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We don't know who said that (apart from us just then) but it couldn't be more accurate than when it comes to boating. There's nothing better than getting out on the water, and despite Melbourne's fickle weather, it provides many days all year round where the Bay is simply a magical place to be.
We feel sorry for those poor bastards (you know who you are) that buy a boat, and then for whatever reason, virtually never use it. You only live once.
So we encourage you to piss off and go away - or even better, get lost.
There are plenty of fantastic places to cruise to on Port Phillip Bay. Whether you only have a couple of hours to get out onto the water,
a whole day, or even have time for an over-nighter or longer, there are hundreds of cafes, bars, restaurants and other very cool places all within easy reach of your boat.
The following links provide specific information on the ever growing number of water accessible destinations available to Melbourne boaties.
Over the last few years Docklands has blossomed into a sophisticated water-focused city precinct within minutes of Melbourne's CBD. What was once abandoned and ignored wasteland is now a multi-billion dollar retail, entertainment and accommodation urban wonderland completely accessible by boat and offering dozens of great new places to eat, drink and shop.
Or you can just kick back and just watch the world go by from the best vantage point of all - your boat! Berthing facilities are now world class and visiting by boat is welcomed - and has bever been easier. With four separate marinas to choose from you'll never run out of options. One advantage of Yarra River locations is that they are far more protected from unfriendly winds and seas than Bay locations. Another advantage of Docklands is that it's close.
Docklands - General Info:
http://www.docklands.com/docklands/index.html
Docklands - Marina Info:
http://www.docklands.com/docklands/bluepark/marinas/index.shtml
http://www.savageswharf.com.au/
http://www.anchoragewilliamstown.com.au/home
http://www.anchorage.com.au/1.html
Beacon Cove is a cool location to tie up, watch and be watched! There are 3 pretty good restaurants around the dock as well as a great little supermarket and cafe at the Beacon Cove Food Store. There's also a funky little cafe that caters to humans and also canines!
http://www.mydog.com.au/features/cafe/
Sandringham Yacht Club is Port Phillip Bay's premier yacht club and has been in operation for over 100 years. SYC is a great place to visit and has virtually everything a boatie needs, including visitor berths that are free for the first 24 hours! Sandie also has the cheapest fuel on the bay, so cruise up for a fuel stop and enjoy a great lunch at the Breakwater Bar & Grill.
http://www.syc.com.au/facilities
If you have a day or so to escape out onto the Bay there are many great destinations to cruise to that are far enough away to feel like you've actually gone somewhere, but not so far as to be a pain in the arse or to make you feel you've embarked on a major expedition.
If you haven't visited Victoria's second largest city by boat lately, you should. The Waterfront precinct down there is fantastic and the facilities available to boating visitors has never been better. There heaps of casual bars and cafes, and a few really good restaurants all within a 5-10 minute walk of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club. There's also a quite a few good hotels nearby, so if you feel the need for a little TLC, that's another option.
As for the club itself, we can tell you from our own personal experience that the crew at RGYC are nothing short of sensational, and they love what they do. Facilities are warm and friendly and visitors are really made to feel welcome. Geelong still retains that laid back country feel but these days mixes it with the best that any modern Australian city has to offer.
Royal Geelong Yacht Club:
http://www.rgyc.com.au/about/marina_facilities.asp
Sheraton Four Points Hotel:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1302
Portarlington is a very cute and sleepy little town that we love to visit as often as we can. There's a good little pub and some nice cafes to eat at - and a few ecclectic shops to visit. Public berthing is limited, but a new marina development has been given the green light and we're sure that Port Bellarine Marina will be a great addition to Port Phillip Bay.
http://www.portarlingtontourism.com.au/
http://www.bys-aus.com/contact/index.htm
Martha Cove is the latest marina to open on Port Phillip Bay and though the development is still a year or so away from completion, the marina infrastructure is in place, up and running and very impressive.
http://www.marthacove.com.au/about-martha-cove/index.html
Mornington is a nice modern town with a great Main Street. Awesom fish and chips, funky cafes and a few great restaurants are within a 5 minute walk of the jetty. Be very careful of the slipway tracks when you approach the pier. (Believe us, we know...)
http://www.morningtonyc.yachting.org.au/
Tieing up at the Portsea Pier and lunch at the Portsea Pub is a Melbourne boating institution. Fantastic in Summer.
http://www.virtualsorrento.com.au/library-java/library/portsea_pier.htm
St Kilda Marina Club members also have access to our Club Tender. This increases your options and eliminates any requirement to actually tie up or berth. There are dozens of great little coves and bays all around Port Phillip Bay and our tender allows you to throw the pick over the side virtually anywhere you like, and still have access to dry land or the beach.
For more information or to book our tender click here.
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