Darwin : Profile

Location

A young, fast growing city, largly rebuilt in the last 50 years. It sits on the eastern side of the large, 20 mile long inlet, known as Darwin Harbour, and which is fed by several rivers. It is Australia's most northerly city and is a facinating mix of culture.

Position 12°28'S, 130° 50'E.

Clearance

If arriving from abroad, see Australia/Clearance for details.

On approach, contact either a coastal radio station on 2182 kHz or the Darwin Port Authority on VHF channel 16. There are relay stations around all of Australia's coasts, making it possible to use VHF radio over much longer distances than normal. The operator should be given the name of the yacht, number of crew and ETA Darwin, and be asked to advise Quarantine and, if necessary, Customs.

Prior to inspection, boats anchor in the quarantine area situated northwest of the commercial harbour. There are various docks where one may be directed for clearance, but because of the large tidal range and strong currents, small boats find it easiest to come alongside the Fishermen's Wharf and therefore this should be requested by radio.

Clearance is also possible at Cullen Bay Marina, but this must be agreed with Darwin port control before proceeding there.

All yachts, Australian and others, may have to be inspected to prevent the spread of several marine pests (various species of mussel). If a boat has not recently been hauled out/antifouled in Australia (and has the paperwork to prove it) it will have to have the hull inspected.

For more information, see http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Fisheries/index.cfm?header=Vessel%20Inspections

Because of the strict quarantine regulations, in the past cruising boats have had all their fresh produce, especially meat, confiscated and destroyed. The attitude seems more relaxed in Darwin where boats intending to spend a short time in Australia have succeeded in having their freezers sealed or have all tinned meat products sealed in a locker.

Last updated November 2009.

Customs
Customs House, 21 Lindsay Street, Darwin NT 0800
Tel:08 8980 6532/08 8946 9999, Fax:08 8980 6530, VHF Channel 16
www.customs.gov.au
Overseas yachts in possession of valid cruising permit or who have cleared into Thursday Island are free to either anchor or proceed to their marina berth, subject to conditions. After arrival, cruising permit must be taken to Customs House. Customs, Immigration and AQIS will visit the vessel. Food products bought in Australia are re-examined upon entry and proof of origins required.

Darwin Port Authority
Darwin Business Park , Berrimah, Northern Territory , GPO Box 390 Darwin 0828 WA
Tel:(+61) 8 89 22 06 60, Fax:(+61) 8 89 22 06 66, VHF Channel 16
darwinport.dpa@nt.gov.au
Call Port Authority for clearance instructions.

Harbour Master
Tel:+61 08 8999 3994

NT Fisheries Group
Aquatic Pest Management
Tel:0413 381 094 (Mob.)
aquaticpests@nt.gov.au.
The NT government will cover the costs associated with hull inspections and the cost of treating the internal seawater systems of the vessel. If you have any queries regarding the procedures in place, please contact NT Fisheries Group.This will delay entry by +14 hrs.

Quarantine Anchorage
Berrimah Agricultural Farm, Makagon Rd, Darwin NT 0800
Tel:+61 8 8999 2054/08 8999 2109/after hours 0406 678 675, Fax:+61 8 8999 2108 , VHF Channel 16
Quarantine Buoy 12° 28.5'S,130°49.95'E.
(may shelter in Doctor's Gully if adverse sea conditions)

Docking

Once clearance formalities have been completed, yachts can anchor or enter a marina.

There are several options for berthing; both marinas and anchorages. The marinas have lock access as tides can range upto 8m in this area.

Anchorages
Fannie Bay, off the Darwin Sailing Club, which offers temporary membership.

Frances Bay, off the Dinah Beach Cruising Association. This club welcomes visiting yachtsmen. There is a dinghy landing and a short-stay pontoon.

Yachts can also anchor off Stokes Hill Wharf dinghying to the pontoon on the wharf. Close to the new wave pool and all amenities.

Last updated March 2010.

Bayview Waters Marina
Bayview Boulevard, P.O. Box 801, Parap, Darwin, NT 0804
Tel:+61 (0)418 910 888 (lock) / +61 (0)8 8941 4333, Fax:+61 8 8941 9201, VHF Channel 68
lockmaster@bayviewmarina.com.au
Position 12 26 548°S,130 51 563° E. Access is via a lock (open 0600 to 1800 local time). Maximum depth 2.5m. All facilities. No fuel berth. Quarantine certificate required before enrty.

Cullen Bay Marina
GPO Box 143, Darwin NT 0801
Tel:+61 (0)419 421 363 (lock & berthing), VHF Channel 11 "Cullen Bay Lock"
cullen_bay@bigpond.com
Waiting pontoon outside the lock. Good facilities and range of repair services, pump-out station, laundry, chandlery, bars and restaurants. 3rd party insurance and quarantine clearance documents are required prior to entry. One-off fee for use of lock during your stay. Maximum stay for visitors is 30 days.

Harbour Master [see above]

Mooring Basin (Duck Pond)
Frances Bay
Tel:08 8999 3971 or 0401 117 062 (lockmaster), VHF Channel 68, 11
This primarily a facility for the fishing fleet. Water, electricty, fuel berth, crane, pump-out, showers.

Tipperary Waters Marina
86 Frances Bay Drive, Darwin, NT 0820, GPO Box 4764, Darwin, NT 0801
Tel:+61 (0)8 8942 2231, VHF Channel 08 "Tipperary Lockmaster"
, tipperarywatersmarina@bigpond.com
Access via a lock. Lockmaster, Tel. 0407 075 077(24hrs). All facilities, launderette, bar/restaurants, supermarket. The marina can be used as a mailing address.
Quarantine clearance and third party insurance is required before entry.

Yacht Clubs

Darwin Sailing Club
Fannie Bay, P.O. Box 117 Prap, Darwin, NT 0804
Tel:61 8 811700, Fax:61 8 410580
dwnsail@octa4.net.au
Visiting sailors may become temporary members for a small fee. The club has comprehensive facilities, washing machines and dryers, and a very good restaurant serving lunches and dinners. The club can supply duty- free liquor for departing yachts and also handles bonded stores. Visitors may also use the club as a mailing address: GPO Box 789, Darwin, N.T. 5794.

Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association
Frances Bay Drive
Tel:8981 7816, Fax:8981 1386
http://www.dinahbeachcya.com.au/, cruising@dinahbeachcya.com.au
Situated close to the Mooring Basin and Sadgroves Quay, overlooking Sadgroves Creek. Dinghy dock, club restaurant, toilets, showers, laundry. Power and water on a short-stay pontoon (dries). This informal club is very welcoming to visiting sailors.

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