Live aboard marinas in Sydney

[Warby12]

Hi there, Looks like we're going to Sydney We are in Brisbane now and with the house rented and maybe grand children happening in Sydney, we are going to pack up and live and work there.

Can anyone give me information of marinas for live aboard in Sydney? Prices, availability etc ? Any tips at all?

[MarkJ]

I don't think its allowed anywhere. Would be nice to be proved wrong.

[Warby12]

Oh boy! you'r right. There goes that idea. No wonder I couldn't find any rates on marina websites

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...lia-23704.html

[boden36]

Cammeray Marina used to be OK. It is one of those things that tends to be covert. Stupid law meant to be broken.

Regards,
Richard.

[giant]

Both MarkJ and Boden 36 are correct.

[nauticalnomad]

I would never ask a marina if i could live onboard.. But staying on board is ok im sure. I did ask in Pitwater years ago and they told me they only allowed 3 night stay max.. Try Gosford or central coast. You might get a private mooring somewhere on Brisbane waters that will let you rent it off them etc.

[Coops]

Originally Posted by boden36

Cammeray Marina used to be OK. It is one of those things that tends to be covert. Stupid law meant to be broken.

Regards,
Richard.

Yes it did. But as always the deadheads ruined it for everybody. Noisy people who could not give a damn about anybody in the middle of a highly populated area, what do you expect? That, by the way, was back in the 70's when I lived there. Cannot imagine how hard it would be now to get away with it.

Coops.

[casablanca]

Why do you need a marina? Plenty of people liveaboard in Sydney on a swing mooring or at anchor. We are anchored in Blackwattle Bay (very sheltered, close to the city) and there a few boats here that are obvious liveaboards (dingy on the dock/ beach every morning). We've been here for a month although we are only passing through this time.

We stayed in Sydney and Pittwater a couple of years ago for months without any questions asked. You can get swing moorings for rent at Elizabeth Bay, and Lavender Bay (next to the Harbour bridge) fairly cheaply and they have a tender service as well. Both are very close to the CBD.

In Pittwater you can rent a swing mooring at a few places, Careel Bay (but transport to the city is not great, unless you have wheels) or Holmeport Marina at Church Point (bus at the door).

Or you can do what another couple I know are doing and just anchor in Elizabeth Bay during the week, and move around on the weekend.

If you need water, buy your fuel from Baileys at White Bay and they don't mind you dropping past to fill your water. Or you can go shopping at Birkenhead Point Marina and pay $20 for 3 hrs while you go to Coles or ALDI, and fill up your water as well as pump out if you need it.

Plenty of options without going to a Marina.


Bob
Casablanca Lagoon420 # 86

[svTOTEM]

We lived aboard at Cammarey for a year - many other liveaboard there also. The marina is dump though, and 110 very steep steps to get up to street level - good cardio workout.

[Boracay]

While it may not be possible to live aboard in Sydney Harbour/Pittwater/Paramatta River/Taren Point/etc. I cannot recall offhand any visiting or local yacht that has had it's crew ordered off.

There are many places where it is possible to anchor. The problem is often dinghy access so a good fast dinghy gives a lot more flexibility.

Of course if your registered address were in Brisbane or Sydney it could be difficult to prove that you had actually breached the regulations/laws.

I'm not aware of that many questions being asked by the authorities.

Annoying the neighbours is, of course, undesirable in any circumstances.

[Warby12]

Thanks all, that has built a good detailed picture of the situation. I think our plan of moving down there now is on the shelf but I can see that a little later a "looooooong" holiday with some work mixed in could be a goer. Local knowledge and good behaviour might see you there for good period.

I can understand where the rules come from. In qld you can live aboard, this is great but areas can sometimes accumulate some slightly scruffier folk (maybe they think the same of us ). They need homes too though.

Good luck to all

[savoir]

You can anchor almost anywhere during December and January. There are so many transients in town that the cops just give up.

[Coops]

Originally Posted by Warby12

Thanks all, that has built a good detailed picture of the situation. I think our plan of moving down there now is on the shelf but I can see that a little later a "looooooong" holiday with some work mixed in could be a goer. Local knowledge and good behaviour might see you there for good period.

I can understand where the rules come from. In qld you can live aboard, this is great but areas can sometimes accumulate some slightly scruffier folk (maybe they think the same of us ). They need homes too though.

Good luck to all

I think you will find that some areas in QLD you can liveaboard. The Gold Coast does not allow it and I think if you actually check the QLD rules it is a case of a blind eye being turned more than it is actually legal in most others.

Coops.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by Coops

I think you will find that some areas in QLD you can liveaboard. The Gold Coast does not allow it and I think if you actually check the QLD rules it is a case of a blind eye being turned more than it is actually legal in most others.

Coops.

There are numerous long-term liveaboards in the Manly boat harbour. Don't know what the legalities are, but the marinas know that the folks are living aboard and charge a significant fee for the privilege. Some of these folks have been there for nearly twenty years.

Jim

[MarkJ]

Yes, the Gold Coast was quite strict. 7 days any you're out. Or to the next bay, anyway... But that meant you couldnt work there.