Two hundred years ago, the Dharug group, part of the Ku-Ring-Gai Aboriginal tribe used the Akuna Bay area as an important hunting and fishing ground. The name “Akuna”, meaning “Flowing Water” is one of the local Aboriginal dialects, is thought to have derived from the lovely creek which flows along what is now the parking area and enters the bay beside the restaurant. Its source is still surrounded by natural bushland, and varied native flora and fauna are plentiful in the hills, from which the creek still flows.
Clippers Anchorage at Illawong Bay hosted a sizeable Clipper Hire fleet operated by “Skipper a Clipper”. This facility offered BBQ facilities, swimming baths, take away foods from the general store and the famous Naughtics Restaurant. This facility was closed shortly before the marina complex, “The Anchorage “ was completed at Akuna Bay. “After almost 10 years of planning the huge Boating Complex at Akuna Bay, Coal and Candle Creek is now a reality.” Clipper News 1977.
Called the “Anchorage” complex, many conditions had to be observed in keeping with recommendations from various authorities. There was opposition to some aspects of the project but approval was granted for the Boating Complex. National Parks and Wildlife Service supported the project because it upgraded the park to provide the finest Boating and Recreation facilities of any park in Australia. This was the first time that a major concession was granted in a park after a full environment and biological impact study was carried out.
Here are a few extracts from the 1978 Clipper News.” Standing in splendid isolation, only 32 kilometres from the city’s centre, is the most ambitious development on the Southern Hemisphere. Clipper’s Anchorage located in the beautiful Kuring-Gai Chase National Park offers everything for the boating enthusiast and completely weather safe boating facilities of world standard. The whole project, expected to cost over $2million will be completed in 1979.”
Clipper Charter moved into the new complex at Akuna Bay and remained for many years.
Later on d’Albora Marinas took over the marina, rebranding it as a full -service operation. They introduced wet berths, dry stack storage, a boatyard, a 30 -tonne travel lift, fuel facilities, and waterfront dining. Prime Minister Malcolm Frazer officially opened d’Albora Marina at Akuna Bay on 10th April 1981.
The evolution of Akuna Bay Cruising Club intertwines with the transformation of Akuna Bay Marina-from a working charter base to a modern marina hub under d’Albora. ABCC has carved out a unique niche, combining access to serene cruising grounds with a lively clubhouse, educational events, and a vibrant social calendar.
The club maintains its own moorings in Refuge Bay, America Bay, and the Basin. It blends on-water cruising with raft -ups across Cowan Creek and the Hawkesbury River system and land-based gatherings covering beach parties, dining, information nights and social events.
Our memories of Akuna Bay by Frank and Janet Gardner Viende 11
Early 1980’s we had owned a 24ft Halvorson called Murraba 1 on ARM D. In 1989 we purchased a 35 foot Markline 1100 called Viende and heard about the Akuna Bay Cruising Club. So we joined in 1989. We soon became Committee members and have stayed for 36 years on the Committee. Frank was Commodore for 3 years and Janet was Secretary, A/Treasurer and Magazine Editor.
In 2006 we upgraded to a Markline 1300 Viende 11 where we continued to use our mooring which we had leased in 1996 in Refuge Bay. Our two cats now passed away always enjoyed boating.
Over these 36 years we have made so many friends, enjoying the fellowship with like-minded boaties. Our visits to Peat’s Bite, RMYC, Brooklyn, Gosford and raft ups bring back so many memories. We introduced the concept of what is now known as the Beach Ball and for many years ran the Trivia Night. Now with health issues for us both we use the boat as a weekender when we can, but still enjoy the land activities. We both have decided to step down from the ABCC Committee at the upcoming AGM to make way for others who can help the Commodore steer the Club into the future.
