We sat down with d’Albora NSW Regional Manager Peter Moxham to discuss d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina and what makes Port Macquarie a fantastic stopover destination for East Coast cruising.
For readers who aren’t familiar with d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina can you give us an overview of the marina offering?
d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina is a full-service marina located at the mouth of the Hastings River in Port Macquarie, which is roughly halfway between the Gold Coast and Sydney. The marina has 80 wet berths for vessels up to 75ft, a full-service boatyard for vessels up to 60ft, boat-on-trailer storage, 24/7 fuel and a range of dining, retail and tourism businesses on site. We cater for annual berthing, casual holiday berthing and also transient berthing for vessels heading up or down the East Coast.
d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina enjoys a fantastic position at the mouth of the Hastings River. Can you tell us about why Port Macquarie is such a great stopover destination for interstate cruisers?
Port Macquarie is a vibrant regional city by the ocean and one of the fastest-growing regions on the East Coast of Australia with a beautiful river system and lovely beaches. It is also conveniently situated on the NSW Mid-North Coast approximately halfway between Sydney and the Gold Coast, which makes it a perfect stopover destination to refuel your vessel and stock up on provisions. There also aren’t many ports in the area that can manage larger vessels.
For boaters stopping over for a few nights, Port Macquarie also offers fantastic beaches, pristine National Parks and State Forests and access to great waterways for sailing, cruising and fishing, not to mention fantastic beaches. In terms of fishing specifically, there are fantastic opportunities for sport, reef and game fishing. The annual Port Macquarie Garmin Golden Lure Tournament is also run out of the marina each January.
What services and amenities does the marina have to offer short-term visitors?
Visiting boaters have access to 24/7 fuel, laundry facilities and toilet suites, a full-service boatyard, restaurant and café, retail and beauty services all located on site. The marina is also within easy walking distance of shopping centres, hotels and resorts.
Talk to us about your boatyard and the marine trades you have on site.
Our full-service boatyard recently underwent a significant upgrade which was completed last November. We offer boaters access to all the major trades and have marine electricians and shipwrights on site. Full boatyard services are essential in regional areas and we’re pleased to offer boaters what they need for planned maintenance or emergency repairs to their vessel.
d’Albora recently introduced its new Book a Berth online portal, which specifically caters for short-term bookings. Can you tell us more about this service?
The new digital Book a Berth portal allows owners and skippers to make casual bookings for up to two weeks whenever it suits their needs. This puts the freedom back into their hands as it is all done online in minutes. Particularly with the introduction of high- speed boating internet packages like Starlink that give you instant online access while you are out on the ocean. We want to provide a high level of flexibility to our customers that allows them to make choices that suit their individual needs and any unexpected changes in weather or cruising plans.
Members of d’Albora have access to up to 30 nights of reciprocal berthing each year across the d’Albora network. Do many d’Albora members choose to stopover in Port Macquarie?
Yes, we see a large cross-section of our members use the reciprocal berthing to their advantage throughout the year. It’s a fantastic benefit since our network is so large, it offers greater experiential travel. Some of our members, and the wider boating public, like to leverage Port Macquarie’s location strategically while travelling up or down the East Coast to pull into a friendly port for a few nights to re-fuel, re-provision and enjoy the area.
Tell us more about your team at d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina.
We have a great team onsite who manage the day-to-day operations, led by our Marina Manager Philip van Heerden, a very experienced sailor who has sailed around the world. The local marina team is supported by our network-wide Member and Guest Services Team and key senior managers from d’Albora who are regularly onsite spending time with the team and our customers.
How immersed is the marina in the local community?
Being part of the local community is very important, whether that means sponsoring our local outrigger club and fishing club, to providing a welcoming hub for locals and visitors. It’s what makes us more than just a marina.
Visit dalbora.com.au
d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina facts
Conveniently located at the mouth of the Hastings River in Port Macquarie.80 wet berths for boats up to 75ft.
Full-service boatyard offering slipway haul and hardstand for vessels up to 60ft.
24/7 fuel access.
Dockmaster and fuel assistance (7 days a week).
24/7 security.
Boat-on-trailer storage.
Toilet, shower and laundry facilities.
8 minutes’ drive to Port Macquarie Airport.
Waterfront dining at Seasalt Café and Restaurant.
Retail, beauty and tourism businesses on site.
Boat ramp.
Part of Australia’s largest marina network.
Annual or casual berthing solutions.
Up to 30 nights annually of reciprocal berthing across QLD, NSW, VIC for d’Albora members.
Easy walk to nearby local shops and eateries.
5 reasons to visit Port Macquarie
d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina team talks us through some local highlights.
Beautiful beachesThe NSW Mid North Coast is known for its majestic beaches, and there are plenty of stunning beaches within easy reach of d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina. Flynns Beach and Town Beach are great options for families. Flynns Beach is also home to Port Macquarie Surf School (portmacquariesurfschool.com.au) which offers family friendly lessons for both the young and young at heart. Speaking of surfing, Lighthouse Beach and Rainbow Beach are both popular spots for surfers. Or, for a unique beach experience why not try a camel ride? Port Macquarie Camel Safaris (portmacquariecamels.com.au) offers guided camel rides along Lighthouse Beach. Talk about an adventure to tell your yachtie mates about back home!
Natural wondersThe region boasts more 40,000 hectares of National Parks and State Forests, including Werrikimbe National Park which includes World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. So, you can reconnect with nature by exploring waterfalls, swimming holes and picturesque picnic spots. Port Macquarie is also known as one of NSW’s best whale-watching destinations with dolphins also frequently spotted frolicking in the local waters.
Fishing adventuresPort Macquarie is a playground for fishos. The Port Macquarie Game Fishing Club (pmgfc.com.au) is based out of d’Albora Port Macquarie Marina and hosts the annual Port Macquarie Garmin Golden Lure Tournament each January. This week-long event caters to passionate offshore anglers and their families, with kids and ladies days, and fantastic prizes. For those who enjoy estuary fishing, the marina’s position at the mouth of the Hasting Rivers offers easy access to chase species such as tailor, bream and mulloway.
Wonderful walksVisiting boaters looking to stretch their sea legs have plenty of walking trails to choose from, with the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk being a particular highlight. Spanning 9.1km each way, this scenic walk begins approximately 10 minutes from the marina and heads along the beautiful Hastings River. Expect to take in some spectacular coastal scenery and local beaches, see the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse, and soak up some tranquil rainforest atmosphere as part of the walk goes through Sea Acres National Park.
Culinary delightsPort Macquarie has plenty to offer for foodies, and your culinary journey can begin with some marina-side dining. Head to Seasalt Cafe and Restaurant (seasaltportmacquarie.com.au) to enjoy alfresco dining with lovely marina views and a menu focused on seasonal produce. You can also take your pick from an array of restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs that are all within a short walking distance from the marina. Those who like a top drop should also consider exploring some of the region’s boutique wineries, distilleries or breweries.
Visit portmacquarieinfo.com.au
The February-March issue of Nautilus Marine Magazine is out now.
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