AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ARE BOATER’S PARADISES THANKS TO MILD CLIMATES AND AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF MODERN MARINAS, PLUS SECURE AND STABLE ECONOMIES.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND ARE BOATER’S PARADISES THANKS TO MILD CLIMATES AND AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF MODERN MARINAS, PLUS SECURE AND STABLE ECONOMIES.
AUSTRALIA’S VAST 36,735KM coastline contains 346 marinas, ranging from the region’s nearest point to Indonesia at Darwin to south along the popular east coast sailing grounds to where the Tasman Sea stretches for 1,400 miles across to New Zealand.
The following selection of strategically located marinas, including new developments, is intended to allow visiting boaters to plan their trips as well as enjoy some luxurious shoreside accommodation and eating. Facilities range from dedicated superyacht marinas in the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to regional hubs on the remoter west coast at Perth and south in Adelaide.
Australia’s vastness requires three times zones and is divided into states for governmental purposes, but recently marine laws between these six states and territories have been harmonised – thus becoming more user-friendly to charter yacht operators.
However, the Australian Superyacht Association is pushing the federal government to ease restrictions on foreign superyachts operating commercially throughout the region.
In terms of weather, the top half of Australia is in the cyclone belt.
AUSTRALIA
NSW Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
Host club for the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race that leaves from here annually on December 26, the CYCA is Australia’s busiest club and marina complex. It adjoins D’Albora Marina right in the heart of Sydney. The CYCA has hard stands for Etchells and other classes that were upgraded by Bellingham Marine recently. Conveniently located near the rail network that connects to the airport, it allows international crews to quickly reach their yachts for the start of the famous race south.
Address Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, NSW
Opened in 1944
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 33º 52’ 27” S Longitude 151º 14’ 01” E
Number of berths/moorings: 213
Telephone: +61 2 8292 7807
Email: marina@cyca.com.au
Marina Manager: Jessica Barr
Owner: CYCA
http://www.cyca.com.au
NSW D’Albora Marina, The Spit, Sydney Harbour
D’Albora runs marinas along the east coast of Australia and this Australian-owned chain of seven marinas is for sale (A$100million+). D’Albora offers reciprocal mooring across its marinas, so it’s ideal for cruising boats on the east coast and it also includes a facility in Melbourne Docklands. In Sydney Harbour, D’Albora has several facilities including the recently upgraded Spit Bridge Marina that can berth 131-foot superyachts as part of its 192-berth marina and 60 swing moorings in Quakers Hat and Pearl Bay. It also adjoins the prestigious Middle Harbour Yacht Club and the marina is accessed when the Spit Bridge is opened.
Address Spit Bridge, Sydney, NSW
Opened in 1980
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 33º 48’ 13” S Longitude 151º 14’ 36” E
Number of berths/moorings: 192
Telephone: +61 2 9960 7700
Email: thespit@dalboramarinas.com.au
Marina Manager: Eileen Rawlinson
Owner: Ardent Leisure
http://www.dalboramarinas.com.au
NSW Sydney Superyacht Marina
Located in the heart of the city, it is one of the largest dedicated superyacht berthing facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. SSM has berthing for vessels of 15m to 70m at its main site in Rozelle – bridge clearance is 28.5m – but it also has facilities around the harbour at Campbells Cove, Berry’s Bay and Snail’s Bay. The marina is undergoing a A$30-million redevelopment to be completed in October 2016. The Blackwattle Bay marina is also nearby the Sydney City Marina/Yard and the only dedicated multihull marina in the region.
