Calico Marina’s Makeover – Now with Extra Sizzle and a Side of Salt
Welcome to Calico Marina, darlings, Cronulla’s latest “must-do” makeover and a love letter to those of us who like our nautical adventures peppered with a touch of European beach-chic. Once a well-kept corner that, let’s be honest, saw more singed timbers than glamour after a 2002 fire, this Cronulla landmark has been reborn with pizzazz. Led by Highland CEO David Highland (because one Highland clearly wasn’t enough!), the marina has leapt into a whole new level of luxury, and it’s got everyone’s sails at full mast.
Think of Calico Marina as Cronulla’s own Riviera, a fresh coastal escape with a distinct Mediterranean twist. Picture this: elegant boats bobbing in shimmering waters, a dash of marina-style concierge, and Pippis, the new eatery by The Grounds, sending delicious aromas wafting over the waves. Yes, Cronulla, we’re now in Mediterranean mode – sun-kissed seafood platters, a sea breeze heavy with salt, and a cafe scene that’s practically begging for linen trousers and wide-brimmed hats.
Highland, no stranger to big plans, has taken this marina by the helm, steering it towards the kind of sophistication usually reserved for Monaco or Miami. “I’ve always been a tad marine-obsessed,” Highland confesses, “and I knew we could bring world-class standards here.” With a little sprinkle of European savoir-faire and a focus on marine luxury, he’s determined to give Sydney boat owners the kind of experience that rivals anything they’d find on the Côte d’Azur.
And Pippis – oh, let’s talk about Pippis. If you’re a fan of The Grounds (yes, that Grounds, darling – Alexandria’s boho-chic food haven), you’ll know this is no ordinary marina munch-and-go. No, Pippis is a smorgasbord of sun-soaked Mediterranean influences, dressed up with a coastal edge that’ll have you dreaming of endless summers. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner on offer, the menu’s seafood delights are as fresh as the sea spray – octopus, mussels, and maybe even a cheeky prawn or two, all perfect for washing down with a crisp white under a canopy of stars.
And the perks don’t stop there. Calico Marina’s revamp isn’t just about swanning around in boater hats and guzzling wine. They’ve introduced Platinum Marine services, offering yacht maintenance plans and on-demand catering – think floating picnics in your own private cove. They’ll even fuel up your vessel while you lounge about deciding whether you’re in the mood for a mid-morning sail or a lazy afternoon drift. Spoiled? Us? Absolutely.
Plus, let’s not forget the sparkling new Highland Marine. This isn’t just another boat brokerage – it’s an elite clubhouse for boat lovers who like their crafts chic and their deals smooth. If you’re in the market for a new boat (and frankly, who isn’t after a couple of glasses of rosé?), Highland Marine’s got the goods, boasting a fleet that stretches up and down the coast.
From the fresh facilities to the ultra-swanky dining options, Calico is proof that Cronulla has, at last, shed its sleepy shores in favour of a beach scene that’s sophisticated but still distinctly “Shire.” Just a quick hop from the Bundeena Ferry, the marina invites everyone, from boat owners to brunch lovers, to indulge. Calico isn’t just a pitstop on your way to a day out; it’s a destination unto itself. So, polish your sunnies, throw on your best nautical stripes, and get ready to soak up a slice of the Mediterranean—right here in Cronulla.
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