Redevelopment Underway at Sydney’s Heritage Jones Bay Wharf Marina

In March 2023, we reported that Jones Bay Marina had received council approval for an upgrade to its facilities. The move would further enhance Sydney’s offering for superyachts, responding to an ever-increasing demand from visiting vessels.

Nairn Johnston, General Manager of Jones Bay Marina, took time to speak to Superyachts.com about Sydney’s strengths as a superyacht destination, as well as how his marina’s upgrades will provide a boost to the city’s berthing capacity.

Firstly, to introduce Jones Bay Wharf Marina, what makes your location in the heart of Sydney so special for visiting superyachts?

NJ: Jones Bay Marina is set on a heritage listed finger wharf located within walking distance of the Sydney CBD. The finger wharf was built in 1919 to support the shipping trade such as wool & grain exports. It was later used for deployment of troops during various wars and to welcome refugee ships.

After a substantial wharf upgrade, which took place from 1998 - 2004, a very robust floating marina was added onto the original structure and opened in 2005. The base infrastructure, which aided the early shipping industry is still helping us today. For example, things such as deep-water berths ie: 20m depth, high air draft (54m Sydney Harbour Bridge), ample access for vehicle access beside most berths and not out a long out a long maze of marina walk ways.

The one item which truly sets us apart and makes Jones Bay a standout for a visiting Superyacht is our location. We are set in a small but bustling peninsula suburb called Pyrmont, which is just a short walk from the Sydney CBD. Pyrmont has everything from fantastic parks and harbour-side walks to supermarkets, fine dining restaurant, gyms, laundry services, various pubs and gastro pubs and a world class casino. You can easily access all of this on foot whilst having your yacht safely moored alongside with a stunning back drop taking in the city skyline and the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

How has visitation from international superyachts been in Sydney and Australia in the last couple of years?

NJ: We have seen a marked increase for international visitation and most encouraging has been the increased length of stay. With the passing of the Special Recreational Vessel Act 2019 it has become much easier to take charters in Australian waters. In the past Superyachts would have only come here for an owners trip but we are now seeing them stick around to take charters. This is a game changer for Australia and has given owners the flexibility to experience a greater range of Australia’s remarkable waterways while offsetting some of the costs through charters. It seems the timing of this has also matched an apatite in the industry where owners, charterers, agents, crews and captains are looking for cruising itineraries that push the boundaries of the “normal” cruising grounds.. To go beyond the norm and truly explore. Australia provides all this with supporting suppliers and trades to match anywhere in the world. 

How important is it that the country’s infrastructure adapts to meet this increasing demand from visiting yachts?

NJ: This is true and it is extremely important. The industry as a whole needs to work together to educate not only government but the private sector & the communities where infrastructure could be added, updated or repurposed. The economic  benefits that the facilitation and growth of this industry can have is something which needs to be better understood. It’s not just superyachts and the super rich, it is  regional tourism, large, medium and small business, trades & suppliers, jobs, training and education. There are a whole array of impacts than can easily be traced from a Superyacht sitting on a marina or at anchor somewhere around this wonderful country to a family or mum & dad business working hard to provide the kind of experience or product the industry would appreciate. There are more opportunities for berthing and marina infrastructure around the country but it is critical for the growth of the industry that investment and development of these sites is facilitated and encouraged at a Government level and road blocks are identified and worked through. The number of new anchorages or appropriate superyacht berths does not come near to meeting demand. 

When is the redevelopment of Jones Bay Wharf due to break ground, and how will this enhance your capability to welcome superyachts?

NJ: We have already “broken ground”. Upgrades to the land side power supply and infrastructure is critically important to meet demand of more or larger vessels. Once complete we will see a range of berths having everything from 32 – 500amp power. 22 new berths will be added during our quiet winter period beginning in March 2024 and works to be complete August 2024. These berths range from 25 – 50 meters. We will also upgrade infrastructure to our linear berth which is the largest available berth where we can accommodate yachts up to 85m LOA. Lastly, we will be adding a custom designed floating marina managers office, meeting room, an amenities block and several on water storage units. The concept behind the storage units is so our long-term tenants can have all their toys and sundry items in a storage unit easily accessible directly astern of their boat.