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Darwin Sailing Club Waterfront Bistro

Ratings and reviews, food and ambience, location and contact.

We have enjoyed a couple of meals at the Darwin Sailing Club and each time loved the relaxed, casual atmosphere and welcoming, friendly service. The seafood platter is generous, delicious and good value. Sit outside for cool ocean breezes and spectacular sunset views in the... evening. More

The bar staff? very friendly, obliging, and they appear to enjoy their job, which is a good sign, in my opinion; and Lee the manager will always find time to engage with the members/customers in a way that makes that person feel welcome. Been to... other sailing clubs around Australia and none appear to have the same unique "Darwin style" hospitality. The setting? what a way to wind down, and watch the sunset slowly disappear on the horizon, a very special view. i see someone had complained about the "cheap plastic furniture"; oh my goodness, see past that little nothing, this is the tropics for goodness sake! The food? i appreciate having the choice of seafood, roasts, Asian style food and pub style food; a great mix which suits the ambience. I would like to see more Tapa style choices, as on some ocassions, that is all that is required More

I tried to book a table to get a nice sunset view but was told they don't do bookings just show up around 6 pm and we'd be fine. We got their just before 6 and as promised we found a spot right at the... end of an empty long table right next to the lawn area with an uninterrupted view of the water. We had an entre' of dips and pita bread and for mains my wife had the beer battered salmon which she loved and I had the mussels which has a nice broth of coconut and galangal. We also had a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. You have to order food from the counter and go and get it when your buzzer goes off and the bar was crazy trying to order drinks but we were all there for the sunset and it was a beautiful warm clear night and the sunset didn't disappoint. It's a happily noisy and friendly environment with a killer view and nice food. It's not a five star restaurant but it doesn't pretend to be and does what it does very well that's why I'm giving it 5 out of 5. We would certainly go back. More

Arrived for a casual family dinner. Didn’t realize half of Darwin goes there for dinner too but managed to get a high table. Beautiful water views from all the tables. Bistro had a sign that it was 1 hour wait for food, grateful that they... let you know what to expect and was happy to wait and enjoy the view. Ordered the barra, chips and salad, $30 for a small piece of barra and chips and self serve salad buffet. Ordered prawn pasta and was given beef Bolognese, when I told staff I didn’t order that was shown their food receipt and told that’s what I ordered. So I took the $20 beef Bolognese that could have passed as a $10 kids meal for dinner. Garlic bread tasted like it had been sitting in the warmer for a while before we got it. Wanted to try their seafood platter but the dinner experience has put me off. More

After living in Darwin on and off over three past 38 years, I have always thought the Darwin Sailing Club as an iconic place to introduced new friends who have just relocated to Darwin. This was the purpose of my visit yesterday. But I was... totally disappointed in the food and some of the service. Firstly, The oysters were sold as Coffin Bay oysters. I had 6 natural and if they were Coffin Bay Oysters then Coffin Bay need to lift there game. The oysters were totally tasteless and seemed like they'd been washed in water and not one oyster was attached to it's shell and they were horrid!!! Please do something about this as oyster lovers know a good oyster and these were not! There were also personal issues that I had last night after eating the oysters that I will not discuss here but it wasn't pleasant. I and others ordered the Scotch Fillet too be cooked medium rare and it came out medium well. 🙄 Nothing worse than a restaurant that can't deliver on its steaks! $34 X 2 wasted!!! Sure I could have bought it back but as all the other steaks ordered at the table were the same, I was with friends who is recommended to come and I got mine late it was too much bother. Just get it right! My buzzer went off fur the oysters. When I collected then I was given the same buzzer back for the steak which obviously wasn't synced so therefore, didn't get buzzed. After my friends had got half way through their meals, I went to see if my meal was ready to find out had been sitting there! Very average Guys. I've seen you do better than this and you definately need too improve. Would I visit again? Of course but not for the food!! More

Lovely setting. I ordered the Singapore noodles which were nice but not as good as some. My friend ordered the grilled Barra and salad for $28. Her meal was terrible. The salad consisted of two small lettuce leaves, 2 slices of tomato, 3 slices of... cucumber and some red onion covered with a thick black awful dressing. The piece of Barra was small and totally tasteless- a complete rip off for $28. When she complained about the meal the woman couldn’t have cared less. We won’t be back. I wish I had taken a photo. More

My wife and I have been coming back to the sailing club for 15 years. And it never disappoints after dozens of meals. They consistently cook the best grilled steaks around. The view at sunset is always amazing. And the staff are always lovely 😊... We have travelled all over Australia and the collective experience at the Darwin Sailing Club makes it our favourite place to eat and drink in the country... More

