Shire’s Favourite Reality Show? Yowie Bay Boat Ramp Chaos Draws Local Spectators
- Liam Montgomery
- Feb 28
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 1
Liam Montgomery | Sports Reporter | Sutherland Shire Gazette
1 March 2025
Forget the footy - Sutherland Shire’s most entertaining live sport is unfolding daily at the Yowie Bay boat ramp, where locals are gathering with camp chairs, eskies, and front-row enthusiasm to watch the art (or absolute disaster) of boat launching in real-time.
The beloved pastime, known as Ramp Watching, has seen a surge in popularity, with some residents now dedicating entire weekends to observing nervous boaties attempt to reverse trailers into the water without taking out a parked car, a jetty, or their own dignity.
“I’ve been coming here for years,” said local spectator Sammy Parker, 48, cracking a fresh tinnie. “You see all sorts—blokes yelling at their missos, kids pretending not to be related, and at least one poor bloke who forgets to put the bungs in before launching. Pure entertainment.”
With boat ramp fails reaching new levels of theatrical excellence, some locals have even started keeping score. Categories include Most Overconfident Reverser, Longest Ramp Takeover, and the coveted Soggiest Mobile Phone Recovery.
Saturday afternoons are particularly prime viewing, with peak performances occurring just as a sudden gust of wind tests the commitment of every first-time boat owner.
Despite the occasional chaos, Ramp Watching remains a cherished local tradition. “You don’t need Netflix when you’ve got this,” Parker added. “All you need is a folding chair, an esky, and an appreciation for the spectacular downfall of overconfident boat ramp heroes.”
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