Address: Blackwattle Bay, Rozelle, Sydney, NSW
Opened in 2000
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 33º 52’ 10” S Longitude 151º 10’ 45” E
Number of berths/moorings: 10-20
Telephone: +61 2 98 18 06 05
Email: info@superyachtmarina.com.au
Marina Manager: Clemens Overdijk
Owner: Sydney Superyacht Marina
http://www.superyachtmarina.com.au
NSW Royal Prince Alfred Marina, Pittwater
Located 30 minutes north of Sydney, yet in the heart of unspoilt cruising grounds and national parks of Broken Bay, the RPA Marina is also home to prestigious racing yachts including the Wild Oats fleet. The 35-berth marina can accommodate vessels up to 30m (98ft) and depth of 15m. Casual moorings are within close proximity to the prestigious RPA Yacht Club and can accommodate vessels up to 22m with a complimentary seven-day tender service available to and from your vessel.
Address: Newport, Sydney, NSW
Opened in 1962
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 33º 39’ 21” S Longitude 151º18 ‘ 20” E
Number of berths/moorings: 352
Telephone: +61 2 9998 3700
Email: waterfront@rpayc.com.au
Marina Manager: Hamilton Farmer
Owner: RPA Club
http://www.rpayc.com.au
NSW Anchorage Marina, Port Stephens
A day’s sail north of Sydney, the vast sheltered waters of Nelson Bay was considered a location for Australia’s capital, so desirable is the area. The Anchorage Marina is one of three marinas in this region near the town of Port Stephens, within Nelson Bay. It is a modern complex of 80 rooms and suites overlooking the 100-boat marina – an ideal place to watch the annual regatta April’s Sail Port Stephens or explore the world-famous Hunter Valley wine region.
Address: Corlette Point, Port Stephens, NSW, Australia
Opened in 1988
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 32º 43’ 07” S Longitude 152º 06’ 20” E
Number of berths/moorings: 100
Telephone: +61 2 4981 4975
Email: Info@anchorageportstephens.com.au
Marina Manager: Alistair Bailey
Owner: Peppers Anchorage Resorts
http://www.anchorageportstephens.com.au
NSW Shell Cove Marina
One of the largest new facilities under construction just south of Sydney, this marina complex will be a welcome addition on this remote and rugged coast. This area is on the track of the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race, making it an ideal vantage point for spectator boats to venture from and of course as a port of refuge for race yachts. About two hours south of Sydney near the town of Kiama, the development will include luxury apartments and supporting infrastructure when complete in 2019.
Address: Shell Cove, New South Wales, Australia
Opening in 2019
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 35º 34’ 04” S Longitude 150º 52’ 00”E
Number of berths/moorings: 300
Telephone: +61 2 9767 2000
Email: contactcentre@frasersproperty.com.au
Marina Manager: TBC
Owner: Frasers Property and Shell Harbour Council
http://www.shellcove.com.au
QLD Abell Point Marina
Abell Point is the largest marina and main ferry centre for the Whitsunday Islands, with superyachts berths up to 60m. Along with Port of Airlie Marina, it hosts an annual regatta that is one of the major events on the east coast, attracting grand prix boats. Two weeks later (August 22 annually) the prestigious Audi Hamilton Island Race Week begins. Surrounded by boatyards and yacht service companies plus many restaurants and hotels, this is a major yachting hub on the east coast; 1,100km north of Brisbane. Domestic air services are at the nearby Proserpine airport or Hamilton Island.
Address: Airlie Beach, Queensland
Opened in 2013
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 20º 15’ 55” S Longitude 148º 42’ 40” E
Number of berths/moorings: 500
Telephone: +6107 4946 2400
Email: info@abellpointmarina.com
Marina Manager: Luke McCaul
Owner: Paul Darrouzet
http://www.abellpointmarina.com.au
QLD Hamilton Island Marina
The jewel in the crown of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is a beautiful resort island with some of the most luxurious accommodation in Australia, such as the Qualia Resort. The marina is an ideal base for re-victualling and exploring the islands and Australia’s prettiest patch of sand at nearby Whitehaven Beach on the national park island of Whitsunday. Hamilton is also a popular yacht charter base thanks to the island airport that has direct services with most major Australian capitals. During late August it hosts the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia’s most prestigious regatta. Located 551 miles north of Brisbane, it is about 30 miles inside the Great Barrier Reef, a popular sightseeing tour from the island.
