Just like a road trip, cruising the coast of Queensland is a delightful adventure. Knowing where to find safe anchorages and fuel stops is important to keep the journey enjoyable. And sometimes, both you and your vessel may also need some TLC, as the wandering spirit becomes weary from the travels.
Here are several recommended marina locations as you cruise north along the Queensland coast.
D’ALBORA HORIZON SHORES – STEIGLITZ
Ideally located between Brisbane and Gold Coast, d’Albora Horizon Shores is one of the largest wet berth marinas in Australia. The marina caters to vessels up to 80ft in length, including catamarans, houseboats and cruising boats. Visiting boats are welcome, as the marina provides short-term or long-term berthing arrangements to suit your budget. Each berth offers power and water, after-hours security patrols, access controlled and key-entry gates. The marina offers a variety of services: 500 wet berths, 350 dry stack storage bays, a 70t travelift, dockside assistance to catch your lines and assist you into the berth, on-water fuel facility, chandlery, marine refit and repair trades, hardstand, and refit sheds, plus licensed onsite cafe.
Lat/Long: S 27° 45′ E 153° 21′ www.dalbora.com.au
80 Cabbage Tree Point Rd, Steiglitz 4207 Ph: 1800 DALBORA
RIVERGATE MARINA – BRISBANE
Established in 2006, Rivergate Marina is 4 nautical miles from the centre of Brisbane and 6 from the river mouth. It is the official Customs and Quarantine clearance port for Southeast Queensland, positioned below the cyclone belt. The location provides temperate weather, deep water access on all tides, close proximity to a capital city and airports, and ease of access to the beautiful cruising grounds of Australia and the South Pacific. We provide exceptional customer service, 7-day-a-week concierge support, on-water fuel wharf, custom clearance, and more; our experienced staff are here to help with any request. Complemented by the Hardstand and Project Management team, who utilise the 75T and 300T travel lifts available onsite. Rivergate is home to 320 world-class contractors in over 20 trades. Whether for a short stay or a refit and overhaul, Rivergate can cater to you!
Lat/Long: S 27°26.67’ E 153°06.30’’ www.rivergate.com.au 7 Rivergate Place, Murarrie, Brisbane 4172 Ph:(07) 3907 1600
EAST COAST MARINA – MANLY
East Coast Marina, at the heart of Manly Boat Harbour, Brisbane offers the best possible access to the beautiful Moreton Bay. We have 295 secure water berths for boats up to 18m all with power and water, plus 240 undercover dry storage spaces, with a 7-day launch service for boats up to 10m. On site services include a café, amenities and laundry and bike hire. On site tenants include a marine engineer, marine electrician, marine trimmers, detailer, boat sales, and a yachting school fully accredited with the RYA. Fuel, chandlery, sail makers, riggers and pumpout facilities are all available within the Harbour. Manly Village is a short walk away, offering a grocery store, post office, newsagency, chemist, coffee shops, restaurants and more. Markets are on some Saturdays and every Sunday. Access to the City and Brisbane Airport is quick and easy by public or private transport.
Lat/Long: S 27° 27.6′ E 153° 11.2′ www.eastcoastmarina.com.au
570 Royal Esplanade, Manly Boat Harbour 4179 Ph:(07) 3393 3811
MOOLOOLABA MARINA
A simply beautiful location, the Mooloolaba Marina is located just inside the protected waters of the Mooloolah River, 100kms north of Brisbane. The marina’s 265 marina berths can accommodate mono and multihull vessels up to 18m and our dry storage yard can store trailered vessels up to 8m. Our office is open 7 days and our security monitored berths have access to water, single phase 15amp power, amenities, coin-free laundry, gas refill and pump-out services and an ice/water machine. Onsite, the marina boasts the stunning Pier 33 restaurant and marine trades including boat and insurance brokers, marine electricians, engine repairs and more. From our marina you can stroll to the renowned shopping, bar & restaurant precinct of Mooloolaba or step across the road to experience one of Queensland’s best beaches. Head next door and you can sample the freshest locally caught Australian seafood. You’ll want to stay a little longer at the Mooloolaba Marina.
