Great Sandy Strait Marina QLD?

[BlueSun]

We're seeking opinions of the Great Sandy Strait marina in Hervey Bay QLD, particularly in heavy weather. Alan Lucas describes it as being uncomfortable in strong onshore conditions, and we'd like to know if this is still accurate, and just how bad it gets.

Thanks for your advice!

[Factor]

Depends where you are, out on the ends when the swell can come straight at you it can be a little rolly for a mono. But further in its better. Also - note that there are three separate marinas in the Urangan boat harbour, the GSS marina and the Hervey Bay Boat Club being the usual two with casual berths. I was at the HBBC last week. Either is fine but I prefer the boat club.

Its a great location, there is a good walking path to the main drag, and a bus service to and from the shops to the boat harbour.

[dirkdig]

More of a wake from all the whale watching boats ripping in and out all day.
We spent a fair bit of time here and found it to be fine.
Good lunch special at the boat club too.

[BlueSun]

Thanks guys, that's very helpful. We have a work opportunity in the area and are looking for a place to stop for at least a few months, so comfort factor is important.

Cheers!

[Teeto]

Skip the Fisherman's marina. We went last year. It had just changed hands. New management had made it very expensive and facilities were awful.

[BlueSun]

Thanks Teeto. We are actually in Hervey Bay today checking out the facilities. Visited the GSSM today and the facilities seemed ok. The HB Boat Club has no room at the inn, unfortunately. Will be checking out the Fishermans Marina tomorrow, but we've also heard from a local that the facilities can be a mess because the commercial guys use it. We'll report back!

[BlueSun]

Update: we checked out the Fishermans Wharf today. The marina looks good, the facilities are a bit below par but were clean. They had no room though (although maybe in a few weeks) so we've booked in to the GSSM. Thanks for your help guys!
PS re my original comment, we were at the harbour at both high and low tide and there was no surge. Dont know how it is in storm conditions, but marina's are rarely comfortable in those conditions,right?
PPS Any CF-ers in the area - look us up! We'll be there for the summer at least.

[44'cruisingcat]

It was a bit of a problem in strong north westerlies, some swell sneaked in. They extended the rock wall which improved it. Worst thing with the SS marina is the car parking. Have to share it with all the whale watchers, and can be packed in the season.

Of the 3 marinas there I'd pick the boat clb, if there's room.

[BlueSun]

Just a quick update on this now that we have been living in the GSS marina for a few weeks. As 44'cruisingcat says in north westerlies a bit of surge sneaks in to the harbour, but it doesnt worry us, being steel. All other conditions seem fine.

Re parking, Im not sure if this is a recent thing, but there is now a gated section of the carpark reserved for marina residents, so parking is not a problem so far.

Hervey Bay is a really nice town - the esplanade is very pretty and there are all the shops and facilities you could want. We have bought a cheap car so getting around isnt an issue for us, but there is also a bus service and some very helpful taxi drivers in the area.