d’Albora adds another two NSW marinas to its books

d’Albora’s owner, MA Financial Group, announced last week it had added the Port Macquarie Marina on the Hastings River north of Sydney and Batemans Bay Marina south of Sydney, adding a combined 223 berths to the d’Albora marina network of wet berths, dry storage and swing moorings for vessels up to 50.0 metres in length.

“Aside from increasing berthing and coverage, these two new regional acquisitions will see further marine services added to the network including boatyards, waterfront dining, and fuel services for d’Albora members and the public, while travelling along the Australian east coast,” d’Albora said in a statement announcing the new marinas.

“Both sites play important roles within their local communities providing a range of marine and hospitality services within their ports to support the region.

“Additionally, they will be available to assist any travelling vessels, whether they are d’Albora members or the public, in need of berthing and or marine services along the coast.”

The two marinas already have a reciprocal berthing arrangement where users from one marina can visit the other. 

MA Financial Group joint chief executive Julian Biggins said adding the two new marinas was driven by investor demand for exposure to alternative real estate assets.

“We’re delighted with the purchase of the two new marinas,” Biggins said. “Port Macquarie and Batemans Bay are among the fastest growing areas in NSW which contribute to their appeal and value.”

The two new marinas expand on d’Albora’s existing 10 marinas spread between Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

People who berth their boat at a d’Albora marina get reciprocal berthing rights at any other facilities in the group, cheaper fuel that is available 24 hours a day, access to guest facilities and services, pump-out facilities, access to six full-service boatyards, and even waterfront dining options.

MA Financial Group is a property and investment manager with assets worth more than $9.2bn under its management.

In April it paid $225 million to buy d’Albora and add it to its asset portfolio.

d'Albora's portfolio includes marinas at the iconic Rushcutters Bay, The Spit and Cabarita Point in Sydney Harbour, two marinas adjacent to the Melbourne CBD, and management rights of the Port of Airlie marina at the gateway to the Whitsundays.