Lat/Long: S 26°41’6.558″, E 153°7’45.3252″ www.mooloolabamarina.com.au
33-45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557 Ph: (07) 5444 5653
TIN CAN BAY MARINA
The waterways surrounding Tin Can Bay provide for great boating in a wide variety of weather conditions and the area has a great reputation for fishing. Situated at the southern end of the Great Sandy Strait which also provides easy access to Fraser Island. Catamaran and mono berths ranging from 9m to 20m plus, for short and long term rentals. New showers and restrooms, 30-tonne travel lift, on-water fuel, holding tank pump out facilities, laundry, extensive marine trade services, mechanical/outboard/diesel service, upholstery and boat trimming. State-of-the-art security and fire mitigation systems. The marina includes alfresco style dining at Sails licensed restaurant, and charter fishing, chandlery and bait. Stay right on the water’s edge in a villa with a balcony overlooking the marina.
Lat/Long: S 25° 55.0, E 153° 0.0 www.tincanbaymarina.com.au
Oyster Parade Tin Can Bay Ph:(07) 5488 1800 office@tincanbaymarina.com.au
BUNDABERG PORT MARINA
Welcome to the gateway of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. The complex can be comparable to arriving at an oasis. The beautifully landscaped lawns and modern amenities make this complex inviting to visiting cruisers from all corners of the globe. Facilities include 180 floating berths, 100 Hardstand and Dry Storage boat spaces, 75-tonne Travelift, 24-hour diesel fuel, laundry, courtesy bus, and the Marina is an official International Port of Entry for vessels travelling from overseas destinations. Several businesses operate within the complex including a fully stocked chandlery, yacht brokers, takeaway, restaurant/café, Lady Musgrave Experience Tours and Diving, gift shop and all associated trades and services to complete all maintenance on your vessel. Cruisers Cove is located in the complex and is a great place to meet other travellers. Fridays are BBQ nights.
Lat/Long: S 24° 45.626, E 152° 23.138 www.bundabergportmarina.com.au/the-marina
15-17 Marina Drive, Port Bundaberg Ph:(07) 4159 5066 info@bundabergportmarina.com.au
GLADSTONE MARINA
Set your sails and discover the magnificent Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Gladstone Region. Anchor down at the exceptional 5 Gold Anchor Gladstone Marina and plan your adventure with help from our knowledgeable and friendly staff. Search out spectacular secluded anchorages and explore our region’s hidden secrets. Plan your Narrows crossing or cruise the beautiful Bunker group of islands and experience stunning Fitzroy Lagoon and majestic Lady Musgrave. Our first-class facilities are sure to impress with wide fairways, dedicated catamaran berths, a courtesy bus, a luxury lounge to help you refresh, as well as a chandlery and mechanics. Use Gladstone Marina as your base to explore – only an hour flight from Brisbane or a leisurely six-hour drive. Plan your holiday now, enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, and refresh, relax and explore! Proudly operated by Gladstone Ports Corporation.
Lat/Long: S 23° 49.80′, E 151° 15.2′ www.gpcl.com.au/marina
98 Bryan Jordan Dr, Gladstone Central 4680 Ph: (07) 4976 1399
CORAL SEA MARINA RESORT – AIRLIE BEACH
As the region’s only 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina in Queensland, Coral Sea Marina Resort is a world-class facility with 520 wet berths for vessels up to 80m. With unrivalled access to the cruising grounds of the Whitsunday Islands, the multi-award-winning Coral Sea Marina Resort is located on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and is available for short or long term stays. The marina is renowned for its unique range of facilities and services, from courtesy cars to a guest lounge and gym. For visitors the marina offers two vibrant marina villages, a 2.5-hectare garden space, a stunning waterfront resort and an engaging calendar of events. A range of quality marine services and boatyard facility are also conveniently located onsite. Coral Sea Marina Resort is home to 80% of the region’s on-water tourism and has gained the well-earned reputation of being the ideal destination to stay, play and explore the Whitsundays.
Lat/Long: S 20° 16′ E 148° 43′ www.coralseamarina.com
1 – 3 Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach, 4802 Ph: (07) 4946 2400
Published in print July-September 2023
