Departing the marina smoothly—whether after a short transient stay or the end of a longer stay ensures you avoid any issues or headaches. Bundaberg Port Marina has specific administrative and physical procedures, including finalising payments, returning keys or access cards (often to a lockbox), and safely undocking your vessel. This guide covers the essential steps for a stress-free exit.

1. Plan Ahead and Confirm Departure Details

Contact the marina office at least 24–48 hours before your planned departure (or earlier for busy periods). Here are some key points on departing.

• Commonly, the marina checkout time is around 10am. Late departures can incur additional fees.
• Advise the marina team if you require assistance undocking.
• Check any tide, current, or wind considerations for your slip.
• Either return your card/fobs to the marina office or finger lockbox.

Note: Please left the marina office know your plans as early as possible, especially if you’re considering staying longer. In order to prepare the slip for future arrivals, communication with the friendly marina team is most welcoming.

2. Settle All Payments and Finalize Billing

Before leaving:

• Review your account for slip fees, utilities such as 3-phase power if applicable, pump-out charges, hardstand, dry storage or other marina services.
• Pay any balances in full. The marina accepts credit cards; some require payment at check-in for transients, but longer stays may have a final invoice.
• Request a receipt or confirmation of zero balance if you have already handed back your access cards or fob’s.
• If you’ve had a long-term stay, confirm any prorated charges or other associated and applicable costs are finalised.

Failing to settle accounts can result in holds on deposits or future booking issues.

3. Return Fob’s or Access Card’s

This is a critical step mentioned frequently in marina procedures:

• Place keys or key cards in the designated lockbox or return them to the marina office during business hours if desired.
• Once fob’s or access cards are returned, the charge will not be applied.
• Double-check that you’ve removed all personal items from assigned storage spaces and the dock.

4. Prepare Your Boat and Slip for Departure

Conduct a thorough walkthrough:

• Remove all personal belongings, trash, and gear from the dock. There are multiple dumping spots on-site.
• Clean the slip area—leave it tidy for the next boater.
• Disconnect and/or properly stow shore power cords, water hoses, and any marina-provided equipment.
• Check that fenders and lines are ready for undocking (but still secured until you’re set to leave).
• Perform a pre-departure boat check: engine warm-up, fuel levels, bilge, navigation gear, etc.

If it’s a charter or rental boat, follow the operator’s specific inspection and return protocol, which often includes a hull and interior check with Charter representatives.

5. Undock and Maneuver Safely Out of the Marina

Physical departure requires care, especially in tight slips:

• Observe wind, current, and tide conditions.
• Brief your crew on the plan.
• Cast off lines in the correct order (often springs last for control).
• Use gentle throttle and rudder inputs—many boaters prefer pulling forward or backing out strategically based on conditions.
• Proceed slowly through the marina channels, obeying no-wake zones.

If you need dockhand assistance, request it in advance.

6. Final Administrative Close-Out

• Contact the office (if required) to confirm you have departed and that your cards or fobs are returned.
• Update the team on future plans and feel free to provide feedback on your stay.
• For international travellers, refer to our International Travellers page.

Departure Checklist Summary

• Notify marina office on the day or prior if departing after-hours
• Settle any payments or refunds as required
• Return keys/fobs to office or finger lockbox
• Clean slip of all your belongings
• Disconnect all shore power
• Complete your pre-departure boat safety check
• Undock your vessel, ask for assistance if required
• Safely exist the marina and have a wonderful journey.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overstaying check-out time → can incur extra fees
• Forgetting to return keys → will lose your $50 deposit
• Leaving trash or items behind → may incur cleaning fees.
• Not accounting for weather or tides → difficult departure.

Safe travels and fair winds!