NSW Cruising Ports

by Ocean Magazine on 14 May 2006 The NSW coastline is well known for its famous beaches, world-class fishing, diving and its pristine marine habitat. It has both a temperate and sub tropical climate and has a thriving fishing and aquaculture industry.

The coast is exposed to the Tasman Sea, Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean and as such, can be quite rough whenever a weather system is passing through the region. Conversely, in the winter months when high-pressure systems remain stationery over Australia, the weather is generally benign with offshore westerlies providing sheltered cruising close inshore.

The southerly flowing East Coast Current is quite predominant and sometimes runs at up to four knots. Vessels cruising south and wishing to hitch a free ride on this current should track down the 100-fathom line approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast where it is usually at its strongest. Conversely, those tracking north should remain close inshore to keep out of the effects of the current.

NSW is subject to a diurnal tide that has a maximum range of about 1.8 metres for spring tides and about 1.5 metres for neap tides. There is very little difference between the times of tides at NSW ports and that of Sydney, which is used as the reference.

NSW has many rivers on its coast that are navigable well inland but most have challenging bar crossings that require careful navigation and boat handling procedures to ensure a safe crossing. Great care must be taken in assessing the conditions prior to a bar crossing as well as the technique used in the process.

A detailed description of the precautions that should be taken when crossing bars is available on the NSW Maritime Authority’s web site www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

Vessels about 50 feet long and above, the size kept in mind when writing this article, when cruising the coast will find that there are safe haven anchorages and ports conveniently located at points easily attainable in short cruising legs.

There are plenty of places in which to obtain necessary provisions and fuel as well as estuaries and bays that provide safe and protected anchorages in which to remain to enjoy the pleasures of the coast.

Disaster Bay

In the far south of the State, once northbound vessels have passed Gabo Island on the border with Victoria, the large bay of Disaster Bay can be found sheltered by Green Cape. This bay has a picturesque and unspoiled beach and the bay affords good shelter from northerlies and westerlies should a vessel require it.

Twofold Bay

Eden is 10 miles north of Green Cape and is a safe port within Twofold Bay. Twofold Bay is approximately 230 nautical miles south of Sydney and almost equidistant between Sydney and Melbourne. It is an established wood chip exporting port and has a recently built general-purpose wharf for use by the Navy for ammunition transfers, by cargo ships for general cargo and by large cruise ships. The bay provides reasonable shelter in westerly, southerly and northerly conditions but is exposed to easterly
weather.

The port of Eden is a declared port and is managed by the NSW Maritime Authority and has its own Pilot/Harbour Master in full time attendance.

Eden

The fishing port town of Eden at the head of Twofold Bay is deep and wide, and provides good shelter in nearly all weather conditions inside Snug Cove. Merimbula airport is 23 kms away and has daily flights to both Sydney and Melbourne.

Bermagui

Bermagui is 42 miles north of Eden and is the next port capable of taking reasonably sized vessels in reasonable weather. It is a sheltered fishing port and offers services a cruising yacht requires including fuel, provisions and water.

Narooma

Narooma is 14 miles north of Bermagui and is located on the Wagonga Inlet. It has a challenging bar in inclement weather and great caution should be taken when crossing at any time. Once inside, the waters are sheltered and the town of Narooma is a pleasant place to visit.

Moruya

Moruya is 19 miles north of Narooma and offers easy access into the Moruya River. Moruya is where the granite was mined that was used in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Moruya has a commercial airport that also offers daily flights to Sydney.

Batemans Bay

Batemans Bay, 15 miles north of Moruya, is a wide open bay to the east that offers good shelter in all weathers except south easterlies. Batemans Bay has a marina at the head of the bay that has all services. Larger vessels could anchor off.

Ulladulla

Ulladulla is 30 miles further north from Batemans Bay and is an all weather breakwater protected fishing boat port.

Jervis Bay

Jervis Bay is located 15 miles north of Ulladulla and about 170 km south from Sydney. It is a deep water port approximately 15 km long and 10 km wide. It is a spacious natural harbour sheltered by headlands which jut out leaving a relatively narrow entrance. With a depth of 26 metres it is thought to be one of the deepest sheltered harbours in Australia.

The bay has an all weather entrance which enables safe navigation, night or day and good shelter is afforded in all inclement weathers. There are no berthing facilities other than those used by the Navy at their HMAS Creswell Naval base. The bay is frequented by large Naval vessels and therefore has suitable charts and navigational aids. The water is deep, ranging from 12 to 26 metres and provides good holding for anchoring. The township of Huskisson is located on the western shore of the bay and is a suitable location to receive tenders from cruising yachts.

Very large superyachts of 50 metres and over should endeavour to obtain permission from the Royal Australian Navy to enter Jervis Bay and anchor prior to entry, as the whole of Jervis Bay is Naval waters.

Jervis Bay is not a designated port and has no Customs /Immigration /Quarantine or Pilotage services.

Shoalhaven Heads

The Shoalhaven River entrance 15 miles north of Jervis Bay is a bar that gives access to the Shoalhaven River and the regional town of Nowra. Care should be exercised when crossing the bar and in remaining clear of overhead power lines once in the Shoalhaven River.

Kiama

Kiama is a beautiful little harbour 15 miles north of Crookhaven/Shoalhaven River entrance It is not sheltered from the swell so is therefore not a safe haven in rough weather. The attractions of the township of Kiama make this a port worth visiting when weather conditions allow.

Port Kembla

Port Kembla is a commercial port 42 miles south of Sydney Harbour. The port can handle very large bulk carriers in the iron ore, coal and grain trade, is a designated First Port of Entry and has all the services large commercial vessels require. It has no facilities for recreational boats but can be a welcome shelter from bad weather, especially southerlies.

Wollongong Harbour

Wollongong Harbour is 39 miles south of Sydney Harbour and is a small harbour created by a break wall. It is open to the swells and again should only be visited in reasonable weather conditions.

Port Hacking

Port Hacking is the waterway that is surrounded by the southern suburbs of Sydney including Cronulla to the north, and the Royal National Park to the south. It is a popular boating area and has a variety of marinas and boating facilities. The entrance is wide, deep and well marked and can be negotiated in all weather.

Botany Bay

Botany Bay is a large commercial port catering to very large containerships, tankers and gas carriers. Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is located on the northern shore and has two runways protruding into the bay. The bay is wide and exposed, and is consequently a popular sailing and windsurfing location. Various marinas and boating facilities are available in the Cooks River and Georges River including the St George Motor Boat Club.

Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is world renowned f