NSW
196 posts
Hi Seabreezers,
I'm going to head up to Lake Macquarie and I'm looking for advice on the Swansea channel...
I'm good with radioing Coastguard as well as booking the bridge at least an hour before, the availability of moorings etc
ie I'm mostly interested in the channel's current condition with regards to depth and accuracy of channel marker placement.
My boat draws 6 foot 6inches.
Thanks!
NSW
309 posts
The water in the lake has been extremely low lately. But given the HIGH tides over the next week, I think it might rise again. I am assuming the channel would have been low as well.
I have heard that the marine rescue people are always obliging and will come guide you in if you ask.
I will be doing over Xmas when I make only my second trip out through the channel. I'm only 1.5m draft.
NSW
110 posts
Yes markers seem accurate enough suggest keep an eye on depth gauge crossing the bar , near airport and drop over into lake.
I entered on almost low tide a few months ago with draft of 1.92 just take it slow if its a low tide , water back up the last few days from the lows.
Check your maps be aware of a few dog legs along the channel ,especially entering after crossing the bar , can be a bit confusing as theres a port marker further along to the left past the dog let you have to make after the bar.
NSW
196 posts
Thanks for advice... I tackled the channel on a 1.8m high tide Saturday morning. There was plenty of depth going from the ocean under the bridge and up past the airport.
We were quite cocky about it being easy when we bounced a couple of times halfway between airport and the drop off. We didn't get stuck but still nervous making.
