Little Ship Club

About Little Ship Club

Little Ship Club occupies a wonderfully direct waterfront position at One Mile, Dunwich, on North Stradbroke Island. Its pontoons let visiting crews step ashore into a genuine boating club, with meals, drinks and wide Moreton Bay views close at hand. We think the appeal is as much social as practical: this is a place to tie up, meet people and enjoy island time, rather than a conventional marina designed for anonymous long-term storage.

The club's current procedure describes a 60-metre main pontoon and a 40-metre side pontoon. Casual and overnight pontoon berthing can be requested through the club's booking form, while four swing moorings are reserved for full members. Overnight bookings are generally limited to two nights, require current vessel insurance and must be secured in advance. The side pontoon is shallow at low tide, so allocation and vessel suitability need careful confirmation.

Limited water and shore power are available under strict rules: water must be used sparingly, boat washing is prohibited, and electrical leads must be tested and tagged. The club asks users to contribute toward utility costs, and power is not for air-conditioning. A gated pontoon and optional access card support overnight stays, while the waterfront bistro and bar make the stop feel welcoming. What stands out to us is how clearly the facility remains focused on club use.

Space is shared efficiently, so staff may direct boats to reposition, overhang the pontoon or relocate during adverse weather. Arrivals normally need to be completed by the stated afternoon cut-off and departures by 10am, unless another arrangement is approved. Major repairs are not permitted, and this should not be treated as a fuel dock, service yard or unrestricted marina. Current fees, dining times, rubbish access and amenity arrangements should all be checked when booking.

Our take is that Little Ship Club is ideal for Moreton Bay cruisers who want a short island stay with character, food and a strong boating-community atmosphere. It rewards crews who book early, carry the right paperwork and are happy to fit into a cooperative pontoon system. Confirm depth, wind exposure and the assigned position before arrival, keep the phone on in case staff need contact, and retain an alternative anchorage plan. With that preparation, Dunwich becomes a memorable and convivial stop.

Services

Little Ship Club offers bookable casual and overnight berthing on its 60-metre main pontoon and 40-metre side pontoon. Overnight stays are generally capped at two nights, with departure by 10am. Visitors must supply vessel details, a credit card and current insurance; advance booking is essential. The side pontoon is shallow at low tide, and staff determine placement according to vessel size and available space.

Water and electricity are available on a limited basis. Water must be conserved and cannot be used for washing boats. Shore-power leads must be tested and tagged, and power cannot run air-conditioning. Users are invited to contribute toward utility costs. The gated pontoon can be paired with an amenities access card under the club's current deposit and access rules.

The club provides a waterfront bistro, bar and social facilities, with controlled rubbish disposal for overnight users. Four swing moorings accommodate specified vessel lengths but are for full members only. Major repairs are prohibited, and fuel, pump-out, lifting and marine trades are not advertised on site. Report arrival and departure, follow staff directions on positioning, and be ready to move if weather or an authorised event requires it. Confirm current prices and procedures before sailing.

Ideal for

Moreton Bay cruisers seeking a sociable, pre-booked one- or two-night island stop with dining and genuine yacht-club character.

What we love

• A superb waterfront position at Dunwich
• Bookable visitor access to the main pontoon
• Dining and drinks just steps ashore
• A warm, community-minded boating atmosphere
• Limited water and power for overnight guests

To keep in mind

This is a club pontoon, not an unrestricted marina. Book in advance, supply insurance and a compliant shore-power lead, and follow arrival, departure and positioning directions. The side pontoon is shallow at low tide, utilities are deliberately limited and staff may require relocation in adverse weather.