Can anyone point me to a web site or (god forbid) a government department that actually knows the do's and don'ts of anchoring in Port Stephens. Everywhere I've looked keeps referring to marinas. Is it still possible to stay on the hook there, or have they taken that right away from us as well?
I anchored off the beach near the Nelson Bay marina, with a few others. Other boats were anchored in Fame Cove when we were there and the moorings were taken. Boats often anchor off Little Beach and Shoal Bay.
I took a Cole 43 out of Port Stephens two weeks ago. I didn't believe there was a bar there, I've been there a few times, so was surprised at the sea over the entrance. We went on the ebb tide with a bit of a sea outside and had very steep seas for about a half a mile, not breaking but steep. In future I will treat Port Stephens as a bar entry/exit.
I grew up at Nelson Bay, as a kid i fished a lot in an 11 foot tinny with 9.8 merc, it wasn’t unusual to duck out side the heads in it, also did a bit of work on trawlers out side, we stuck close to either head when there was a bit of sea running. But in saying that another trawler broached on the way in, it was about 60 foot. (60 ft trawler not waves) A police launch sunk out side going to rescue a yacht in a around Australia race, hatch cover was said not t be latched tight. I have seen waves roll in a break across the full width of the heads, even guys on club surf skis riding down the harbour. But id say that 90% of the time the entrance is not a Bar,
Oh and don’t do what some have in the past, think that Fingal Island it Tomaree head and beach your self on the spit,
There is a sand bar basically in the middle of the entry which begins pretty well when you are abeam of the mental institution / hospital. As stated earlier best to go each side of the bar as you always feel like you will bump. I have been coming and going for decades with 40 foot race yachts that draw up to nearly 9 foot and it has not been a problem. Once in a mumm / farr 30 with a big sea and outgoing tide was the only time I have felt nervy. Tide is a issue can be very strong at the entrance I always stay to southern side of the bar. Probably safer to stay on northern side and once inside and past the bar come across to the south.
As for anchoring in port stephens iv had no problems over the years and the standard rules apply. Salamanda bay is best with the shops a short walk away and no swell. It is a marine park and you cant anti fowl your boat on the beach! I asked the park officer and the look on his face was priceless:D when I investigated more I found out how much power they really have!
If you pick up one of the 3 or 4 public moorings(or anchor) at the beach area near Nelson Bay Marina, row ashore & walk towards the shops of Nelson Bay, there is a big tourist Info place about half way, good free maps & info about the marine park. cheers
