CAptain’s Mate of the Month - Shell Harbour, Australia

  • Updated by Ann MacKellar
  • 30 Mar 2026
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CA Member Jon Spiller recently visited Shell Harbour on the south-east coast of Australia.

Situated around 50 nautical miles south of Sydney, Shell Harbour offers 270 berths, fuel, dry storage, vessel lifting and commercial marine services, with direct access to the Tasman Sea.

We share a few highlights from Jon’s visit, and members can read his full report on CAptain’s Mate web or the app.

Approach

Jon advises that the harbour has easy access via a deep-water approach, protected by a breakwater, making entry straightforward in most conditions. Its location means it is well positioned for coastal cruising.

Described as a full facility modern marina, it provides all-weather shelter with well-equipped pontoon berthing, including power and water for each pen.

Reflecting on his stay, Jon notes, "We had a great stay in Shell. The approach was easy, with 4-5m depth, and everything felt very accessible and well set up."

Comfort and marina services

While acknowledging that ‘$80 per night for a 13.5m boat was pretty steep’, this was balanced by the quality of the facilities.

"The amenities were more like a spa," Jon shares in his CAptain’s Mate report, "with 6 or 8 immaculate individual shower and toilet rooms. Furthermore, there were free laundry machines and a customer lounge with tea and coffee facilities. Reception was warm and welcoming."

Shell Harbour Marina is also well located for provisions and shoreside access.

"Within 5 minutes walk, there is a well stocked Woolworth's, BWS bottlo, ice-cream & coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and even a vet for our 'Daisy'! Uber took us to Bunnings hardware superstore in 10 mins."

Jon sums up the marina as, "a well-equipped, comfortable stop with excellent facilities - recommended."

Jon has now cruised south to Hobart, Tasmania, so do check in on CAptain’s Mate for more incoming reports from him.

Shell Harbour, Australia

About CAptain’s Mate

Available on iOS, Android and web, the exclusive to members app provides an unrivalled breadth of information and cruising reports covering 8,000+ locations in 100+ countries around the world. It features up to date, accurate and trusted location data on anchorages, marinas, ports, harbours, boatyards along with their facilities and amenities. CAptain’s Mate provides real-world experiences from the CA community to help members discover locations with confidence and explore cruising’s best-kept secrets.

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