I was wondering what books are recommended or where you get information on ports and anchorages. I am primarily looking for NSW at this stage. I am after information like sugested anchorages, marina's and facilities available maybe even local attractions also any dangers or warnings the type of things locals know. I have done a fare but of off shore sailing in the past but its all been racing so no need for this information this is my first cruising boat.
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.
Thanks Rick I am planning on a trip north probably to Coffs in November. I wouldn't mind doing Lord How in 2016.
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
Frandrick, The MSB's PDF and hard copy charts are perfect for navigation. Far more accurate than Admiralty charts. They are the charts they use when they check your mooring position annually! They have Lat and long so are easily calibrated for Seaclear or other nav programmes.
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 Ramona,
I agree completely.
I think I have all the MSB's PDF maps/charts for NSW. They are great. I added the "not to for navigation" phrase for two reasons.
Firstly, because it is printed on the charts,
Secondly, because if I hadn't added it someone would have pointed it out to me.
They are great in many ways but for my particular purpose they show public and courtesy moorings and that is one thing NSW has over all the other states.
Now, if Queensland ever catches up, that would be very nice.
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
Select to expand quoteFranrick 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?? 
Select to expand quoteFranrick 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.
Select to expand quotetwodogs1969 said..
Thanks Rick I am planning on a trip north probably to Coffs in November. I wouldn't mind doing Lord How in 2016.
Say Hi when you get to Coffs Two Dogs.
Select to expand quotecisco 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.
Select to expand quoteFranrick said...
Sounds like a good trip twodogs,
Not sure about the Solitairs though,
They are just a thought as a day trip while there
Select to expand quotetwodogs1969 said..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
www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/8f451416-4b49-4eac-8287-4153281f2ae5/files/solitary-user-guide.pdf
This is info on solitary Islands. There are public mooring at the places listed where you can stay for up to 12 hours. I am thinking of a day trip there also.
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.
