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                    Boating in the city

                    Small sailboats on the water at Docklands
                    Get out onto the water and enjoy Melbourne from another perspective. Here’s everything you need to know to help you and your boat have a smooth and enjoyable journey.

                    ​Boating on the Yarra

                    For more information on boating on the Yarra, including where you can go and safety advice, please read the Port Phillip Recreational Boating Guide provided by Parks Victoria.

                    Under the new Victorian Government restrictions, boating is now permitted. Overnight visitors are welcome back to our marinas.

                    Find out more

                    Clean Marina Program

                    All Docklands marinas meet the requirements of the Marina Industries Association of Australia’s Clean Marina Program.

                    Docklands is a No Discharge Zone. The use of vessel toilets, sinks and showers that discharge through the hull is prohibited and the discharge of polluted effluent from manual and automatic bilge pumps is prohibited. This applies even if the water has been treated.

                    See the map for the locations of pump out facilities (PDF 309 KB).

                    Navigating through the Port of Melbourne

                    Although getting to Docklands means navigation through the Port of Melbourne, as long as you stay well clear of shipping, this can be a pleasant experience. 

                    More information on steering clear can be found at Victorian Ports.

                    West Gate Bridge clearance

                    Vessels intending to pass under West Gate Bridge must declare an air draught.

                    Vessels with an air draught of less than 50.1 m can normally transit under the bridge at any state of tide up to highest astronomical tide (HAT is 1.04 m above Chart Datum).

                    Vessel exceeding this air draught must contact the CityLink Operations Room (Tel: 03 9674 2001).

                    Bolte Bridge clearance

                    Vessels with an air draught of less than 24.36 m can normally transit under the Bolte Bridge at any state of tide up to highest astronomical tide (HAT is 1.04 m above Chart Datum).

                    In the case of a vessel exceeding this air draught, the master of the vessel must contact the CityLink Operations Room (Tel: 03 9674 2001). 

                    Boat licences 

                    Any person who operates a powered vessel in Victoria must have a marine licence regardless of engine size and whether it is intended to be used or not.

                    The Marine Safety Act makes it an offence to use a recreational vessel or personal watercraft without a boating licence.

                    To get a recreational boat licence in Victoria, you will need to attend a course or book a test with an accredited training provider. See Transport Safety Victoria for more information.

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