Had to try this club before leaving Darwin later in the week. their website doesn’t tell you this but they only take reservations from non-members for groups of six or more —- you can request online for a smaller number but then eventually receive a... notice that no go for under 6 people unless you are a member. Very long lines (30+minute wait) to order drinks so we bought a bottle of wine so we wouldn’t have to go back a second time. Someone in the line said the lines get shorter later in the evening — but when we left 90 or so minutes later the lines were still quite long (if not longer) Would have liked more drinks but just not worth waiting in line for that long. Food ordering line somewhat shorter — and thankfully we split the duties amongst us so that we could line up in more than one place at the same time. Not sure why they don’t have oyster plates ready to hand out to folks who order them as it would save them a lot of time — instead you have to go up twice to collect your meal…once for the oysters and then later for the mains…. Food wise, nice barramundi with garlic (Asian style stir fry) as a daily special …oysters were ok. Chicken spring rolls were disappointingly lukewarm as if they had sat under a heat lamp for a long time. I liked that their hot sauce at the salad bar is actually hot and packs decent heat. Very busy place and obviously very popular but my time is too valuable to me to stand in line for 30 minutes every time we want a drink. More

We booked a table here and are glad we did,the club is located on the waters edge giving you some great views across Darwin Bay. The staff were friendly and the menu was good and varied but the best thing was it was cooked perfectly... and was full of flavouur all for a very reasonable price. The night was finished by a spectacular Australian sun set. Would recommend this to anyone visiting Darwin. More

Based on reviews I read I was really looking forward to this meal and seeing the beachfront etc. Cheap plastic furniture was the first thing I seen. Food was too pricey for an outdoor bistro. $75 for 2 mains. Meals aren't big. Food was average,... nothing to rave about. Would I go back? Nahhhhh not at all More

Good Afternoon Merideth, Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience at the Club. I am disappointed to learn that there were aspects of your visit which did meet your expectations. As a team, we take all feedback we receive seriously and... More

Be sure to get the name of who you booked your table through! I Booked this 1 no th in advanced, changed the day a week prior the booking and asked for 6.30 instead if 6pm. Was rudley called at 6pm to advise that our... table was going to be given away in 10 minutes even though we advised we booked at 6.30pm. turned up called again told our table was going to be given away ...way to ruin my last night in Darwin guys! no food or drink menus to be found Would probs go back to the trailer boat club rather than this. Yes I did put a complaint in, nothing was done about it. More

Had dinner on Thursday night with the hubby and kids and very pleased with the experience had a lovely scotch fillet cooked perfectly and an amazingly presented local seafood platter that was delicious. The bistro staff where lovely and very professional. Definitely a popular place... to be, had to at least have been 300 people there must be doing something right. Keep up the great work we will be back again. More

Good spot, playground a plus. Sign in is a pain, food is overpriced for what it is, schnitzel we had was small and tough. Other family members had the specials, meat was tough and sides weren’t good. Could be a lot better.

The Sailing Club is in a lovely setting, right next to the beach. The night we ate here, it was absolutely packed with people. At times, the wait for food was an hour, but the atmosphere was so relaxed, and the sunset was so pretty,... we didn't even notice. The food was lovely. We ordered Gambretto Pasta (fresh local prawns), Chicken & Cashew Nuts, and Chicken Parmigiana. More

Huge juicy chicken with thin crispy coating and steakhouse size crispy chips. Topped with fresh sauce and plenty of cheese. Amazing salad bar to go with it. It was a feast. Great work

DARWIN SAILING CLUB WATERFRONT BISTRO - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

• Atmosphere: 4.5

Eat, Drink, Shop

The darwin sailing club inc.

The Darwin Sailing Club is an active and vibrant family-orientated club offering year-round sailing and hospitality to members and visitors to Darwin from the beautiful clubhouse on Fannie Bay. Enjoy the award-winning hospitality of our Waterfront Bistro and the diverse range of beverages carefully selected by our wine and beer connoisseurs. The open and airy clubhouse on Fannie Bay offers the perfect setting to enjoy the spectacular Darwin sunsets with family, friends and associates.

5 Atkins Drive 0820 NT Australia

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The Darwin Sailing Club Inc

Food and drink fannie bay , darwin , northern territory.

The Darwin Sailing Club is an active and vibrant family-orientated club offering year-round sailing and hospitality to members and visitors to Darwin from the beautiful clubhouse on Fannie Bay. Enjoy the award-winning hospitality of our Waterfront Bistro and the diverse range of beverages carefully selected by our wine and beer connoisseurs. The open and airy clubhouse on Fannie Bay offers the perfect setting to enjoy the spectacular Darwin sunsets with family, friends and associates.

The tropical climate offers year-round sailing and social opportunities from learn to sail courses through to joining a yacht as crew for weekend racing or even transits further afield – there are always plenty of friendly faces around to point you in the right direction. Join a sailing trip out on the harbour (twilight sailing is highly recommended), or get tips about purchasing a boat or cruising destinations. There are plenty of social, racing and sailing opportunities for all.

