Mooloolaba a welcome stopover for boaties heading north this winter

by Tracey Johnstone on 27 Jul 2011 It’s that time of year when many yachts based in the Southern states make their annual trek north to the warmer climes of the Whitsundays. Mooloolaba Harbour is a traditional and welcome respite for the delivery crews offering a safe port, plentiful berthing choices, refueling facilities and a hearty welcome from Mooloolaba Yacht club members.

The entrance to the harbour is currently being dredged. Between 11 July and the end of August, Maritime Safety Queensland has advised the approximate location of the dredge is latitude 26° 40.75' S, longitude 153° 07.90' E.

Re-fuelling arrangements at Mooloolaba have changed with the fuel dock at The Wharf recently closing down. Skippers can now purchase their fuel from the old Brown’s slipway dock located on the starboard side of the harbour, just past the big yellow and green Mooloolah Fisheries building. Both unleaded and diesel is available. Payment is via credit card or cash only. The dock is open Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm and on Saturday 7am to 11am. It is closed on Sunday. Skippers are advised to contact the fuel dock manager on (07) 5444 1351 to book in before arrival at fuel dock. For more information on the dock location, go http://www.mooloolaba.yachting.org.au/?ID=53473.

Short stay berth bookings can be made at The Wharf Mooloolaba on phone (07) 5458 6272. This marina is in the town centre and close to Coles, chemists and the large number of coffee shops which are just a short minute or two walk from the marina. Boats can also book in at Mooloolaba Marina on (07) 5444 5653.

Once crews have settled their boat into a berth, a visit to the Mooloolaba Yacht Club office, located on the canal-side of The Wharf Tavern at The Wharf, is a must. There visitors can pick up the latest news on sailing around Mooloolaba and receive a guest card for The Wharf Tavern which offers 15 per cent discount on Bistro meals to visiting sailors presenting the Mooloolaba Yacht Club guest card.

Yacht club members meet every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon after sailing at The Wharf Tavern. Good stories, a few cool ales and the usual sailing banter is always enjoyed by the members and guests.

For more information on the Mooloolaba Yacht Club, go www.mooloolaba.yachting.org.au or call 0413 227013.