Careel Bay Marina

About Careel Bay Marina

Careel Bay Marina combines one of Pittwater’s original working boatsheds with a notably complete modern repair operation. Located at Avalon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, it manages a sheltered mooring field and provides the trades, slipping and day-to-day supplies that keep owners boating. We think the maritime character is a genuine asset: the place feels grounded in Pittwater history while offering the breadth of service expected by contemporary yacht and motorboat owners.

The marina manages 96 swing moorings, offered on casual or longer-term arrangements subject to availability. A seven-day tender service connects customers with their boats, supported by secure parking, courtesy dinghies for approved after-hours access, showers and bathrooms. The published service operates to a timetable and closes on Christmas Day, so owners should plan arrivals rather than assuming continuous transfers. Living aboard on the moorings is expressly prohibited under the operator’s terms.

The three-cradle incline slipway handles vessels from small runabouts to cruisers, yachts and catamarans. Published limits extend to 60 feet, with catamarans up to 21.5 feet of beam. Shipwrights, electricians, marine mechanics, painters, cover makers and detailers work onsite, while the yard supports antifouling, through-hull attention and out-of-water survey slips. Timber bearers make the cradles particularly considerate for classic timber boats.

Fuel, water, oil, ice and bait simplify the start of a day on Pittwater. From Careel Bay, owners can explore sheltered coves, beaches, Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury approaches, or head offshore in suitable conditions. Avalon adds Northern Beaches cafes and supplies ashore. What stands out to us is the seamless connection between mooring-field life, skilled maintenance and one of Sydney’s most enjoyable cruising grounds.

Our take is that Careel Bay Marina is an excellent owner’s base rather than a conventional pontoon marina. It suits people comfortable with tender transfers who value a protected mooring and reliable yard team. Confirm mooring availability, tender timing and vessel suitability before arrival, particularly for multihulls or boats over 50 feet. With those details aligned, the marina offers depth of service and real local personality. The working-boatshed setting also gives each maintenance visit a welcome sense of continuity, confidence and trust.

Services

Careel Bay Marina manages 96 swing moorings with casual, medium-term and permanent arrangements subject to availability. Mooring customers receive a scheduled tender service seven days a week except Christmas Day, secure parking access, shower and bathroom facilities, maintained moorings and courtesy dinghies for approved after-hours use. The tender follows set weekday and weekend times; confirm the current timetable before arrival.

Three incline slipway cradles handle runabouts, cruisers, yachts and catamarans up to published limits of 60 feet and 21.5 feet of beam. Services include antifouling, underwater work, through-hull inspection, survey slipping, shipwright work, mechanical and electrical repairs, painting, covers and detailing. Request a written quote covering slip, labour, materials, lay time, environmental charges and relaunch.

Fuel, water, oil, ice and bait are available for customers. Mooring applicants need vessel details, registration, current photographs and insurance, and the marina prohibits living aboard. Outside trades require prior permission and evidence of insurance. Larger vessels and catamarans are subject to availability and special pricing, so discuss beam, draft, tonnage, tender handling and seasonal surcharges directly before making passage plans.

Ideal for

Pittwater yacht and motorboat owners who prefer a protected swing mooring with full tender support, plus classic, timber and multihull owners seeking an experienced slipway and broad repair trades onsite.

What we love

• Ninety-six professionally managed moorings in sheltered Careel Bay.
• Seven-day tender service and courtesy dinghies for owner access.
• Three incline slipways handling vessels up to 60 feet.
• Shipwright, mechanical, electrical, painting and detailing expertise onsite.
• Fuel, water, ice and bait ready for Pittwater days afloat.

To keep in mind

This is primarily a mooring field, so work around the tender timetable and confirm after-hours arrangements. Living aboard is prohibited. Larger vessels and catamarans need specific approval, while outside trades may work only with marina permission and suitable insurance.