Location: Brisbane, Australia
Duration: 15th December 2019 – 31st August 2020
Cost: Variable depending on size of berth required and length of stay.
We leased a berth on a monthly basis and also lived aboard, our costs were:
$1332.00 Berth rent per month + $192.00 Live aboard fee per month (includes power, water, amenities)
Payment of an annual membership fee is also required to secure a berth at this marina. The $1095.00 fee is payable in April each year, after April the fee is adjusted accordingly.
RQYS Marina
With over 550 long and short term berths, this marina complex is the largest in Queensland. There are also a range of facilities onsite including a restaurant, café/bar, hard stand and haul out facilities for monohulls and catamarans, storage sheds (available for rent), and a range of marine maintenance and repair businesses. There is also an observatory deck which allows for great views across Moreton Bay. Squadron membership enables discounts at the onsite café, bar and restaurant, as well as hard stand and haul out fees.
The marina is only one aspect of the Squadron which also runs a sailing academy, organised sailing races and regattas, conference and event room hire, as well as social events from time to time. There is also an onsite motel.
Marina Staff
Staff at this marina are helpful with great local and maritime knowledge. Docking assistance is not available at this marina.
Marina Security
There are no onsite security staff. Security staff appeared to be employed on an as needs basis and for specific events. People in small run abouts, kayaks and stand up paddle boards regularly cruise around the marina, as well as those fishing around the boats.
Secure access: Yes and No. No, in that there is public access to marina reception, restaurant, bar and café areas. Members of the public are required to sign in and thereafter have open access to the marina. Yes in that the main marina gate is closed around 10.00pm and reopens around 6.00 am, access during these times is via key card. Though given the number of people walking around at night with fishing rods, there is obviously some way of accessing the marina on a 24 hour basis.
Secure parking: Yes, via keypad code or card.
Marina Amenities
Bathrooms: There are four toilet/shower blocks located across the marina. Depending on where a berth is located will determine how far you have to walk to access the facilities. Some toilet/shower blocks are definitely better equipped and maintained than others. Overall cleanliness is good.
Laundry: Located with or near shower/toilet blocks, use of washing machines and dryers costs $4.00AUD per load, and you will need coins and supply your own laundry detergent.
Fuel Dock: Petrol and diesel available, payment via credit card. (Discount rates available to members).
Gas: Onsite refill facilities are available on request.
Pump out: Not available
Wifi: Free wifi is not available.
Maintenance and Repair Services: there are half a dozen or so onsite marine businesses offering a range of maintenance and repair services. Though we would suggest shopping around for best price.
Chandlery: Muir Marine, a well stocked chandlery is a short walk from the marina.
Noise: Generally no problems though there is a venue nearby that can be noisy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Onsite Café/Restaurant/Bar: Lots of options here with breakfast, lunch and dinner available every day. Hot and cold drinks, and snacks are available any time throughout the day. There is a cafe/bar menu offering hamburgers, nachos, pizzas and the like, as well as a fully serviced restaurant with a good selection of entrees, mains and desserts. Members receive a 10% discount on all food and beverages.
A short walk along the esplanade will take you to the Manly village area. Here you will find family friendly cafes, pubs and eateries serving a wide range of food styles, options and prices.
Transport: Both bus and train public transport options operate near this marina. You will need a ‘travel card’ to which you add a $ credit amount. Travel cards are free. Manly train station is approximately a 30 minute walk from the marina, trains operate regularly to Brisbane city centre. Other transport options include taxi, car hire or Uber.
Shopping: As previously mentioned, Manly village is only a short walk from the marina. There is a small shopping centre with supermarket (a bit pricey but easy to get to if your run out of something), newsagent, bakery, pharmacist, post office, butcher, beer/wine shop, café and barber. Further up the street you will find a dentist, hairdresser, beauty salon, and yes more cafes! Our top tip is the market which operates on the first and third Saturday of each month. Located opposite the shopping centre, and next to the Manly swimming pool, there is lots to choose from here – fresh fruit and vegetables, a great range of bread, fish, meats and lots of other stalls too. Markets also operate here every Sunday but have a different focus – homemade clothing, soaps and other handicrafts, crystals and rocks, second hand books and so on.
Woolworths and Coles along with numerous other shops and services are located in Manly Central, a 15 minute drive from the marina.
Located on the shores of the beautiful Moreton Bay, we really enjoyed our time here at RQYS. People are friendly and helpful and the Manly area had everything we needed to support our live aboard lifestyle, as well as lovely parks, walking tracks and playgrounds for kids.
Overall we rated this marina 9/10.