The Little Ship Club in Dunwich began as a Volunteer Coastal Patrol (VCP) and a Naval Auxiliary Patrol (NAP) In World War 2. Nestled on Minjerribah’s foreshore at Dunwich, just a minute away from the water transport jetty, over its 73 years, it has become a regular eatery for a lot of mainland visitors as well as locals.
Club Manager Tracey Rore says that visitors are welcome, club membership is open to all, and that ship ownership isn’t a condition. “Our members have ships that range from six-foot rowboats to 65-footers – which I think is pretty big for a small ship!”
The club has been described as a little piece of paradise, but even an earthly paradise needs maintenance. The club’s pontoon needs some serious repair work that will take some serious money, so the club is throwing its best effort into its 2025 Seafood Spectacular.
Held on January 18, the fundraiser will run from 10:30am until 8:30pm with no cover charge. Tracey says attendance for the Spectacular is usually between 400 to 600. The day will feature live music, crab races, and a sumptuous selection of local seafood, including fresh-caught prawns, oysters, calamari, fish, bugs and crabs – though Tracey is quick to point out that the racing crabs are usually released after their sprint around the track. Straddie Brewing will be there with a marquee, and the view will be exquisite, so all that will remain is for the day to provide classic Minjerribah sunshine and breezes – and there’s your slice of paradise.
