From boat storage to destination waterfront venues, marinas are evolving to meet the expectations of a highly-connected community.
A look at Australia's marina developments in 2026
By Jeni Bone | Published 8 September 2026
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Marinas in:
With marinas around Australia evolving into luxury lifestyle destinations, we take a state-by state look at what Australian marinas have in the works.
- From boat storage to destination waterfront venues, marinas are evolving to meet the expectations of a highly-connected community.
- Demand for secure wet berths, dry-stack storage, hardstand space and vessel servicing exceeds supply in some metropolitan and high-growth coastal markets, with the latest Marina Industries Association (MIA) research showing average marina occupancy of 85.4 per cent.
- According to Luke McCaul, Director at Zeal Marinas, a younger generation of boat owners is adding impetus: “They might be less experienced when it comes to boating and maintenance, and their time is limited. They want all their services in one place, and ease of interaction with the marina via apps and technology,” he said.
- Another driver is the acquisition and investment taking place from marina behemoths like MA Financial/d’Albora, Blackstone, D-Marin and Safe Harbor.
- “Activating the land side - diversifying the business model and revenue streams beyond boat storage - drives up the asset value,” added McCaul. “Hospitality, Tourism, Residential and Marina is a compelling model.”
- Six years away, the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games are giving governments and private investors a firm deadline, a global marketing platform and a stronger commercial case for marine infrastructure investment.
- Just 20km east of the Brisbane CBD, Manly State Boat Harbour - the largest recreational boat harbour in the Southern Hemisphere with over 3000 wet and dry berths - is the subject of a State Government masterplan to guide upgrades.
- MIA CEO Suzanne Davies says that as marinas expand their offerings as lifestyle precincts, they engage with their communities as important shared waterways assets.
- “The contribution of marinas to the national economy has surged in recent years to $3.2B per annum as marinas are increasingly offering far more than a place to park a boat and are maximising the opportunities that come with providing additional services, experiences and value for their customers,” she said.
Queensland
Colmslie Wharves
Construction of the Colmslie Wharves project is set to strengthen Brisbane’s growing marine tourism, transport and charter sectors with much-needed commercial marine infrastructure. Located in Morningside, the purpose-built marina will provide 50 secure permanent berths exclusively for commercial vessels ranging from 12m to 50m, helping meet demand from the city’s expanding commercial fleet.
The Boat Works
The Boat Works is one of Australia’s largest marine service facilities spanning 55 acres. The facility caters to vessels of all sizes with six haul-out machines, including a 300-tonne lift, specialised catamaran handling options and covered in-water refit sheds. Complementing its marine services are customer lounges, a gym, courtesy vehicles and hospitality venues. The new Pier 25 development set to open in late 2026, adding self-contained short-stay apartments for owners and crews overseeing refit projects.
Sanctuary Cove
The award winning Sanctuary Cove Marina features a 481-berth marina catering to vessels from trailerboats to superyachts. Offering accredited facilities, including 24/7 security, fuel and pump-out services, complimentary day berthing it is also home to leading boat brokerages and the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Visitors can take advantage of the 5-star resort and its two champion gold courses, unwind by the lagoon pool or enjoy boutique dining, shopping and entertainment all in the one location.
Mantaray Marina
Mantaray Marina is a new $300 million waterfront development on the Gold Coast, featuring 67 berths for vessels from 10m to 60m, including 20 dedicated superyacht berths. The marina will offer premium services such as white-glove concierge support and a floating members' lounge, The Mantaray Club, alongside luxury residences, waterfront dining and retail, and a new public boardwalk.
Main Beach Superyacht Marina
The $480 million redevelopment of the former Mariners Cove site will deliver a 66-berth marina for vessels up to 73m, featuring premium marine services, hospitality and retail offerings. Scheduled to open in late 2026, the precinct will include fuel and pump-out facilities, e-charging, concierge services, a captains’ lounge, waterfront dining and retail, plus a public boardwalk and piazza, with the Ritz-Carlton Gold Coast to follow in 2029.
Southport Yacht Club
Described as a complete marina replacement, Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast is undertaking a multistage, multimillion-dollar marina and clubhouse redevelopment to modernise its facilities – the largest the club has undertaken in its 80-year history. The project features a 273-berth layout, with enhanced superyacht capabilities, a clubhouse, dry storage, and upgraded utilities. Specific arm renovations and structural installations are progressing across multiple phases.
Shute Harbour Marina
Shute Harbour provides convenient access to the islands and Great Barrier Reef, supported by on-water fuel, vessel services and visitor amenities. The precinct includes a waterfront café, lounges and public amenities. Services include on-water fuel, ice, rubbish disposal and dedicated staff to assist with refuelling, provisions and vessel support. A five per cent bulk-fuel discount further enhances the harbour’s value for visiting crews. The free public fishing pontoon attracts locals and tourists throughout the year.
New South Wales
Royal Motor Yacht Club, Broken Bay
Coinciding with its 100th anniversary, the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay unveiled its renovated clubhouse featuring new level 1 dining with Pittwater views, the new Waterview Terrace and café, a wellness studio offering fitness and therapy services and an upgraded members’ pool. Designed as a modern community hub, the redevelopment enhances both member amenities and the overall marina experience.
