Based in the historic seaport of Williamstown, the new marina ‘Savages Wharf’ is the latest development in the Savage families’ boating history. The completely new marina offers a complete boating experience for big boaters.

“In 2004 a permit was sourced from the land managing authority, Parks Victoria, and we had the approvals to re-develop the wharf into a fully fledged boating marina with modern floating berths, servicing facilities and luxurious club facilities,” John Savage said.

“We devoted a lot of time and effort into planning the project, all the while waiting for the Docklands development up the Yarra River to come on stream. These nearby boaters represent a convenient core service market for the tenants at Savages Wharf.”

“Savages Wharf is now fully operational and represents over 107 years of the Savage families’ boating passion and love for the water.”

Along with state-of-the-art boat berthing and storage facilities, a thoughtfully designed member-based club has been developed for all boating enthusiasts looking to take advantage of this complete marina facility.

The new marina berths were constructed using the internationally renowned Bellingham Marine system. Savage Wharf can hold 45 boats from 10m to 30m, all on fully serviced floating docks.

All boat servicing requirements and boat storage needs are looked after in the dedicated 500 sq metre service depot. A 40 tonne travel lift makes light work of boat servicing and antifouling.

The Savages Wharf marina also hosts a line-up of on-site marine experts to accommodate all boating needs from marine mechanics and detailers, shipwrights and all manner of specialised marine trades experts. The boating public and club members can all take advantage of these bay side services and facilities so close to Melbourne.

Beautifully crafted timber is used throughout the new Savages Wharf club and reception area. Stylishly blending the timber-heritage of the Savage name with modern building design, the Savages Wharf club is an exceptional area where boaters can relax after a day on the water.

Members of the new Savages Wharf Club are provided with a fully serviced club lounge including 4 private bathrooms with showers, kitchen, BBQ facilities with outdoor settings plus a large-screen television and leather lounges. Club members are also offered significant discounts for use of marina facilities including the travel lift and storage facilities.

The latest offering from the Savage family heralds a change of focus for the popular Australian boating icon. The intimate layout and thoughtful design of Savages Wharf is already drawing interest from around Australia and is set to win favour by appealing to every facet of the boating lifestyle.

The Savages Wharf site has been a long-standing marine icon in Nelson Place, Williamstown for over 70 years. Originally occupied by family icon John Joseph Savage in 1935, the wharf site has been a manufacturing location for wooden, aluminium and fibreglass boats, all bearing the Savage name.

Established in 1898, the Savage name in boating began with John Joseph Savage who started a successful wooden boat business in Middle Park. As his reputation grew, so did the seemingly endless need for larger premises. There were boating building premises on the Yarra river in Hawthorn and South Yarra before the company eventually settled at Williamstown in 1935.

The Williamstown site eventually featured 2 slipways, a boat building factory, servicing area and it became the home for Savage boat building for the next 70 years. Additional Savage manufacturing plants were situated in nearby North Williamstown.

During the early 1960’s a timber marina was developed to help move stock from the factory in readiness of larger cruisers for shipment around Australia. This jetty structure serviced the factory needs and accommodated a few private boats. And customers boats returned to this site for periodic service and maintenance. But the site never developed beyond this basic need.

Ultimately the Savage aluminium and fibreglass boat building assets company were purchased by the Brunswick Corporation, freeing up John Savage to pursue his pet project of building a quality marina facility
at Williamstown.

Savages Wharf Traders List

For further information on this story contact:

John Savage
Savages Wharf
158 – 170 Nelson Place
Williamstown VIC, 3016
Tel (03) 9397 6513
Fax (03) 9397 7291
Email info@savageswharf.com.au
Web www.savageswharf.com.au