First week, Port Stephens

25 February to 2 March 2025

Passage sail from Pittwater to Port Stephens

We had an early 6am start from the Basin in Pittwater to ensure we made Port Stephens in daylight. The winds were from the South and fairly strong, 20-25kn, and there was some rain at times, so we had all our wet weather and safety gear on. By late afternoon the winds died down and the sun came out, so we had to turn the engine on for the last two hours to reach Port Stephens.

Cruising Port Stephens

The week has been sunny with fresh NE winds, and we have explored several bays in the area. Temperature in the air around 30 degrees and 24 in the water.

Shoal Bay

Salamander Bay

When moored in Salamander Bay we took the dinghy in and went for a walk to the nearby (huge!) shopping mall and got some food supplies.

Boat maintenance…

Lemon Tree Passage

A lovely part of Port Stephens, although very shallow. Although we only have a 1.4m draft, were we anchored south of the Lemon Tree Passage channel we only had 20cm under the keel at low tide. The bottom was very soft though so we thought no big drama if we were to touch. We did opt to use the dinghy to go up the channel (which was wise I think, as it’s even shallower). Once there we found a local Gin Distillery and some nice locals to talk to.

What’s next?

We’re watching the various wind and wave/swell forecasts caused by the Cyclone Alfred and we’ve decided to be cautious and not head north yet, so we will most likely stay another week in this area, which is not a bad option at all as this is a paradise on earth!

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