South Haven Marina

About South Haven Marina

South Haven Marina sits at Kettering on Little Oyster Cove, one of southern Tasmania's natural gathering places for yachts and working boats. Wooded hills frame the bay, while the D'Entrecasteaux Channel begins almost outside the cove. We think the setting explains why owners have long been drawn here: it offers a sheltered-feeling local base with Bruny Island and some of the state's most rewarding cruising water close beyond the marina entrance.

Current public information about the operation is limited. Kettering community material identifies South Haven as a marina for 50 vessels, but that page was last updated in 2022 and should be treated as historical context rather than a live capacity statement. An Australian Wooden Boat Festival interview also places privately kept vessels here, confirming the marina's established role in the local boating community. No current operator website, email address or public booking system could be verified.

That means prospective users should approach South Haven as an enquiry lead, not a guaranteed visitor berth. Power, potable water, toilets, showers, laundry, security, parking and liveaboard terms are not confirmed in current operator information. What stands out to us is the marina's intimate place within Kettering's broader maritime landscape, but the character of a small private facility also means arrangements may depend on direct local contact rather than the standard online process found at a larger commercial marina.

Nearby Oyster Cove Marina and other Kettering businesses provide boatyard, chandlery, fuel and technical support, yet they are separate operations and must not be presented as South Haven amenities. Book each service with its actual provider and confirm whether moving the vessel is required. The Bruny Island ferry terminal also makes Little Oyster Cove an active waterway, so arriving crews should allow for ferry movements, local moorings and the operating patterns of fishing and recreational boats.

Our take is that South Haven may appeal most to locally connected owners and traditional-boat enthusiasts seeking a quieter Kettering base. Before travelling, establish the current operator, confirm that the marina is accepting vessels and obtain written details for berth dimensions, depth, access, insurance, utilities and price. If those questions cannot be answered, use an established nearby facility instead. With confirmed permission and realistic expectations, the marina's position remains an enviable doorway to the Channel's islands, coves and sheltered passages.

Services

South Haven Marina is historically documented as a small private marina on Little Oyster Cove. A Kettering community page last updated in 2022 states that it accommodates 50 vessels, but no current operator source reconfirms that capacity, visitor availability or a booking process. Obtain direct permission and a written berth allocation before travelling; an apparently vacant position is not an invitation to enter.

Power, potable water, toilets, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, parking, security and liveaboard conditions are not currently verified. Ask for berth dimensions, depth, access method, insurance requirements, rates, payment terms and emergency contacts. The available directory telephone number should be treated as an enquiry route only until the operator confirms that it is current.

Fuel, pump-out, slipping, haul-out, chandlery and repair services around Kettering belong to separate businesses, including facilities across the cove. Book them independently and confirm whether the boat must be moved. Review Channel weather, ferry traffic and local navigation before arrival. If current marina operation cannot be verified, arrange an alternative berth or mooring rather than relying on historical information.

Ideal for

Locally connected owners and traditional-boat enthusiasts who can confirm a private berth directly and want close access to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

What we love

• A beautiful Little Oyster Cove setting
• Immediate access to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel
• Strong ties to Kettering's boating community
• A small-scale, owner-focused atmosphere
• Bruny Island cruising close at hand

To keep in mind

Current berth operation, capacity, contact details and amenities are not verified by an active operator source. Treat this as an enquiry lead only, distinguish nearby businesses from South Haven, and secure written permission and service details before travelling.