Iconic Chinese Junk Charter Business for Sale
Port Douglas, Far North Queensland
Shaolin is a genuine, original Chinese Junk Boat built in Hong Kong in 1969, operating as a highly successful, family-run charter business out of Port Douglas--Australia's Capital of Barefoot Luxury.
Located at the doorstep of two world-renowned World Heritage sites, this iconic business enjoys strong, year-round demand in one of Australia's most desirable tourism destinations.
The Vessel & Operation
Shaolin operates:
o Daily 1.5-hour Lunch Sails
o Daily Sunset Sails
o Private snorkelling charters to Low Island
The unique experience of sailing on an authentic Chinese Junk, combined with exceptional service, food, and knowledgeable guides, has earned Shaolin consistent five-star reviews and an outstanding reputation.
Over 50% of guests are repeat customers, and Shaolin is the preferred sunset cruise provider for many of Port Douglas' leading resorts. The business is booked daily through local tourism agents and enjoys substantial forward bookings year-round.
Rare & Valuable Permits Included
The business includes several highly sought-after permits, including:
o River permit to operate up Dickson Inlet during unfavourable weather conditions
o Rare permits to Low Island, including beach access and four moorings
o Rare permits to St Crisppin's Reef and Tongue Reef
These permits significantly enhance operational flexibility and long-term value.
Assets Included
o Shaolin Chinese Junk vessel
o Tender, trailer, and outboard motor for passenger transfers to Low Island
o Extensive local marketing presence throughout the Port Douglas region
Financial Performance
o Trading history is impressive, generating over $182,000 profit before paying a part-time working owner
o Operates every day of the year except Christmas Day
o Strong future outlook supported by Port Douglas averaging 1.2 million visitors annually
Recent Major Refits
Over the past few years, more than $245,000 has been invested in major upgrades, including:
o New engine
o New teak deck and teak gangways
o New side boards
o New upper cabin, walls, and roof
These refits ensure high reliability, excellent presentation, and superior customer comfort.
Ideal Buyer
This business would ideally suit an owner-operator couple seeking a highly profitable operation combined with an enviable tropical lifestyle.
o Skipper requirements: Master Class IV and MED II
o Walk-in, turnkey business with forward bookings already in place
Training & Transition
The current owner is highly flexible and is prepared to offer extensive training and ongoing support for as long as required to ensure a smooth and successful handover.
? Asking Price
$740k (including all permits)
Region
Queensland
Location
Cairns Area Port Douglas
Usage
Charter
Launch Year
1969
Hull
Timber The hull is booked in to be sealed with fibreglass in May 2026.
Length
45' 11" - 14.00m
Beam
4.5 m
Draft
2 m
Displacement
25 tonne
Deck Material
Timber / teak
Engine Make
Yanmar
Engine
4 cylinder turbo deisel
Number Engines
1
Horsepower
170 HP
Fuel Type
Deisel
Engine Hours
4800 hours
Fuel Consumption
7 L / P hour
Max Speed
8 knots
Cruise Speed
8 knots
Propulsion
Shaft drive
Fuel
900 Litres
Water
1000 L
Accommodation
Yes, there is 1 lage bedroom with 1 Queen bed and adjoining bathroom and toilet, and ample storage.
Cabins
1
Berths
1
Galley
Large kitchen / Dining room area, portholes, kitchen bench, sink, round dining table and seating, full size fridge, deep freezer, 2 portable fridge freezers, and ample storage and cupboard space.
Refrigeration
1 full size fridge, 1 large Waeco fridge freezer, 1 Engel fridge freezer.
Freezer
1 full size freezer.
Stove
Conventional oven, microwave, air fryer, kettle, toaster.
Hotwater System
Yes
Shower
1
Toilet
2
Air Conditioning
Yes
Dinghy
5.2 m Oceancraft aluminium tender
Outboard
50 HP yamaha outboard motor
Covers
Sail covers, hatch covers
Ground Tackle
Anchor winch
Safety Gear
Saftey equiptment meets Survey 1D requirements. 24 passengers plus 2 crew. 2 x Carly floats. Life rings. 26 x life jackets. Epirb. Flares.
Bilge Pumps
12 V bilge pumps x 4. Mechanical engine driven bilge pump system.
Life Raft
Carly Floats.
Epirb
1 Epirb float free.
Life Jackets
26 life jackets, as per our survey capacity.
Flares
Yes.
Fire Protection
Yes, fixed fire fighting system and extinguishers in service.
Electrics
House battery plus charger. Portable 2 KVA Honda generator.
Electronics
Plotter / Sounder, VHF radio.
Sail Inventory
3 sails - Forward, Main and Mezin sails, all come with sail bags.