Address: Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia
Opened in 1978
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 20? 21’ 64” S Longitude 148? 57’02”E
Number of berths/moorings: 285
Telephone: +61 7 4946 8353
Email: marina@hamiltonisland.com.au
Marina Manager: James Burrell
Owner: Oatley family
http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/marina
QLD Horizon Shores
Horizon Shores Marina on Moreton Bay is one of the largest facilities on the Queensland coast with 500 berths, but on-going development over the next seven years will see this rise to 1,000 berths. Located 35 minutes south of the state capital Brisbane and a similar time north of the famous Gold Coast resorts, this modern facility adjoins the sheltered waters of the Broad Water. It’s also a popular port of entry for Pacific voyaging yachts and departure point for New Caledonia, about five days sail east. The master plan includes a shipyard, dry boat storage, industrial and commercial space, a waterfront promenade with retail and commercial leasing opportunities. Also included will be restaurants and cafes, a waterfront tavern and yacht club, a marine emporium, a 100-room eco-resort and day spa, and harbourside boardwalk.
Address: Woongoolba, Moreton Bay, Queensland.
Opened in 210
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 27º 45’ 00” S Longitude 153º 21’ 00” E
Number of berths/moorings: 500
Telephone: +61 7 5546 2300
Email: admin@horizonshores.com.au
Marina Manager: Paul Sorrell
Owner: Meridien Marinas
http://www.horizonshoresmarina.com.au
QLD Port of Airlie Meridien Marinas
Whitsunday Island access has become even easier thanks to the recently expanded Port of Airlie, where Meridien Marinas is completing a 289-berth facility. Situated in the yachting hub of Airlie Beach town and near the domestic airports of Prosserpine and Hamilton Island, the development includes exclusive restaurants, bars and luxury apartments, with 90-year leases offered on berths. Alongside the marina opening is completion of The Boathouse Apartments that includes 15 beachfront homes, a mix of 365 designer apartments, a luxury international Outrigger resort, retail dining and fashion precinct and harbourside boardwalk. Also included will be a Fantasea Adventure Cruise for visitors and integrated bus terminal plus a 240m all-tide beach.
Address: Airlie Beach, Queensland
Opened in 2012
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 20º 16’ 22” S Longitude 148º 43’ 28” E
Number of berths/moorings: 289
Telephone: +61 7 3229 1238
Email: info@portofairlie.com.au
Marina Manager: Andrew Forster
Owner: Meridien Marinas
http://www.portofairlie.com.au
QLD Reef Marina
The Reef Marina’s superyacht facilities were expanded in August 2015 to include 20 berths for vessels from 25m to 50m (with a depth of 2.3m at the entrance). Onshore facilities are currently being upgraded to cater for the up-market visitors who enjoy Port Douglas and its luxury shopping and wilderness experiences. The most northerly marina on Australia’s east coast – 31 miles north of the nearest major city of Cairns and international airport – it’s an ideal jumping-off point for Indonesia and the Pacific islands.
Address: Port Douglas, Queensland
Opened in 2015
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 16º 29’ 06” S Longitude 145º 27’ 33” E
Number of berths/moorings: 135
Telephone: +61 7 4099 5775
Email: info@thereefmarina.com.au
Marina Manager: Rob Cruz
Owner: Chris Ellis, Rob Cruz and Andrew Hooper-Nguyen
http://www.reefmarina.com.au
NT Cullen Bay Marina
Cullen Bay Marina is an all-tidal entry facility thanks to a lock gate, even during springs. Given Darwin’s tidal range of 7.8m, this is an important consideration for larger yachts that can be up to 25m long. One of four marinas in Darwin and on the picturesque Fanny Bay, the area is the only port on the voyage around the top end of Australia. The region is in the cyclone zone so includes a government built wall at Cullen marina to protect the area during the November to April cyclone season. The marinas can be busy during major sailing rallies such as the Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race & Rally and the Sail Indonesia Rally in July and September.
