Can we bring our own food and alcohol?

On a bareboat charter, almost always yes, and you are expected to. On crewed and day charters it varies, and some operators either supply drinks or charge corkage.

Ask the specific operator. This is one of the most inconsistent things in Australian charter.

Bareboat

You provision the boat. Either you shop yourself before handover, or you order a provisioning pack through the operator and it is aboard when you arrive. Both work. Shopping yourself is cheaper and takes half a day out of your first day; the pack costs more and saves that time. Provisioning compares them.

Common restrictions worth checking:

• Glass. Many operators limit or ban glass bottles on deck. Cans and casks are the practical answer.
• Fridge and freezer volume, which is smaller than you expect and determines how much fresh food is realistic.
• Rubbish. You carry it until you can land it, so less packaging is better.
• Water tankage, which sets how long you can stay out.

Skippered and crewed

If a cook is aboard, they usually plan the menu and provision it, and bringing your own food defeats the arrangement. Drinks are more often BYO, sometimes with a corkage fee, sometimes with a supplied basic allowance and anything more on you. Establish which before you board. See skippered and crewed and what is the food like.

Day sails

Many are all-inclusive with drinks served, and BYO is simply not allowed. Others are the opposite. Check the booking terms.

One practical note

Crew are working. Whatever the drinking arrangements, the nominated skipper on a bareboat is responsible for the vessel, and a damage waiver commonly excludes damage where alcohol was a factor. See what does a damage waiver cover.