Corporate sailing and events are available, please enquire for more information.

The Sailing Club’s clubhouse and facilities are open year-round to its members and their guests, and visitors to Darwin.

Internet Access

Cuisine Types

Disabled Assistance

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Larrakeyah, Darwin

De la Plage

Brinkin, Darwin

Darwin Galleria

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Nightcliff, Darwin

Ella by Minoli

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Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association

A welcoming seaside club with laid back atmosphere, rustic open-air bar & kitchen (dinner) 7 days & a great variety of local and touring live music every Wed, Fri & Sun. Visitors and new members welcome.

Our popular eatery ‘The Galley’ serves fresh, local sourced seafood from the fishing fleet just down the road plus a generous Aussie a-la-carte menu.

For the sailor we provide a range of DIY yacht repair and access facilities including floating pontoon, careening poles and hard stand sites. We also host an active local, blue water and international yacht racing calendar.

There’s no gambling facilities whatsoever, just a fantastic unpretentious ambiance to encourage social connection with known friends and new. Everyone is invited to come relax, refresh, dine and dance to our unique marine backdrop.

We are located two minutes drive from the CBD down Tiger Brennan Drive or Garramilla Boulevard. We look forward to your company.

Kimberley Coast Cruising Yacht Club

Kimberley cruising – adventure, explore, fish, fun.

Darwin is a major support centre for the oil & gas and mining industries, as well as a key maintenance and support centre for the commercial fishing and pearling fleet, a well developed coastal shipping and barge fleet and the Navy’s northern patrol boat fleet. Therefore, it has most of the major suppliers and services required to maintain a cruising vessel. Probably not likely to bother most of us, but if your vessel is over 35 metres, you require a pilot, or a pilot exemption to enter Darwin Harbour limits, regardless of whether it is a private, or commercial vessel. 

Anchorages.

The most popular anchorage for cruising vessels is in Fannie Bay, off the Darwin Sailing Club 12° 25.54 S – 130° 49.56E. The up side is that the Darwin Sailing Club is a welcoming, boatie friendly place with good quality food and a very pleasant place to spend some relaxing time. The down side is that the tidal range makes it difficult to move a dingy up and down the beach.

The less popular alternative is in Frances Bay, opposite Stokes Hill Wharf  12° 26.29 S – 130° 51.36 E. The latter is open to the south east breeze and is also affected by the wake of passing fishing boats and work boats moving to and from the Duck Pond. It’s popular with long term live-a-board’s because of it relatively easy dingy landing, as compared to Darwin Sailing Club, and it’s close proximity to the Darwin CBD. It’s a convenient spot to drop the pick if you are waiting for the tide to enter the Duck Pond, Tipperary Waters Marina, or Bayview Marina.

All 4 Marinas in Darwin are entered via locks due to the large tide range. You must prearrange your berth in any of the marinas before you arrive at the lock. They will not allow you into the marinas without prior notice. All the marinas have procedures and paperwork to be completed prior to entry. You should contact your choice of marina well in advance. 

Cullen Bay Marina is the unofficial home of the Kimberley Coast Cruising Yacht Club . If you’re mooring there, you’re almost certain to meet up with other KCCYC Members.

Tipperary Waters Marina 12° 26.96 S – 130° 51.16 E is a modern marina built within a residential development. Their lock is restricted by tide, requiring some planning as to times of use. Approach past Stokes Hill Wharf, on at least 4.0 metres plus of tide. Call the lockmaster 0407 075 077 well beforehand to arrange a time, and when passing Stokes Hill Wharf use VHF Channel 8, call sign “Tipperary Lock”. The lock will only take up to 6 meters beam. They have a limited number of rental berths available and accept live-aboards in some of their berths. Best to book well in advance to get a berth. There is a small convenience/liquor store, cafe and fast food shop in the development, and the Darwin CBD is around 20-25 minutes walk. http://www.tipperarywatersmarina.com/lock.html There are 2 chandlers near the marina. Nautical Supplies, which is also the RFD liferaft service agent. http://www.nauticalsupplies.com.au/   and Darwin Ship Stores near Fishermans Wharf.