Address: Cullen Bay, Darwin, Northern Territory
Opened in 1990
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 12º 27’ 12” S Longitude 130º 49’ 27” E
Number of berths/moorings: 250
Telephone: +61 8 89420400
Email: gm@cullenbaymarina.com.au
Marina Manager: Robbie Standaloft
Owner: Cullen Bay Marina
http://www.cullenbaymarina.com.au
VIC Melbourne Superyacht Marina
Set in the docklands that were redeveloped from 2000 onwards, boat Owners can see the historic Melbourne trams trundle past or enjoy sophisticated dining at the dockside cordon bleu restaurants. The only restriction is air draft of 26.4m at the Bolte Bridge, but berths are up to 65m and have private gateways. When the Volvo 70 fleet raced here, they tipped their canting keels to get the tall masts under. Melbourne city is a cultural and foodie centre with intimate bars and a vibrant nightlife, particularly when the Formula 1 cars are in town or the tennis Grand Slam is on. Overall, there are expected to be about 750 berths across the Docklands in various marinas once completed in 2030.
Address: Docklands, Melbourne VIC 3008
Opened in 2000
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 37º 49’ 00” S, 144º 56’ 04” E
Number of berths/moorings: 5 superyacht berths
Telephone: +61 3 9658 8738
Email: superyacht@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Marina Manager: Adam Buchholtz
Owner: Melbourne Council
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
TAS Tasmania Derwent Sailing Squadron
The island of Tasmania juts out into the Southern Ocean and was on the great circle route in the age of working sail, so the main port of Hobart is historically and atmospheric town. The marina, near the Sydney-Hobart finish line, was enlarged this year by Bellingham Marine to 280 berths and the berthing size increased to take 30m vessels. Located three miles from the town centre, the club is also near the east coast facing Storm Bay, with clear sailing all the way to New Zealand from here.
Address Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania
Opened in 1906
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 42º 53’ 56” S Longitude 147º 19’ 54” E
Number of berths/moorings: 280
Telephone: +61 3 6223 1977
Email: manager@dssinc.org.au
Marina Manager: Shaun Tiedemann
Owner: Derwent Sailing Squadron
http://www.dssinc.org.au
SA Marina Adelaide
Situated on Australia’s remote and wild south coast, Marina Adelaide is in the heart of the city and is ideal for exploring this rugged region, including the fishing community of Port Lincoln, 700km south. Expansion is planned to reach 500 berths. A deep 4.5m entry at low tide suits larger vessels that can be up to 40m long. Nearby is the Port Adelaide Sailing Club, which hosts races and entries in the region’s largest regatta, Lexus Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race and Regatta. Nearby attractions include the world-famous wine regions of the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
Address: Largs North, Adelaide, South Australia
Opened in 2004
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 34º 48’ 09” S Longitude 138º 30’ 06” E
Number of berths/moorings: 175
Telephone: +61 8 8169 0000
Email: info@marinaadelaide.com.au
Marina Manager: Jason Day
Owner: Marina Adelaide Pty Ltd
http://www.marinaadelaide.com.au
SA Copper Cove Marina
South Australia’s quiet Spencer Gulf has on-going development of 500 houses and 154 berths at the Copper Cove Marina, a 90-minute drive south of Adelaide. A commercial and fish dock is included and recreational vessels up to 40ft can be berth with depths of 3.5m. The final stage of construction of the resort area will include restaurants and bars and a boat ramp. The resort is an ideal jumping-off point for the areas of Port Lincoln south and the wild gulfs in this remote region facing the Southern Ocean, which is famous for tuna fishing and great white sharks.
