for yachts travelling to australia - introduction

When you arrive in Australia, there are a number of clearance options depending on when you intend to leave. If you intend to leave within twelve months, you may be granted a control permit, asked to provide a security for temporary importation or to formally import the craft. See the Clearance Options for Visting Smallcraft factsheet for more information.
http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/re...Smallcraft.pdf

A control permit will be issued to the Master of the craft if Customs is satisfied the craft is transiting Australia for non-commercial purposes. Control permits may be issued for a period of 12 months, or the length of the Master's visa, whichever is less. Extension of the permit may be granted on application, provided that you meet eligibility requirements and have an appropriate visa ...

[DtM]

Are you a Kiwi?

If so, I wonder whether you get more consideration than other "visitors".

Is it impossible to take the boat out and bring it back?

[Jim Cate]

Prae,

In the past we have left our boat in Oz for a period of months under "customs control". This meant that we could use the boat or store it, but not move it from the area of jurisdiction, which in our case was Brisbane Harbour. The time under customs control was not included in the allowed time "in country". No worries... but be aware that Customs changes the rules more often than they change their underwear, and in fact individual officers have very different interpretations of extant rules. And, the individual officers have considerable flexibility to make arrangements in specific situations.

So, my advice is to contact the office in the area where you propose to leave the boat and sound them out. If they come up with a useable plan, get it in writing!

And as to your being a Kiwi -- you do get special treatment from Immigration, but not from Customs.

Cheers and good luck!