Discover Nautical
By Nature
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, the tranquillity of the water and the magic of Mackay, QLD.
Welcome to Nautical By Nature Mackay! We are your gateway to unforgettable aquatic adventures.
Based in Mackay, nestled in the heart of the Queensland coast, Australia, our water adventures promise to take you on a journey of discovery, with options ranging from adrenaline rush jet boat rides with Purple Thunder to the ultimate relaxation cruises, including afternoon & sunset cruises, island day trips and private overnight charters.
Born from a passion for the ocean and a love for sharing the natural beauty of the Mackay region, our experiences are designed to connect guests with our spectacular waterways, wildlife and island landscapes while delivering exceptional service, safety and unforgettable memories.
Our commitment to safety, sustainability, and personalised service sets us apart.
Nautical By Nature’s ‘Green is our Gold’ Pledge
Nautical by Nature is proud to support Tourism Australia’s Green is Our Gold initiative and has signed the Green and Gold Promise. This industry-wide commitment brings tourism businesses together to help protect Australia’s natural environments, respect cultures and support local communities while sharing our country with visitors. Through this pledge we support the Green and Gold Principles, encouraging responsible travel behaviours such as respecting wildlife, preserving the places we visit and celebrating the communities that make each destination unique.
The People behind the scenes
Meet our team
Passionate about maritime adventures, our team are dedicated to providing exceptional boat tours, showcasing the wonders of our scenic locales.
Louise Plahn
Owner/Operator – Director
Louise is passionate about sharing her favourite experiences in this stunning region with both locals and visitors. Her deep love for the marine environment and its incredible wildlife fuels everything she does.
Adrian Plahn
Owner/Operator – Master 5/MED2
A passionate skipper, he has a deep love for the marine environment and an unmatched enthusiasm for fishing, making every adventure both exciting and memorable. He has entirely too much fun skippering the jet boat!
Ashton
Junior Legend
Ashton is our Junior Crew on Purple Thunder and Endless Days, and the first team member to join us beyond family. He keeps things running smoothly on the dock and on deck, helping guests gear up, delivering safety briefings and bringing plenty of good energy. Trained in our safety procedures, he’s working toward his Coxswain’s ticket with his sights set on captaining his own mega yacht.
Our Values
At Nautical by Nature, we believe in creating real, meaningful experiences that connect people to the water, the community, and each other. We’re driven by a love of adventure, a commitment to inclusivity, and a deep respect for the environment we call home. From our down-to-earth hospitality to our high safety standards, everything we do is guided by authenticity, excellence, and a genuine passion for showcasing the best of the Mackay region — responsibly and with heart.
CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES FOR EVERY GUEST, EVERY TIME
Accessibility
At Nautical by Nature, we believe unforgettable experiences on the water should be available to as many people as possible. While our current vessels are not wheelchair accessible due to design and marine safety requirements, we’re committed to supporting guests with a wide range of access needs in every way we can.
We have proudly accommodated guests on both Purple Thunder, our adventure jet boat rides and our leisure cruises aboard Endless Days with:
- Autism spectrum disorders, offering calm boarding procedures, clear and friendly communication, and sensory-sensitive support
- Vision impairments, including guided boarding and detailed verbal safety briefings
- Hearing impairments, using visual aids and written briefings where needed
- Limited mobility, with assistance during boarding and throughout the cruise, including flexible seating arrangements and space to remain seated comfortably for the duration
Our team is experienced, understanding, and ready to assist — whether that means taking extra time during boarding, providing 1:1 support, or adjusting the experience to help someone feel more at ease.
We encourage anyone with questions or specific needs to reach out before booking. With advance notice, we can do our best to tailor the experience and ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable time on the water.
For more information or personalised support, please contact us by email or phone.
Committed to sustainable tourism practices
Renewable Energy:
Solar panels generate renewable energy for onboard systems, reducing the need for generator usage. The starboard engine has a specialised alternator fitted which produces 70W, topping up the large bank of house batteries while the engine is running.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products:
We use as many environmentally friendly cleaning products as possible to minimise the impact of cleaning on the marine ecosystem.
Reduction of Plastic Usage:
We’ve eliminated the use of single-use plastics on board, such as disposable cutlery and straws. Where possible we use reusable or biodegradable alternatives for all other plastics.
Efficient Hull Design:
Endless Days hull design is optimised for fuel efficiency and reduced drag. Regular anti-fouling coatings and hull scrubs help reduce the growth of marine organisms on the hull, improving fuel efficiency.
Energy-Efficient Engines:
Our engines are fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Regular Engine Maintenance:
Proper maintenance of engines and equipment ensures optimal performance and reduces emissions. Regularly servicing engines can also extend their lifespan, reducing the resource extraction, emissions, waste generation and energy required to manufacture replacement engines.
Waste Management:
Endless Days has implemented a comprehensive waste management system that includes recycling and responsible disposal of waste. We encourage passengers and crew to participate in waste reduction efforts.
Slower Cruising Speeds:
Operating the vessel at slightly lower, more fuel-efficient speeds, significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
Wildlife Protection:
We abide by strict guidelines for wildlife viewing, ensuring that passengers and crew maintain a respectful distance from marine life and adhere to wildlife protection regulations.
Preserving Our Pristine Marine Environment:
The Endless Days crew participate in coastal clean up activities during charters and private visits to our gorgeous islands, collecting washed up rubbish from the beaches to ensure nothing but footprints are left behind when we leave.
Local Sourcing:
We locally source as much of our food and supplies as possible to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and support local economies as much as possible.
Educational Initiatives:
Our crew are passionate about the local marine environment and wildlife. We foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment and educate our guests on marine environment preservation practices.
Cruising with a conscience
At Nautical by Nature, we believe in protecting the incredible environment we’re lucky enough to operate in. From reducing our reliance on generators to choosing eco-friendly products and planning fuel-efficient routes, sustainability is embedded in everything we do. We’re committed to continuously improving our environmental practices as we grow. Read our full Emissions Reduction Plan and our Environmental Management Plan to learn more about the steps we’re taking to minimise our impact.