Address: Wallaroo, South Australia
Opened in 2011
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 33º 55’ 00” S Longitude 137º 37’ 00” E
Number of berths/moorings: 154
Telephone: +6108 8823 3704
Email: michael@coppercoastproperty.com.au
Marina Manager: Michael Nance
Owner: Copper Coast Property
http://www.coppercove.com.au
WA Mindarie Marina Perth
Mindarie Marina is part of the Mindarie Hotel complex in north Perth that was completed for the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle. A recent Gold Anchor award winner, the marina offers berths up to 20m, including catamarans. The hotel has luxury suites and its award-winning ‘Indian Ocean’ brewery. Offshore is the famous Rottnest Island archipelago, a popular summer resort. Sailing 430km further north on this coast of endless beaches takes you to the beautiful Houtman Abrolhos chain of 122 islands that were once exclusive to commercial cray fishing but are now open to cruisers.
Address: Mindarie North Perth, WA
Opened in 1987
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 31º 41’ 27” S Longitude 115º 42’ 10” E
Number of berths/moorings: 250
Telephone: +61 8 9305 9305
Email: marina@visitmindarie.com.au
Marina Manager: Martin Smith
Owner: FJM Property
http://www.visitmindarie.com.au
WA Broome
Broome in north-west Australia is a town on the edge of the world heritage listed Kimberley region and Indonesia. The quaint town is the only major centre for hundreds of miles, so a key strategic point for locating a marina. At present it’s a commercial port with refuelling facilities but an estimated 3,000 recreational boats are anticipated by 2031, so a large marina and residential complex is being proposed by the Broome Marina Working Group led by local businessman Martin Peirson-Jones and supported by the WA government. A mostly private- funded venture is envisaged and there is Asian interest in the project, says Peirson-Jones. An architect’s drawing shows approximately 230 berths, plus large vessel fuel dock and the entire base would be inside a lock to combat the huge 9.75m tidal range.
Address: Broome, Western Australia
Opening in TBC
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 18º00’ 00” S Longitude 122º 12’ 28” E
Number of berths/moorings: 230
Telephone: +61 8 9191 3456
Email: shire@broome.wa.gov.au
Marina Manager: TBC
Owner: TBC
http://www.broome.wa.gov.au
WA Port Geographe Bay
Port Geographe is approximately 100 nautical miles south of Fremantle, the port for West Australia’s capital of Perth. The port hosts the state’s main regatta, Geographe Bay Race Week (February 2017) and is located on the edge of Australia’s leading wine region of Margaret River. The only marina on this remote Indian Ocean coast, it can accommodate vessels up to 30m and is nearby the town of Busselton with its famous long pier and boulevard.
Address: Busselton, Western Australia
Opened in 1995
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 33º 37’ 51” S Longitude 115º 23’ 37” E
Number of berths/moorings: 286
Telephone: +61 89754 8300
Email:info@pgmarina.com.au
Marina Manager: Bob Godridge
Owner: Tallwood Nominees Pty
http://www.portgeographemarina.com.au
NEW ZEALAND
NZ Bay of Islands Marina
The Bay of Islands is New Zealand’s most popular cruising ground and handily placed in the far north of the country, so ideal for Pacific island cruising yachts. Opua is the main port of entry so yet another reason to visit and sail around the 144 islands in this region on North Island. The marina welcomes live-aboards who can use their 32 swinging moorings or berths that are up to 50m with minimum depth of 2m. Opua is only 20 minutes from the region’s airport, so ideal for crew changes as well. Development is underway on catamaran berths for 2017.
Address: Opua, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
Opened in 1999
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 35º 18’ 54” S Longitude 174º 07’ 07” E
Number of berths/moorings: 250
Telephone: + 64 9 402 7124
Email: enquiries@boimarina.co.nz
Marina Manager: Jason Chubb
Owner: Far North Holdings
http://www.bayofislandsmarina.co.nz
NZ Chaffers Marina Wellington
Chaffers Marina is located on the edge of Cook Strait that separates New Zealand’s main islands and is suitable for vessels up to 20m. Set in the heart of the nation’s capital Wellington, known as the ‘windy city’, the marina is also nearby the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and the ideal jumping-off point for South Island which lies across the often stormy Cook Strait. Alternatively, take the ferry across for a day’s visit to the world famous Marlborough Sound wine region around the town of Nelson. Another five marinas are located in Wellington and several small ones across the Cook Strait.
