Location: Port Lincoln, South Australia
Duration: 5th – 9th January 2024
Cost: $235.00 per week* for double berth inclusive of electricity and water.
We motored from Spalding Cove to Port Lincoln, a distance of about 6nm. As you move through the main channel, the marina is to port and for those with catamarans like us the berths are super tight and we booked a double! We enjoy our privacy so generally berth bow in, big mistake …. the docks are short only 10 metres in length so getting off from the stern was impossible. We rigged up a couple of fenders on top of each other that we tied to starboard safety lines and used these as steps to get on and off the boat.
A number of commercial boats are berthed at the marina, catering to tourists seeking a fishing trip, coastal/island trip or sea life experience. So the main marina walkway is busy each day from about 8.00 – 9.00 each morning, and again from about 5.00 – 6.00 in the evening. Commercial trawlers are berthed in another part of the harbour, you may encounter these as you head in or out of the main channel.
Staffing: There are no onsite staff at the marina, all communication is via phone or email. Docking assistance is not available at this marina, though the boatie in the next berth to us came out and gave us a hand.
Security: There are no dedicated onsite security staff. Access to the marina is via a solitary gate which has a combination lock to allow entry. We were provided with the code on confirmation of our booking.
Parking: There is no designated marina parking area in place; and what parking is available is unsecured.
Amenities: There are no amenities available at this marina i.e. no showers, toilets or laundry. The Port Lincoln Leisure Centre housing a gym, pool, basketball and squash courts etc is a short walk away. For a fee of $3.00* per person each visit we were able to use the showers here. Public toilets are also available and there is no charge* to use these facilities. We had no need for a laundromat while we were here, so are unable to provide details on where and how much.
Pump out: Not available.
Wifi: Free wifi is not available at this marina.
Noise: We didn’t experience any noise issues while at this marina.
Hard stand, oil and waste disposal and haul out facilities are not available at this marina.
Marina Hotel: a hotel with gaming and restaurant is located adjacent to the marina. We decided to treat ourselves to a late launch on the day of our arrival. The menu included the usual pub fare plus some specials. The serve size of both meals was very small and in our opinion were not value for money. The service was functional i.e. they got the job done, no smile and no interaction. We didn’t go back.
Shops/Chandlery: There are no grocery, hardware shops or chandlery near this marina. Closest options would be Bunnings and BCF which are located out of the main town shopping strip. Woolworths, Coles and specialty shops are located within the town centre (refer below).
The marina is not well placed for live aboards, apart from the pub everything is quite a distance away. One of the down sides of travelling by yacht is not having transport available when you arrive. We prefer to walk if possible; use public transport; grab a taxi if necessary, and for long distances we hire a car.
Overall we rated this marina 3/10
*Prices correct at time of publication