Floating Homes Unveiled for SA’s Yorke Peninsula

An Adelaide-based developer is planning to take the humble house boat to another level as part of a masterplanned waterfront development on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.

The Lillis Group, founded by the late Australian bookmaking legend Terry Lillis and business partner John McDonald, has signaled its plans to add three stages of development to the Port Vincent marina, including nine floating homes and a cafe.

Lillis Group project director Peter Villis told The Urban Developer plans for the masterplan, to be known as Dockside, would add to the popular 120-berth marina that it had delivered in the early 2000s.

The group has maintained ownership of several properties within the marina precinct, including a vacant 2900sq m site at 2-6 Marina Drive adjoining the boat ramp and the marina berths.

“For a long time Terry and John understood the area’s potential,” Villis said. 

“A lot of sailors have been drawn to Port Vincent—due west across the St Vincent Gulf from Adelaide, as it holds some of the best winter sailing waters on the planet.

▲ The Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia manages the berths within the marina which offers direct access to Gulf St Vincent. Image: Nearmap

“We are now looking to push the development forward to establish a world class boutique marina.

“We wanted to be bold and we’ve put forward a staged development that compliments this historically rich and naturally beautiful part of Australia.”

Villas said the community had played an important role in shaping the development, with suggestions now in place such as a seawater swimming pool and boutique gin distillery.

“When early concepts for apartments were presented for the site the local community came back and suggested people living and floating on the marina. It was their input that has shaped this outcome.

“This project will enliven the already popular Yorke Peninsula which has long been a relaxing place for sailing, fishing and swimming.”

The project’s first stage will comprise eight two- and three-storey waterfront townhouses, six of which will be located on the waterfront with access to a shared pontoon. 

▲ E-Row is set to have nine floating homes and a floating cafe.

The second stage will include the three-level floating homes moored near the end of Breakwater Drive. 

Australian eco-friendly and sustainability specialists Dragonfly Afloat have been enlisted to build the custom 221sq m two and three-bedroom floating homes. Each home will have front and rear decks on levels one and two as well as a rooftop deck holding views across the Gulf St Vincent.

Dragonfly Afloat will also deliver a custom designed, two-level floating cafe that will seat 75 people.

The final stage was intended to be delivered as an apartment building but has now pivoted to a 5-storey hotel on the western edge of the Port Vincent marina. It will offer 32 one-bedroom, 17 two-bedroom and 3 three-bedroom guest rooms.

A rooftop space is planned for functions and events on the building’s fourth level, holding views of the marina, township and St Vincent Gulf. The existing pontoon is also set to be expanded to create a further 200sq m space for outdoor dining or events on the water.

Villis said conversations were ongoing with three hotel groups vying for the forthcoming waterfront complex.

▲ The floating homes will be on marina berths owned by Lillis Group and originally designed for large vessels. The two townhouse sites are at opposite ends of the marina. Image: Studio Nine Architects 

It is hoped that these developments will be a catalyst to help build and drive the economy for Port Vincent and contribute to the long-term economic growth of the region.

“We’re also working closely with a builder Quatro to deliver the townhouses, which are now on the market,” he said.

“We are aiming to break ground early in the new year before moving onto the major complex in the middle of the year.

“The floating elements—houses and cafe—will likely be closer to the first half of 2024 with the cafe aiming to be operational by 2024.”

The development is timely.

Like many regional areas, tourism has experienced a boom right across South Australia. 

Last year, Yorke Peninsula achieved 97 per cent of its 2025 target of $289 million in visitor expenditure with high-quality accommodation achieving annual occupancies in excess of 70 per cent year round. Tourism expenditure is now expected to top $360 million by 2030.

Other popular regional developments include the former Southern Ocean Lodge at Kangaroo Island, more recently the Bridgeport Hotel at Murray Bridge, Port Lincoln Hotel, Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, Oasis Apartments at Port Augusta.