Bayview Marina 12° 26.55 S – 130 51.56 E is the centrepiece of a modern residential development. It is the most likely place to obtain a rental berth in Darwin. The lock is restricted to 7.25 meter beam and 2.5 meter draft. It lies approximately 500 meters further up the same tidal creek as Tipperary Waters Marina, and like Tipperary Waters, it can only be approached on at least 4.0 meters of tide. Call the lock master 0477 661 130 to book an entry time, and use VHF Channel 68, call sign “Bayview Lock” when passing Stokes Hill Wharf. The passage up Sandgroves Creek to the lock is not well marked and has many permanent moorings in the deeper parts of the channel. For first timers, it is recommended to ask advice from the lock master about the tides and the approach channel before you pass Stokes Hill Wharf. There are no shops, or eateries at Bayview, and it is a good 40 minutes walk to the CBD, which can be testing on a humid day. You should plan on hiring a car, or using taxis and buses if staying in Bayview. https://bayviewmarina.com.au/ [email protected]

The Francis Bay Fishing Boat Harbour 12°27.33 S – 130°50.96 E, locally known as “The Duck Pond” , run by the NT Government, is an alternative to the private marinas. http://www.darwinport.nt.gov.au/port-trade-development/frances-bay-marina

It’s primarily a fishing boat harbour for the large pearling, prawn and fishing fleet based in Darwin. If they are busy, they will not take smaller cruising vessels that are able to use the other private marinas. However, in an emergency, or if your vessel is too big to access the other marinas locks, they will usually squeeze a cruising boat in for a short spell. All the services you would expect at a commercial marina are available. It also has 2 great advantages. Firstly, you are able to drive a car, crane, truck etc. on the docks, right up to your vessel for loading gear, or carry out heavy maintenance. Secondly, it is within 15-20 minutes walking distance from the Darwin CBD.

The lock master will allocate you a position on one of the fingers when you are in the lock. There are no pen or berth numbers. You are given direction such as “tie up between the red rig tender and the black prawn trawler on C jetty”. Mooring in the Duck Pond can be interesting and will test your close manoeuvring skills. Berths in the Duck Pond are “Stern To”. You reverse up to fixed concrete jetties, with bows tied to 1 metre diameter steel mooring piles placed about 25 metres off the jetties. Most of these steel piles lost their fenders many years ago, consequently they are very unforgiving if you hit one. The method I use to tie up is to reverse up to the appropriate bow mooring pile, lasso a rope over the pile, then manoeuvre into position to reverse past the pile and back to the jetty, while a crew member walks the bow rope forward ready to tie it off.  Reverse towards a jetty bollard, which are about 10 metres apart. When close enough to the jetty, tie a stern rope to the jetty bollard, and then tie off the bow rope to prevent your stern touching the jetty, which is concrete and very unforgiving. From that point you can take your time to adjust your mooring ropes. The jetties are fixed, so don’t tie stern ropes off short, because there is minor tidal movement in the marina caused when the lock is opened. It is common practice to tie off to vessels either side of you, but ask permission first if anyone is on board the vessel.

Be warned, it is a commercial marina, where angle grinding, spray painting and general heavy maintenance needed on a commercial fishing fleet is the daily norm. It is also a place where colourful characters, and rugged deckhands abound. If your vessel, or your manner, is proper and pristine, you can expect to get at least one of them a little sullied.  We have left R&R at the Duck Pond several times, and have suffered minor damage to the paint from angle grinding swarf, and damage to a rubbing rail caused by a mad barramundi boat skipper, who moved our boat and didn’t tie it up properly. But these minor inconveniences are far outweighed by the fantastic people and personalities who live and work in the commercial vessel industry in Darwin, some of which have become our close friends.

Using the Locks.

The water level in the Cullen Bay lock can rise or fall as much as 5 meters depending on tides. The other 3 locks have slightly less rise and fall of up to around 3-4 meters, because they can only be entered at mid tide range.

• The Lock Master will give you instructions on when to enter and leave the lock, and where to tie up. Stay tuned to the VHF channel used by each lock. Cullen Bay Ch11, Duck Pond Ch6, Tipperary Waters Ch8 and Bayview Ch68 .
• Water rushing into the lock can be powerful enough to turn your boat diagonally within the lock.
• Use fenders on both sides. You may find another boat beside you in the lock.
• Depending on the size of your boat, other boats can use the lock at the same time as you. The Lock Master controls this.

• Have bow and stern lines ready on the side you intend tying up when you enter the lock with a crew member at each. No springers needed.
• The lock masters control all 4 locks from your port side when entering from the seaward side. It is best to tie up that side, allowing the lock master to assist with your lines.
• At the bottom of the tide, you will be well below ground level and will probably have to tie off to steel pipes, or a ladder built into the side of the lock in the case of Cullen Bay, and to heavy ropes lashed to the side of the lock wall in the case of the Duck Pond.
• Don’t “tie off” or “make fast” the lines to your bow and stern cleats. Wrap one bend around the cleat with a crew member holding the bitter end ready to adjust the line in or out.
• Your crew will need to adjust the lines as the water level falls or rises. They need to be on the ball all the time, otherwise you could find your boat hanging off a line as the water level disappears beneath you. Or, in rising water, a line left slack could result in the water rushing into the lock, forcing your bow or stern away from the side of the lock, and twisting your boat diagonally within the lock.
• Keep your engine/s running in case you need to adjust your position. The water rushing in can move your boat. The instructions on some of the locks say to stop your engines when in the lock. I have never done this, because on many occasions I have needed the engines to manoeuvre. My vessel weighs 48 tonnes, and it is not easily moved by my wife hauling on a rope. Smaller vessels may be OK without engine power in the lock

Fuel – The 2 fuel jetties in Darwin used by cruising boats are Cullen Bay Marina 12°27.12 S – 130°49.27 E and Fishermans Wharf 12°27.59 S – 130°51.03 E.