Birkenhead Point Marina
Birkenhead Point Marina is Sydney Harbour’s first Gold Anchor Marina, located at the entrance to Iron Cove Bay, Drummoyne. Providing 201 berths for vessels up to 45m, the private marina underwent a $19m refurbishment to add a suite of facilities including a five-star club lounge for marina tenants with integrated kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry and seven well-appointed bathrooms and also directly connecting to the popular brand outlet shopping centre.
Coffs Harbour International Marina
Located on the NSW mid-north, Coffs Harbour Marina has just completed a significant redevelopment with 143 berths for monohulls and catamarans from 10 to 30m. Built by Marine Structures, features include secure access, CCTV cameras, premium tidal fenders in 18m+ berths, and modern utility service pedestals. The surrounding marina village and waterfront precinct have undergone a progressive revitalisation program focused on outdoor restaurants and open spaces
Putney Wharf
Having formerly housed the historic Halvorsen’s Boatshed, Putney Wharf has been reimagined as a harbourfront residential, marina and lifestyle precinct. The precinct includes 67 luxury apartments and townhouses complemented by sophisticated waterfront dining and retail along with a 36-berth marina. Architecture and landscaping reflect the site’s long association with boating craftsmanship. Eight marina berths were sold to owners of the luxury residences during Stage One, and the remaining 28 berths were launched to market in November 2025, priced from $425,000 for a 12m berth.
d’Albora Marina The Spit
Located in an idyllic bay on the western side of The Spit Bridge, The Spit Marina is set to gain 36 new marina berths, including the construction of a new pontoon, to replace 36 existing commercial swing moorings in Pearl Bay and Quakers Hat Bay. The Spit currently offers 203 secure wet berths for vessels up to 50m. The expansion responds to growing demand within Middle Harbour and will improve safety, operational efficiency, and access for a variety of vessel types. Owner d’Albora Marina is working closely with authorities to minimise environmental impact.
Victoria
Marina Martha Cove
Set beneath Mount Martha on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Marina Martha Cove offers a sheltered and strategically located base for cruising Port Phillip and the surrounding coastline. The 265-berth marina accommodates monohulls and multihulls from 10 to 30m, with berth leases available for terms of up to 99 years. It’s part of a 94ha waterfront community incorporating landscaped parks, walking trails and cycleways. Overlooking the marina, Martha’s Table restaurant centres its menu on wood-fired cooking to add character to its dishes. The precinct is set to expand further with the opening of the Marina Hub at Marina Plaza, bringing together the tavern, an event space, marina offices and additional amenities.
South Australia
35 South Marina
Located at North Haven, the deep-water marina offers 76 wet berths for vessels up to 20m. Recent improvements include an onsite chandlery, upgraded amenities, a customer lounge, barbecue area and herb garden, along with 20 additional berths. The final development phase, Stage 5, will add 53 deep and wide berths for vessels to 20m. The expansion will complement Haven by the Water, a two-stage development of 128 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Western Australia
Ocean Reef Marina
Stage 1 works on the multibillion-dollar Ocean Reef Marina in Perth’s northern suburbs featuring 550 boat pens, supported by boat stacking facilities, marine services and commercial infrastructure, are nearing completion, with the first residential land releases expected later this year. More than 5ha of accessible open space is planned, including a protected family beach, landscaped promenades, parks, event areas, recreation zones, and an inclusive ocean-themed playground. The precinct will also feature Perth’s first metropolitan coastal pool, while 1000+ dwellings are proposed across residential and mixed-use sites.
Tasmania
Bellerive Yacht Club
Positioned close to the Derwent Ferry and just 10 minutes from Hobart Airport, the club is well placed for travellers, day-trippers and visiting boaters. A decade-long redevelopment has transformed the site, with the marina being fully replaced and expanded from 160 to 230 berths, accommodating vessels from 10 to 30m. New security gates, modern infrastructure, and dedicated zones for racing yachts and pleasurecraft have improved access and functionality. The final phase has now been completed, with visitor laundry facilities, restaurants, a café and broad views across the Derwent.
Margate Marina
Margate Marina is emerging as a key boating hub south of Hobart, offering redeveloped berths catering to a range of vessel sizes, and direct access to the d’Entrecasteaux Channel cruising grounds. Facilities include marina berths, a slipyard, hardstand storage, trailerboat storage and a private boat ramp. The marina is also home to Kuuma Sauna, Tasmania’s only self-propelled floating wood-fired sauna. Longer-term plans include a marina clubhouse with hospitality and possibly accommodation, and expansion from 140 to 300 berths. Landholdings allow for 45 dry-storage bays and 65 trailerboat spaces.
Derwent Sailing Squadron
Over the past decade, the Derwent Sailing Squadron has become one of Tasmania’s leading boating destinations, pairing a modern marina with a community focus. Its 138 floating berths, added to the existing 135, created Tasmania’s largest club-based marina. Facilities include on-water fuel, a blackwater pump-out station, five accessible en suite bathrooms and modern laundries. As the home to Sailability Hobart, the marina includes the Brian Freeman Floating Pontoon that gives independent access for people of all abilities. The Squadron offers the Moorings Restaurant & Bar, function venues, a sailing school, youth development and inclusive programs, plus a racing and social calendar.
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