Trial program provides public berthing boost

Free overnight public berthing is being provided at three marinas in Port Phillip, allowing boaters to moor their vessels and enjoy using additional destination berths.

A trial of free public berthing was initially funded through the reinvestment of boaters’ registration and licencing fees to allow more boats to be moored around Port Phillip at the busiest times of year. The trial has been extended through until the end of August, 2022.

The berths are available at Sandringham Yacht Club, Royal Geelong Yacht Club and Wyndham Harbour. Boaters will need to book the dedicated berths directly with the marinas.

Berths can be booked for a maximum of 24 hours, to encourage access for as many boaters as possible across the duration of the trial. Only one booking can be made within a 14-day period.

The trial will run until 31 August, 2022.

For more information click here or see the list of FAQs below.

Public Berthing Trial FAQs

What is the Public Berthing Trial at Private Facilities initiative?

Destination boating is an important segment of the Victorian recreational boating experience and is increasing in popularity. The Victorian Government has agreed to fund a trial over the peak boating season of renting six berths at three private facilities across Port Phillip, which will be free for recreational boaters.

What private clubs are participating in the trial?

The Sandringham Yacht Club, Royal Geelong Yacht Club and Wyndham Harbour have agreed to participate in the trial.

How can I book a berth?

Bookings can be made directly with the clubs participating in the trial. Please contact the clubs and mention Better Boating Victoria’s free berthing trial. Bookings will be be limited to a duration of 24 hours.

Sandringham Yacht Club  – (03) 9599 0999

Royal Geelong Yacht Club  – (03) 5229 3705

Wyndham Harbour – (03) 9233 8530

When does the trial end?

The trial commenced in December 2021 and has been extended until the end of August 2022.

How were these clubs chosen?

The location of the facilities has also been chosen strategically, to ensure there was geographic coverage across Port Phillip, which is Victoria’s most popular waterway.

What will the trial involve?

Building additional destination berths is not only costly but will also take considerable time.  There is capacity to partner and leverage existing destination berths within existing marinas. Six berths at three marinas are free to the public. The usage of these berths will be reviewed at the end of the trial to determine the frequency and capacity of usage.

What size berths will be offered?

Sandringham has berths up to 12m, with the exact size to be confirmed at the time of booking. Royal Geelong Yacht Club has berths up to 12m, and Wyndham Harbour has 10m, 12m and 15m berths available.

Is vessel insurance proof required to book the berth?

Yes, all three marinas require vessel insurance proof in order for a berth to be booked.

Can I access the club’s facilities?

Yes, subject to associated dress codes and standards. Access varies depending on each venue. For more information, click here.

Can I sleep on my boat overnight?

Yes, all three facilities permit you to sleep on your boat overnight.

Will the success of the trial be reviewed?

A full review will be undertaken at its conclusion to determine its success.

Why isn’t this funding being allocated to improving public boat ramps?

Destination boating is an important segment of the Victorian recreational boating experience and is increasing in popularity. Other vessels, such as sailing vessels, should be considered in the recreational boating strategy, and may not utilise boat ramps to launch and retrieve.

For more information on the trial, click here.