The Cullen Bay Marina fuel jetty can be accessed in all tides, and is located on a floating pontoon arm in the lock basin on the seaward side of the lock. However, for deep draft vessels, be wary about the channel into the basin at spring low tides. It can get shallow and it is flanked by shoals and sand bars. I suggest you wait for more water before entering. The fuel pontoon can only be accessed by one vessel at a time, so at popular times, there may be a queue.  The fuel pumps will be obvious when you get there. The same pontoon is also used by ferry operators and fishing charter vessels. If you want to tie up to the pontoon, other than at the fuel pumps, it must be on the southern side of the pontoon, well away from the fuel bowsers The the north side of the pontoon is reserved for ferries only. The fishing charter fleet unload and load passengers on the south side of the pontoon and they have special access rights, so you need to be prepared to move your vessel at short notice if instructed by the lock master, or a skipper on any of the commercial vessels that have privileged docking rights, such as ferries or fishing charter vessels. Your vessel cannot be left there unattended.

The fuel pumps accept major credit cards.

The Fishermans Wharf fuel jetty is accessed past Stokes Hill Wharf. The approaches to the wharf are shallow, and deep draft vessels should allow sufficient tide before entering the wharf basin. Large fishing vessels tie up alongside the wharf in all tides, therefore I suspect the wharf basin itself is dredged to accommodate them.

The fuel sales are operated by Baileys Marine Fuels Australia. Phone 08 8941 3320. You can apply for a Baileys Fuel Card at   http://www.baileysmarine.com.au They will also accept major credit cards.

Baileys pumps are very hi flow and you need to adjust the flow at the pump before you use it. Generally, there is a ball valve in each pump enclosure to adjust the flow from stop to fast. My advise is to start very slow and adjust the flow up to what your intake can handle. If you start the flow too fast, you are likely to get blow back from your filler or put high pressure on your fuel tank if the tank breather is not large enough.

The main advantage of using Fishermans Wharf, is that their diesel pumps are all hi-flow. At times, they can also be cheaper than Cullen Bay Marina, but I suggest you compare the prices yourself.

Fishermans wharf is exactly what the name implies. It is often very busy, with commercial boats rafted up 2 or 3 wide against the wharf. At these busy times you can expect to be instructed by the Baileys Fuel staff to tie up beside another vessel. You must then collect the fuel line via the other vessel, passing it over the deck of the other vessel to your boat.  Baileys are very strict on safety protocol when fuel is being loaded. You must have one crew member on the jetty at the pump ready to hit the emergency shut off, and another crew member at the hose filler nozzle on your vessel. Ensure you have sufficient, capable crew on board for this purpose.

I have fuelled R&R here several times. One memorable occasion was being rafted up against 5 small harbour tugs tied side by side. The tugs offered absolutely no fore and aft stability and I spent an hour or so sitting at the throttles nudging R&R backwards and forwards to prevent hitting the boats in front and behind us. My crew at the time were not experienced boaters, and they were very unimpressed about having to climb over 5 small tug boats and drag a heavy, dirty fuel line back and forth. However, I have also been the only boat at the wharf at times, and the process has been quick and easy.

Shopping.   Being the Northern Territory capital city, Darwin has a well developed business district with all the shops expected of a city this size. There are also large shopping centers in Palmerston and Casuarina. Darwin is a market goers delight, with large and small markets catering for fruit and veg, cloths and art of all types. Mindil Beach Markets are the most well know and popular, and are well worth a visit on a Thursday evening during the dry season just for the food and free entertainment.

Marine Repairs. Many major engine, gearbox, electronics and boating equipment manufacturers are represented in Darwin by local branches or agents. Boat repairs and maintenance are usually not a problem. However, most parts are flown in “overnight” (in Darwin speak this means 2 or 3 nights). During the peak of the cruising season, qualified labour becomes very sought after, so be prepared to wait to get something replaced or repaired.

