Destination moorings

The destination moorings across Port Phillip and Western Port are approaching the end of their life. For your safety, Parks Victoria will be “tagging out” 18 of the 24 destination moorings and will no longer be available for use.

Parks Victoria continue to offer six destination moorings for public use as a short-term destination for recreational boating enthusiasts visiting areas of Port Phillip.

Accessing a destination mooring

There are a total of 6 destination moorings in two locations of Port Phillip: Portarlington Harbour (four moorings) and Mud Island in Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park (two moorings). These destination moorings are for use by recreational boaters for short-term (overnight) lengths of stay.

Destination moorings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are not available for booking. Parks Victoria cannot ensure exclusive use during your stay if you move your vessel from the mooring. When arriving at your chosen location, you should observe information identified.

Once moored, use the QR code located on the mooring or call Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 to inform us of your vessel and contact details.

Mud Island moorings

Mud Island moorings are shallow, and only suitable for non-keeled vessels with a draft up to 0.5 metres.

Mud Island Destination Moorings are for daylight use only.

Environmentally-friendly moorings

All destination moorings offered by Parks Victoria are designed to be environmentally-friendly. Conventional swing moorings can lead to damage of the marine environment, when the chain drags along the seabed as the vessel moves about with wind and tidal influences. This destroys marine life and vegetation underneath.

The design of environmentally-friendly swing moorings keeps components of the mooring off the seabed. By using a screw pin embedded in the seabed, a rotating swivel connection is attached to the anchor, with a floating rope leading to the top float buoy.

For locations and more information refer to the Destination Moorings fact sheet (PDF).