Big boat berths at the Anchorage Marina in Port Stephens

The Anchorage Marina in Port Stephens has undergone an upgrade to attract large boat tourism to the boutique amenity at Corlette.

The upgrade includes two new marina arms with 22 berths catering for larger boats between 55-66ft. Berths of this size have not been easily accessible in Port Stephens before now, the marina says.

Already popular with visiting boaters — from game fishermen contesting the annual Interclub tournament to yachties racing in Sail Port Stephens — the Anchorage is now casting a wider net to help raise the profile of Port Stephens as a destination for larger boats.

Port Stephens Mayor Mr Ryan Palmer said the upgrade delivered a new angle on the traditional fishing and sailing that Port Stephens was known for.

“It's about quality, not quantity. Our waters are the bluest, our beaches are the quietest. Luxury boat owners can get away from it all up here, knowing there are now modern and secure facilities specifically for boats their size,” he said.

Works, which were in the planning for several years, faced challenges such as ensuring the best marina design to cope with the seasonal winds that bring fetch into all of Port Stephens’ north-facing marinas.

Anchorage Marina commissioned a wave study for the location prior to finalising the design of a 5m x 50m wave attenuator that runs east west across the mouth of the marina. The patented design has specially designed and includes ‘skirts’ to further attenuate waves.

In addition, the harbour 'bed' conditions were quiet variable, ranging from hard granite to soft sand.

Gary Charlwood from Marina design and construction company Bellingham Marine Australia said the wave attenuator was a critical part of the installation.

"Winds on Port Stephens can create a bit of discomfort wherever you are, so the brief was to ensure boats within the marina walls had maximum protection.”

“We are finding the need for attenuators increasing in Australia and globally. We can provide shelter for, and build marinas, in places not possible 20 years ago," he said.

Marina owner Greg Shand from Barana Group said the marina upgrade was pushed through in time for summer and the high season right now.

"The high end of the boating industry is growing in Australia and it’s time to provide for those boats in Port Stephens.

"Owners of boats over 55ft can’t just arrive casually and hope for a berth; it takes planning. Here at Anchorage we now have a place you can enjoy the luxury, the quiet, the beautiful waters and the best of onshore life too.”

Anchorage Marina operates alongside the Anchorage Hotel and Spa, which hosts two restaurants and a cocktail bar. Guests of both facilities enjoy the ambience created in this stylish enclave overlooking the blue waters of Port Stephens.

The Anchorage Marina in Port Stephens is now taking bookings for permanent and casual berths.

Further reading:
Destination Port Stephens