We're asking the community for ideas and feedback on the upgrade of Sayonara Slipway in Darling Point.

Sayonara Slipway sits between d'Albora Marina, Rushcutters Bay and the Drill Hall on New Beach Road, Darling Point. It is part of Sir David Martin Reserve adjacent to Yarranabbe Park and Plantation Reserve, and is a short distance from Rushcutters Bay Park. The site has been identified for improvement as part of Council's initiatives to improve water-based recreation and harbour access across the LGA.

We will consider all ideas and suggestions and create a draft concept plan for further consultation in the future. Once the plan is finalised by Council, it may be partially or fully implemented, depending on heritage approvals and the availability of funding from Council and other sources such as government grants. Your feedback will help create a draft plan.

Share your ideas by completing our feedback form below or come along to one of our pop-up sessions at Sayonara Slipway on Wednesday 5 March 6pm-7pm and Thursday 6 March 10am-11am.

Have your say by 24 March 2025.

Overview

One of the key aims of the Woollahra Recreation Strategy 2023 and the Generic Plan of Management for Crown Land Reserves 2023 is to improve access to public foreshore areas in the LGA. Sayonara Slipway was identified in these documents as a site that could provide these opportunities.

Sayonara Slipway is part of the State Heritage Register listing of Rushcutters Bay Park and Yarranabbe Park (SHR 02041). See the FAQ on this page for more information on the history of Sayonara Slipway.

We’re seeking ideas from the community on possible ways to improve Sayonara Slipway, such as improved foreshore and water access at the site for a range of recreational purposes, other than motorised watercraft. There could also be opportunities to improve pedestrian links over and around the Slipway and we'd welcome your ideas for this too.

We recognise the Slipway's important maritime history and any improvements would complement and respect that history.

Please provide feedback using the form below. Your feedback will help us shape the design for improvements to the Slipway.

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Please provide feedback using the form below. Your feedback will help us shape the design for improvements to the Slipway.

Before the arrival of Europeans, the rocky shore of the point, (now known as Darling Point) the bay, (now known as Rushcutters Bay) and the extensive swamplands and creek draining into the bay would have provided both shelter and a wide range of food for the local Aboriginal people.

Sir David Martin Reserve (which includes Sayonara Slipway) was used for naval purposes for more than 70 years from 1901. By the 1940s, the Reserve for was utilised for naval recreation by developing a parade ground, recruitment centre, a wardroom and depth charge, and an anti-submarine training school. Most of the buildings on the Reserve were removed between the 1950s and 1970s. Four historic buildings remain: The Drill Hall, The Cottage, the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association (RANSA) boatshed and the Sail Loft. These, along with Sayonara Slipway, are classified by the National Trust.

The site of Sayonara Slipway formally housed Sayonara Boatshed. The use of the boatshed structure ceased and was removed, though the slipway remains and retains its namesake. There are no references to why the slipway is named "Sayonara".

The State Heritage Register listing of Rushcutters Bay Park and Yarranabbe Park (SHR 50670067) recognised the area's past use and continuing significance.

Sir David Martin Reserve was formally known as Rushcutters Bay Maritime Reserve and HMAS Ruschutter. In 1991, the reserve was formally named after the former Governor of NSW and Rear Admiral of the Royal Australian Navy, Sir David Martin.The Commonwealth Government transferred the land to the State Government in 1979 for public recreation. The site hosted the sailing events during the 2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games. This saw the construction of a new grandstand area extending into the bay and the demolition of several structures, marking a new chapter in the site's history.

Since 2001, Woollahra Council has been actively managing the site, overseeing its preservation and development.

Next steps

Community feedback will help us create a draft concept design for the upgrade of the Slipway. The draft design will be exhibited for community feedback later this year.

Get involved and have your say

You're invited to participate in shaping the future of the site. To have your say, please make a submission using the online submission form below. Alternatively, you can email or write to us or come along to one of our pop-up sessions:

  • Email: records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
  • Mail: Letter addressed to the General Manager at Woollahra Council, PO Box 61, Double Bay NSW 1360
  • In-person: Come and talk to us at one of our pop-up sessions on Wednesday 5 March 6pm-7pm and Thursday 6 March 10am-11am at Sayonara Slipway in Darling Point.

Feedback closes 11.59pm, Monday 24 March 2025.