There are several books available and most are quite well known.
Be aware that nothing beats local knowledge and things change over time.
I bought the current version of Alan Lucase's Cruising the New South Wales coast early this year.
When we were about to Port Macquarrie I contacted the local VMR for the local bar conditions which they willingly provided.
They also provided the latest entrance waypoints and I was aware that they were different from the cruising guide.
When we came in using the locally provided waypoints it was quite obvious that had we used the ones provided in the book we would have had to sail through surf to get into the port.
There is also a new sectored light at the entrance to Port Macquarrie.
I'm not saying that the book is no good, it is full of useful info. Just that you need to check the info in case of changes.
The NSW main roads site has some very good information available as well as downloadable PDF charts (not for navigation) of many ports and anchorages.
With the newer technology you can also access the net while at sea and view quite a few cams covering coastal bars etc although some notable ones are missing.
Many members of this forum live along the NSW coast so if you want information about a particular place just post a question on this site.
Cheers, Rick.

Franrick,
You are walking a fine line. Should see what happened to the last guy who inferred that Alan Lucas was anything short of a god of the eastern seaboard.
Just be Careful

Hi RiffRaff,
Thanks for your advise.
Wasn't knocking Saint Lucas, just pointing out that there is a gap between publishing a book and the reader reading it.
Next time I see Allan I will pass on your supporting thoughts,
Cheers, Rick.

Hi Twodogs,
Coffs is a good trip from the south and an even better trip from the north.
From the south you can get there in a looooong day from Broughton Island if the weather is right and if it isn't there are some nice places to call into along the way.
When I sail north form NSW to north Qld I usually stop over at Broughton Island and then Coffs and then Southport but on my latest trip finishing a few weeks ago I got to see Forster/Tuncurry, Crowdy Head and Port Macquarrie on my way north to Southport.
Not because I wanted to but simply because of the weather. Having said that, I think I will call into a few more places on future trips as It was very refreshing seeing places I wouldn't normally visit.
Incidentally, Crowdy Head no longer has a fish co-op in the harbour and hence no where to pay mooring fee's. We were one of four yachts there overnight in nice calm comfort and nowhere to pay for the privilege.
Cheers, Rick

Franrick said...
Hi Twodogs,
Coffs is a good trip from the south and an even better trip from the north.
From the south you can get there in a looooong day from Broughton Island if the weather is right and if it isn't there are some nice places to call into along the way.
When I sail north form NSW to north Qld I usually stop over at Broughton Island and then Coffs and then Southport but on my latest trip finishing a few weeks ago I got to see Forster/Tuncurry, Crowdy Head and Port Macquarrie on my way north to Southport.
Not because I wanted to but simply because of the weather. Having said that, I think I will call into a few more places on future trips as It was very refreshing seeing places I wouldn't normally visit.
Incidentally, Crowdy Head no longer has a fish co-op in the harbour and hence no where to pay mooring fee's. We were one of four yachts there overnight in nice calm comfort and nowhere to pay for the privilege.
Cheers, Rick

I have done Sydney to Coffs a few times but it was always direct as it was in the Pittwater to Coffs race. I am initial plans are to do Botany Bay to Pittwater overnight then Nelson bay or Broughton overnight then to Port Macquarie overnight and then to Coffs spend a couple of days there maybe a day sail to the solitaires. Take more time to come back.

cisco said..

Franrick said..
Now, if Queensland ever catches up, that would be very nice.

What?? You are not implying that MSQ employees are riding a gravy train are you??

Heavens no, Cisco,

The gravy train departed Queensland many years ago.
Although I do think there is a private line running around the corridors of power.

Franrick said...
Sounds like a good trip twodogs,
Not sure about the Solitairs though,

They are just a thought as a day trip while there

McNaughty,
I followed your link and got a surprise.
I didn't realise there were moorings at the islands and also didn't realise they were worth a visit.
I guess thats why we have a forum, so we can all benefit from the knowledge of others.
Thanks, Rick.