Calico Marina

Located in the pristine waters of Port Hacking River, Calico Marina is a destination of seaside bliss boasting stunning beaches, tidal rock pools and incredible sunset viewpoints. A renewal of this underused side of Cronulla - Calico is a perfectly positioned destination for a sunny day, afternoon and evening by the water. A serene beachside location and community hub bustling with the daily marina activity, the creative vision behind this marina’s uplift was for a place of connection, celebration and exclusivity; the place to be in Cronulla.‍

The rise in desirability for a coastal lifestyle positions Cronulla as a thriving cosmopolitan area and an increasingly sought-after destination to live and work. This luxe marina destination is built with precision and beautiful functionality; the curvature of the architecture mimicking the coastal grace of its natural setting. This revitalised waterfront precinct integrates luxury that redefines Cronulla.

Becoming the main attraction of this previously underused bayside region, the place narrative required the area to be painted as an exclusive opportunity - a unique destination on the water. The overall brand footprint and strategic vision for this site thus needed to encapsulate its natural beauty and deluxe allure, whilst recognising its historical functionality as a marina.

Building on knowledge gleaned from benchmark analyses, our team recognised that successful marinas go beyond their functional purpose. They are destinations in their own right; surrounded by buzzing restaurants, bars and clubs, they are key local access points to the region all wrapped in an air of sophistication.

To create this sophisticated site, we capitalised on the marina’s neighbouring unrivalled area of Gunnamatta Bay. TOAST looked into the history and usage of this site and in doing so discovered the meaning for Cronulla, or ‘Kurranulla’ in the local Gweagal dialect, as ‘place of the pink seashells’. This became key to the place narrative and led to the name generation of ‘Calico’, derived from the sleek pink Calico Scallop seashell. Being unique, eye-catching and inspiring, this name mirrors the curved shell-like architectural form of the precinct design whilst beautifully linking with the area’s indigenous history.

Our strategic brand positioning thus connects community, a coastal lifestyle and innovative design by creating an iconic marina; a true destination reimagining hospitality and engaging the senses. Harmonising a beachside lifestyle with contemporary design, Calico Marina oozes lavish opulence with a laid-back coastal air to deliver a unique destination for all to indulge.

Without losing its functional purpose, this is a luxe waterfront destination which enriches daily lives today and into the future; an indulgent place for socialising and celebrating, for love, fun and community connection. With Calico's intrinsic feel of exclusivity, it is more than a destination; a strong statement in the Cronulla landscape, Calico Marina is a game-changer destination.