Swansea channel into Lake MacQuarie.

6 months ago
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Windjana
Windjana
WA
405 posts
WA, 405 posts
24 Nov 2025 10:32am
G'day,
I had a quick look at previous posts on the subject, but I didn't see anything since 2017.
Has anyone in a keel boat recently used the channel?
I'm aware that dredging is ongoing as depth has been an issue.
Cheers!
Lazzz
Lazzz
NSW
914 posts
NSW, 914 posts
24 Nov 2025 6:54pm
Windjana said..
G'day,
I had a quick look at previous posts on the subject, but I didn't see anything since 2017.
Has anyone in a keel boat recently used the channel?
I'm aware that dredging is ongoing as depth has been an issue.
Cheers!


I haven't been out in a while but am assured it is OK - I'm 2.2 draft.

Plan your bridge opening for 2 to 4 hours after high tide. The ideal is 3 hours after for entering or leaving.
The tide difference at Swansea Bridge is approximately one hour later and at "the drop over" the tide difference is three hours later than Swansea Heads.
If you plan your departure time from Port Stephens for a 2pm or 3pm bridge opening tomorrow you should be OK - you can even request an escort from MR to guide you through the channel.
Winds are looking good for a nice run down.
Windjana
Windjana
WA
405 posts
WA, 405 posts
24 Nov 2025 5:37pm
Awesome Lazzzz!
We draw 2.2m as well.
Exactly the type of advice I was looking for.
Thanks!
Seadevil
Seadevil
24 posts
24 posts
26 Nov 2025 3:11am
Came out of the lake about 3 weeks ago 2 hours before high tide and the shallowest we had was 2.8m near where the port markers 20 and 22.
Windjana
Windjana
WA
405 posts
WA, 405 posts
26 Nov 2025 6:43am
Seadevil said..
Came out of the lake about 3 weeks ago 2 hours before high tide and the shallowest we had was 2.8m near where the port markers 20 and 22.


Cheers Seadevil, are the channel markers all up to date?
Seadevil
Seadevil
24 posts
24 posts
27 Nov 2025 3:12am
Windjana
the markers seemed to be correct according to my chartplotter. My charts are Lighthouse charts approx 12 months old.
Heading back into the lake possibly this Tuesday 2/12/25 and will check if it has changed.
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