Sailing into Darwin, one of Australia?s most remote cities, can be a shock to the senses after a lengthy sea voyage. After cruising through some of the most isolated, sparsely populated coast in the country, a landfall celebration in Darwin – approximately 2600 nautical miles from Fremantle and over 1500 nautical miles from Cairns – was well in order. Convenient for thirsty sailors as the city boasts a boating regatta that worships the beer can. The annual Beer Can Regatta is the Holy Grail for beer drinkers in this tro Darwin has come a long way from the outpost it has long been considered. It is a vibrant city undergoing rapid expansion: developers cranes dot the CBD skyline, with an exciting waterfront development and Convention Centre under construction. The city has a thriving arts community, including the highly acclaimed National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Art Award, plus a busy festival program to satisfy the most culturally challenged. It is indeed a colourful city filled with colourful characters.

The Top End, however, can be a dangerous place for sailors, particularly the unwary, the unprepared or just the foolish. Enormous tides, of up to eight metres, turning a tranquil bay into a dry mangrove grove mudflat twice a day, are the most obvious challenge. Throw in the crocodiles, wet season monsoons and a vast unpopulated coast and careful self-preservation becomes a necessity, not a luxury. For sailors accustomed to the facilities and services of southern states cruising, sailing to these low latitudes requires intensive planning. But for the courageous, well-organised sailors who make the effort, the rewards are many.

The coastline is predominantly sandy beaches and mangrove-fringed mudflats, with the occasional exception of dramatic cliffs like those in the English Company Islands. As with much of Australia, the Top End has a chequered history of European exploration, fraught with the challenges of dangerous wildlife and troublesome encounters with the Aboriginal inhabitants. Spanish Captain Luiz Baez de Torres was known to have been in the area as early as 1606, leaving his name on the strait that separates Australia from Papua New Guinea. Europeans subsequently tried settling in Port Essington, Raffles Bay and Croker Island before establishing the township of Palmerston in the 1860s. It was from this remote colonial outpost that the thriving city of Darwin eventually evolved.

Although out of date, and apparently also out of print, the 1986 published Northern Territory Coast ? A Cruising Guide by John Knight, is still one of the few handbooks devoted to the Top End, and is invaluable. Archaic it may be, obsolete it is not: there has been so little coastal development outside of Darwin that the rest of the coast is much the same as when the book was first published. Alan Lucas?s Cruising the Coral Coast also devotes a chapter to sailors heading west from Cape York.

Darwin Sailing Club, (www.dwnsail.com.au) in Fannie Bay welcomes visitors to use its waterfront club and enjoy the hospitality of the bar and restaurant beneath the palms. Although boasting no marina facilities, the off-lying anchorage is invariably well used. Although the shallow bay ensures that deep draft vessels may need to anchor half a mile or more offshore, making the dinghy trip somewhat tedious. A shore expedition is made even more tiresome if landing on the beach at high tide, followed by a low tide departure so many locals have attached wheels to ease the burden of dragging dinghies through the soft mud. A well-stocked chandlery is adjacent to the boatyard and careening piles on the beachfront are available by prior arrangement with the club.

Frances Bay is on the eastern side of the CBD and offers a few anchorage options, although it is exposed to the south-easterlies. Here you?ll find the charismatic Dinah Beach Yacht Club (www.dinahbeachcya.com.au) at the entrance to Sadgroves Creek. From humble beginnings, the original ?container bar? housed amid the jumble of a working boatyard has been replaced with a permanent waterfront bar with open sides. This is a genuinely friendly club and is perhaps the quintessential venue for socialising Territory style. It?s raw, it?s brash, and it?s ?shoes optional? great fun. It?s also the host of the long-running annual Darwin to Ambon yacht race.

Marinas Don?t expect to find an abundance of marinas on your Top End expedition: there simply aren?t any outside Darwin. To the west, the closest marina is Exmouth on North West Cape, and to the east, Port Douglas is the closest bastion of marina civility.

For sailors who haven?t had the pleasure of transiting a lock, the towering concrete-sided walls can be intimidating. It is also unavoidable, as they all have them. Because of the enormous tidal range, locks are the only way that marinas can operate. Don?t expect to be the only vessel in the lock either. Depending on the size of your vessel, you may find there are three or four craft rafted up, all rising or falling together.

These locks are an important agent in preventing aquatic pests entering confined waters, with strict controls in place to prevent marina contamination. Depending on your past ports of call, your vessel may require an underwater inspection by Fisheries Officers. If offending pests are found, you will need to remove them before being permitted to enter any marina. Inspections are free of charge and can be arranged by marina operators.

Cullen Bay Marina (www.cullenbaymarina.com.au) This is the largest marina and definitely the liveliest. Surrounded by apartments and a diverse range of restaurants and bars, Cullen Bay has become a tourism destination in itself, with many tourist boats based here. Don?t miss the uniquely fitted out Buzz Bar at the end of the marina dock. Fuel is available outside the lock entrance.

