JonE said..
Between Brisbane and Eden, where are the easiest, most reliable places to get into if one plans to cruise down the whole coast?

Looking to avoid bar crossings specifically. Deepish draft. Tie up alongside overnight would be ideal, get a coffee, clear off.

Yamba looks like an obvious choice, Port Mac is out. Newcastle?

Cheers.

Why not Port?
Forster, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Pittwater, Sydney, Botany Bay, Jervis Bay/Greenwell Pt, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay.
Yes most of these have what might be called bar entrances but they are easily navigable.

JonE said..

MorningBird said..

JonE said..
Between Brisbane and Eden, where are the easiest, most reliable places to get into if one plans to cruise down the whole coast?

Looking to avoid bar crossings specifically. Deepish draft. Tie up alongside overnight would be ideal, get a coffee, clear off.

Yamba looks like an obvious choice, Port Mac is out. Newcastle?

Cheers.

Why not Port?
Forster, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Pittwater, Sydney, Botany Bay, Jervis Bay/Greenwell Pt, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay.
Yes most of these have what might be called bar entrances but they are easily navigable.

Cool thanks, I have an outdated Lucas ("premier state" ??????????lol) so now I can just read up on those specifically.


Port Mac would be perfect (I have friends there) but I want to know for sure I'm going to get in and I'm not sure it meets that criteria. What's max draft getting into PMQ these days?

If it is bad you don't get in anywhere!

Coffs a traditional port of call from there port Mac is the usual step but if you don't like it then Camden haven is only another 15nm but it does make a big day of it, north bound trial bay is a nice stop over but it's an ocean anchorage. Some of the smaller bar crossings can be tricky but plan your tides note the swell and study the bar cameras, aerial photographs or google earth if you can get a date of the images is also a good way to get an idea of the best route. Port Stephen's is a cruising ground in its own right. And a tip about Newcastle all the ship movements happen at high tide, the place explodes with tugs, ships & pilot vessels, it has plenty of water at low tide for pleasure craft without the industrial traffic

All the latest information is on the ZuluWaterways App.
Lucus is well out of date!
Most harbours in NSW are behind bars.
Remember the "15 rule":
Over 15 knots, over 1.5m swell/waves; think really hard about going!

Where Lucas still works well is his reviews of anchorages behind headlands and roadsteads. Get the wind and swell right and an anchorage is far preferable to a marina.

Thanks for introducing me to Zuluwaterways.