Berths & moorings in the Gold Coast

Finding a berth on the Gold Coast

BerthFinder lists 18 marinas and berth providers on the Gold Coast, from Southport and Main Beach up the Broadwater to Runaway Bay, Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove and the Coomera River. Ask early if you want a marina berth for the summer season.

Marina berth or buoy mooring?

A marina berth (or pen) gives you walk-on access, and you arrange it with the marina; if you need power and water, say so when you ask, and each marina will confirm. A buoy mooring needs an approval from the Gold Coast Waterways Authority. They look at the water depth, the seabed, your boat's length, beam and draft, and how close the spot is to other boats, channels and jetties. They generally consider boats from 6 to 15 metres (about 20 to 49 feet) suitable, and there is a waiting list, so ring GCWA on 07 5539 7350 to ask.

Can I just anchor?

Not for long. On the Broadwater from Rat Island to Biggera Waters, GCWA allows a boat to stay at anchor for up to 7 days in a row in any 60 days in one spot; after that it must move at least one nautical mile or leave the area for 24 hours. In the rivers, creeks and canals the limit is generally 24 hours in any 30 days. The rules change from place to place, so check GCWA's anchoring map before you anchor.

What a marina will ask you

Length overall, beam, draft and the dates you need, in metres or feet. A marina can't say yes or no without all four, so have them ready before you ask. If you have a catamaran, give the beam first: it decides which pens can take you.

How to get a quote

Tell us your boat's length, beam and draft, where you'd like to be, and when. We send your request to the marinas that fit, and we pass their answers on to you. It's free for boat owners.