Slip Bight Marina

About Slip Bight Marina

Slip Bight Marina occupies protected water on McMillan Strait between Paynesville and Raymond Island, placing berth holders at the centre of the Gippsland Lakes boating community. It is a council-managed, owner-focused marina rather than a transient resort, with the working waterfront and relaxed streets of Paynesville close by. We think that combination gives it a quietly confident character: secure everyday infrastructure, a superb inland waterway and genuine marine expertise all within the same small town.

East Gippsland Shire Council confirms 220 wet berths across five jetties, with berth sizes from 8 to 18 metres. Jetties have secured access, while power and water are shared on jetties 1 to 4 and individually serviced on jetty 5. Permits range from annual to longer multi-year terms, subject to availability and vessel suitability. Prospective holders must provide registration and evidence of at least $20 million public-liability cover, and the vessel must be seaworthy and capable of operating under its own power.

The shore side is notably practical. Paved foreshore parking, toilets and showers are provided, and berth holders have access to laundry and kitchen facilities. The Paynesville Motor Cruiser Club and its restaurant are onsite, while the town centre is about a five-minute walk away. What stands out to us is how easily a routine boat visit can become a comfortable day or weekend ashore without needing to drive between the berth, supplies and a meal.

Fuel, pump-out, slipping and marine trades are available around the wider Paynesville precinct, but they are not all services of Slip Bight Marina itself. Gippsland Ports slipping facilities are nearby, and local contractors can support maintenance when booked separately. Council rules prohibit permanent residence aboard and place clear expectations on mooring lines, electrical leads, structural alterations and safe vessel condition. Ask the marina team before arranging contractors or assuming casual access to an unoccupied berth.

Our take is that Slip Bight Marina best suits Gippsland Lakes owners wanting a secure long-term base with useful amenities and the town close at hand. McMillan Strait opens towards Lake King, Lake Victoria and the broader connected lake system, creating an unusually varied cruising ground in sheltered waters. Confirm berth availability, permit length, insurance and the service arrangement for the allocated jetty. With those essentials organised, the marina offers exactly what many regular boat owners value most: convenience, community and immediate access to a rewarding local waterway.

Services

Slip Bight Marina provides 220 wet berths across five secured jetties, with published sizes from 8 to 18 metres. Power and water are shared on jetties 1 to 4 and individually supplied on jetty 5. Council offers annual and longer permit terms subject to availability. Vessels must be registered, seaworthy and self-propelled, with evidence of at least $20 million public-liability insurance supplied annually.

Shore facilities include paved foreshore parking, toilets, showers and berth-holder laundry and kitchen areas. The Paynesville Motor Cruiser Club and restaurant are onsite, and the town centre is roughly a five-minute walk away. Access is controlled, so guests, contractors and prospective users should arrange entry rather than treating the jetties as public pontoons.

Fuel, sewage pump-out, slipping and specialist marine work are available within the wider Paynesville precinct but are not all operated by this marina. Book those services independently. Permanent residence aboard is not permitted, and council rules cover lines, electrical leads, berth limits and alterations. Confirm vessel fit, permit availability, service configuration and any contractor access before accepting a berth.

Ideal for

Gippsland Lakes boat owners seeking secure long-term wet berthing, power and water, comfortable berth-holder amenities and easy access to Paynesville.

What we love

• Two hundred and twenty protected wet berths
• Berth sizes ranging from 8 to 18 metres
• Secure jetty access with power and water
• Berth-holder showers, laundry and kitchen
• Paynesville town centre a short walk away

To keep in mind

This is primarily a permit-based owner marina rather than a walk-in visitor facility, and permanent residence aboard is prohibited. Fuel, pump-out and slipping are nearby but separate. Confirm availability, insurance, jetty services and contractor access with council.