Tipperary Waters Marina (Lockmaster 0407 075 077) This marina is accessed on a rising tide via Sadgroves Creek, with local knowledge essential for safe transit: contact the Lockmaster for instructions before proceeding up the creek. The lock itself is just 6m wide and 22m long, making it too narrow for many multi-hull vessels. The marina is conveniently located, with a mini market, Dinah Beach Yacht Club just down the road, plus there?s a chandlery and the CBD a short walk away.

Bayview Waters Marina (www.bayviewmarina.com.au) Described unkindly by some locals as Baygon Marina because of its location deep into what used to be a mangrove-lined creek, this marina is accessed also via Sadgroves Creek. A housing estate surrounds this modern marina, with the proposed dining precinct still under development at the time of this writer's visit.

Port of Darwin Mooring Basin (Ph 08 8999 3971) Known ever since its construction as the Duck Pond, this is Darwin?s original marina and is generally utilised only by fishing and commercial vessels. Casual berthing can be available, particularly if your vessel is too large for the other marinas, but beware of the basic facilities.

Sailing east, it?s almost mandatory to stop at Gove (or Nhulunbuy). The Gove Yacht Club (www.goveyacht.org.au) is positioned on an idyllic, almost landlocked harbour. Well almost idyllic if you ignore the massive bauxite loading facility dominating the northern shore. Accommodation for thousands of workers is in such short supply that scores live aboard vessels moored in the bay. This hardworking, thirsty population dominates the Yacht Club membership, ensuring that while it has yacht club status, it actually functions more along the lines of a workers bar. Careening piles on the beach are the only option for haul out. Fuel and water can be taken on by prior arrangement at the service jetty.

Gulf of Carpentaria Gove Harbour offers good holding for vessels waiting for the right conditions to make an eastward Gulf of Carpentaria crossing. Similarly, Weipa or Seisia, on the eastern side of the Gulf, offers a suitable anchorage if sitting out a blow before making a westerly passage. The anchorage at Weipa is tight, with room for just a dozen or so vessels out of the busy shipping channel. The town of Weipa is approx 5km along a mango tree shaded walkway. Woolworth?s supermarket provides all the longed-for luxuries (like chocolate!), often missing when cruising the northern wilderness. Also try the air-conditioned Albatross Hotel for great eye fillet steaks.

As with all remote coastal passaging, caution is required in these shoaling waters: emergency assistance is a long way away. The reward, however, is exhilarating sailing up the western side of Cape York Peninsula. With predominantly SE or E winds, it is possible to sail close inshore along the north-south running beach, with the offshore breeze providing classic, fast, flat-water reaching, making the anxiety seem a distant memory.

Situated just 25 miles SW of the tip of the Cape York Peninsula lies the little known community of Seisia. If Seisia was big enough to have a postcard industry, the most popular image would undoubtedly be of yachts anchored just metres from the white sand coconut-palm-lined beach. Reminiscent of far-flung Pacific Islands, Seisia is the kind of place where you could happily while away days in a hammock, lulled into oblivion by the swishing of palm fronds. Nothing much happens here and that is exactly its attraction. Cruising sailors not lulled into tro Interestingly, this remote community is also accessible by those who don?t wish to captain their own vessel. The cargo vessel MV Trinity Bay voyages each week between Cairns, Thursday Island, Seisia and return, taking just 48 passengers. Gazing out to sea from the solid deck of this 80m freighter may just be the safest way for less adventurous sailors to experience Cape York. Perhaps it?s cheating, but it would sure take away the anxiety factor inherent in remote northern sailing.

Information Northern Territory Coast ? A Cruising Guide by John Knight Cruising the Coral Coast – Alan Lucas

Darwin Sailing Club, (www.dwnsail.com.au) Dinah Beach Yacht Club (www.dinahbeachcya.com.au) Cullen Bay Marina (www.cullenbaymarina.com.au) Tipperary Waters Marina (Lockmaster 0407 075 077) Bayview Waters Marina (www.bayviewmarina.com.au) Port of Darwin Mooring Basin (Ph 08 8999 3971) The Gove Yacht Club (www.goveyacht.org.au)

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4 day Galapagos central islands liveaboard trip Darwin Yacht

After arriving at BALTRA Airport, travelers go through an inspection point to prevent the introduction of foreign plants and animals to the islands. They also pay the $100 park entrance fee. A guide will then assist in picking up luggage and taking a taxi ride to the port of Puerto Ayora, where the Yacht Darwin will be waiting to set sail with the captain and crew welcoming you aboard.