Address: Wellington, North Island, New Zealand
Opened in 1993
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 41º 17’ 04” S Longitude 174º 47’ 00” E
Number of berths/moorings: 165
Telephone: +64 4 3829300
Email: chaffers.marina@clear.net.nz
Marina Manager:
Owner: Chaffers Marina Co
http://www.chaffersmarina.co.nz
NZ Gulf Harbour Marina North Auckland
One of Asia Pacific’s largest marinas with 1,045 berths that range in size up to 55m and includes drystacking. The marina is a 40-minute drive north of Auckland, so ideal for international flights and all services that only a major city can offer. Located on Hauraki Gulf – which is renowned for its sheltered anchorages, America’s Cup races and natural beauty – the marina is also popular for cruising boats exploring he nearby Barrier Island and others.
Address: Whangaparoa, Auckland, New Zealand
Opened in 1988
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 36º 37’ 41” S Longitude 174º 43’ 23” E
Number of berths/moorings: 1,045
Telephone: +64 9 424 6200
Email: marina@gulf-harbour.co.nz
Marina Manager: Mike Kewn
Owner: Gulf Harbour Marina
http://www.gulf-harbour.co.nz
NZ Nelson Marina South Island
On a sheltered bay on the top of the island and near the region’s main town, Nelson Marina is the largest facility on South Island. As the swells rush through nearby Cook Strait, yachts are safe from surges in the 510 berth marina which can take up to 20m vessels plus some multihulls. The yacht club is on the other side of town and visitors are welcome. Nelson town with all its shops and international airport is a short distance while the famous walking tracks down the east coast are also just across the bay.
Address: Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
Opened in 2011
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 41º 15’ 45” S Longitude 173º 16’ 45” E
Number of berths/moorings: 510
Telephone: + 64 3 546 7768
Email: marina@nelmac.co.nz
Marina Manager: Bruce Thompson
Owner: Nelson Council
http://www.nelson.govt.nz
NZ Viaduct Harbour Marina Auckland
In the heart of Auckland, the Viaduct Harbour marina is home to yachts, commercial vessels and superyachts with 150 berths ranging from tender moorings up to 60 metres in length. The historic Viaduct Harbour was the scene of America’s Cup regattas and is handy for the city’s vibrant waterfront scene, surrounded by shopping malls and the famous Voyager Maritime Museum.
Address: Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
Opened in 1999
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 36º 50’ 28” S Longitude 174º 45’ 45” E
Number of berths/moorings: 150
Telephone: +64 9 300 6682
Email: marina@viaduct.co.nz
Marina Manager: John White
Owner: Viaduct Harbour Holdings Ltd
http://www.viaduct.co.nz
NZ Havelock Marina Marlborough
Nestling in the most sheltered part of South Island in the Marlborough Sounds – a labyrinth of waterways surrounded by the famed wine region where Sauvignon Blancs rule – Havelock Marina can berth vessels up to 30m. Nearby is the town of Blenheim and an hour away is the major city of Nelson. The marina is a sheltered base to voyage around the Cook Strait islands of D’Urville, Stephens, the Chetwodes and many more.
Address: Havelock marina, Cook Street, South Island, New Zealand
Opened 1976
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 41º16 ‘43 “ S Longitude 173º46 ‘27 “ E
Number of wet berths: 369
Telephone: +61 021 242 9165
Email: havelock@msmarinas.co.nz
Marina Manager: Pete Mitchell
Owner: Port Marlborough NZ Ltd
http://www.marlboroughmarinas.co.nz
