Description:

Newcastle is approximately 70 miles north of Sydney and is the largest coal exporting port in the world with huge carrier ships moving about 100 million tonnes of cargo per annum.  There is also a large commercial fishing fleet that operates out of the harbour, as well as a large number of recreational vessels ranging from jet skis to multi-million dollar ocean cruisers. All of these craft movements are under the direction and control of the NSW Maritime and Newcastle Port Corporation.

Port Stephens is located 2.5hours north of Sydney.  Its pristine waters – which are twice the size of Sydney Harbour – are located in the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park and are home to an abundance of wildlife, beautiful beaches and exquisite restaurants, all just a short sail away.

Cruiser Highlights:

Port Stephens is surrounded by several small, interesting towns and villages. It has great sandy beaches and wonderful scenery.  Humpback whales migrate north pass Port Stephens in early winter and are easy to spot from land or boat. Take your boat out with a full picnic to enjoy the spectacle, or join one of the commercial operators based in the area.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

Newcastle: 

There are more than 3100 commercial shipping movements within the Newcastle port annually. It is not unusual on a busy day to have over 20 shipping movements in a 2 hour period.

The safe navigation tracks that ships follow within the harbour are very precise with very little room for deviation. Recreational vessels should if possible, monitor VHF channel 16 for any ship sourced communication.    The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club publishes this Safety Information for recreational vessels visiting the Port of Newcastle.

Neither port has a sand bar (unlike many along this coast) and can, therefore be entered in almost any weather.

Positions:

32°56’S, 151°47’E. (Newcastle)

32°41′57″S, 152°7′26″E. (Port Stephens)

Last updated:  January 2023

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