Twin Craters

Twin Craters, also known as The Pit Craters, were not formed by volcanic action but rather by the sinking or collapse of surface materials into cracks or manholes. A circular path was opened around the largest crater in 1989, which passes through the Scalesia forest, an excellent place to observe land birds such as the woodpecker finch and vermillion flycatcher. The vermillion flycatcher is the most prominent terrestrial bird on most of the islands, and they arrive in large numbers at The Pit Craters during nesting season from January to April. The Galapagos Guava or guayabillo tree also draws attention with its clean and smooth bark and branches covered in epiphytes and brown liverworts. Guided walks and group tours with a naturalist guide are allowed at this site.

Port Egas is a visitor site located on the west side of James Bay and northwest of Santiago Island, known for its black sand beach formed by volcanic tuff deposits from Sugarloaf Volcano to the south. The Crater, situated to the north, contains a saltwater lagoon which turns into a salt mine in the summer dry season.

Espumilla Beach

Located on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay, the Espumilla visitor site features a palo santo forest, beach, and landscape as its main attractions. The beach is significant for nesting marine turtles, specifically Chelonia midas agassizi.

Does not include

WELCOME TO THE DARWIN TRAILER BOAT CLUB

2019 – 2023 winner – best small club, (at the hospitality nt awards for excellence) .

The Darwin Trailer Boat Club is Darwin’s oldest seaside Club. From its humble origins in 1958, trading from a modified caravan, the Club has grown to become a Darwin institution. Over the past sixty years the Club has forged strong links with the boating and fishing community. We host Darwin’s premier family fishing event, the Coopers Blue Water Classic and several community events.

The Club’s westerly aspect is ideal for witnessing Darwin’s famed tropical sunsets. Take a seat under the palms, order a cold ale and enjoy a truly amazing spectacle as the sun sinks into the horizon. Meanwhile the kids can swim in the pool, play in the shaded playground area or watch a video on the big screen. Families won’t be disappointment as they’ll find one of the best located kid friendly venues in the Top End.

WHAT’S ON

From the annual Coopers Blue Water Classic Fishing Competition to the Sandbar Cricket Match with Variety, the Children’s Charity, the Kids’ Movie Nights during the School Holidays or the Trivia Nights we are always organising exciting events for our Members and the public.

BAR & BISTRO

Open daily for lunch and dinner our Bar and Bistro are the perfect place for those looking for good quality meals, offering a modern menu filled with a variety of locally sourced seafood dishes and refreshing drinks. We also offer a range of daily-changing specials.

The Darwin Trailer Boat Club is a spectacular venue for all your functions and events. It is hard to rival our generous spaces and uninterrupted water views. We are able to cater for all events, from small business meetings to large birthday parties or lavish weddings.

BOAT RAMP LIVE CAMERA

Take a look at our live webcam for real-time views of the tide and weather at our Vestey’s Beach boat ramp.

For more detailed weather information and condition reports, please check the Darwin Coast Guard website.

TIDE INFORMATION 

Please click here to find tide information

• Book Club Trivia Night Thursday 21st Mar 6:30 pm
• Yoga By The Bay Saturday 23rd Mar 8:30 am
• National Reconciliation Week Trivia Night Friday 29th Mar 6:30 pm
• Yoga By The Bay Saturday 30th Mar 8:30 am

Preferred Supplier

Parti event hire and styling

T (08) 8981 6749 F (08) 8981 2745 [email protected]

8 Atkins Drive, Fannie Bay PO BOX 830 PARAP 0804

Open 7 days Bistro 12pm – 8pm Bar     10am – 10pm

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Cantiere delle Marche delivers 35m flagship Darwin 115 explorer

Cantiere delle Marche has delivered the 35 metre Darwin 115 flagship explorer after the yacht hit the water for the first time in August 2021. 

Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the yacht features an exterior and naval architecture by Sergio Cutolo and Hydro Tec , while the interior was penned by Nauta Design .

Initially intended to be 34 metres long, the Darwin 115 was extended to incorporate the owner’s desire for an enclosed swim platform. The new owner plans to use the yacht for “long distance cruising to reach remote areas of the globe,” the shipyard said.

Key design features include the lower deck’s folding swimming platform which functions as a sea-level terrace, while floor to ceiling windows are found in the owner’s suite and galley on the main deck.

Elsewhere the upper deck holds a crane and two large tenders, alongside a large gym. A 100 square metre sun deck is meanwhile kitted out with sun beds, a dining area for 12 and a BBQ.

The Darwin 115 offers accommodation for a total of eight guests, consisting of an owner’s apartment on the main deck, and a VIP suite alongside two large twin cabins with Pullman berths on the lower deck.

Power comes from twin Caterpillar C18 engines which provide a top speed of 13 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

“We are glad the owner entrusted us to build his Darwin and proud of the confidence he placed in our team,” said Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder of sales and marketing director at Cantiere delle Marche.

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The Darwin Sailing Club

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