It’s another “pinch me” moment when I think that we’re now back in Broken Bay, which we left almost 3 years ago when we started our adventure north. We left as very inexperienced cruisers, only having gone into two different marina berths, only having bought fuel at one marina, only having gone to Sydney harbour and back once, and that trip being the only time we cruised off the coast of NSW. We had spent what little free time we had cruising the Hawkesbury River, navigating via port and starboard buoys and cardinal markers. I was unaware how to navigate using charts or online applications. We thought we were brave when we stuck our bow out just past Barrenjoey Point!
So, the fact that we spent the last three years cruising as far north as Dunk Island, planning passages to the Gold Coast using (paper) charts then further north using online aps, going into dozens of different marinas, refuelling at numerous docks, exploring very shallow waterways, and cruising over 4500 nautical miles makes me think we’ve become somewhat more experienced!
I’ve written about our trip from Camden Haven to Port Stephens, so this blog picks up from there and brings us south to Refuge Bay. And I’ve written a separate blog about our fantastic time Cruising Lake Macquarie.
Port Stephens to Newcastle
We left Fame Cove, Port Stephens on Monday 15 May and headed south to Newcastle. It was about 33NM and took close to 4.5 hours. We’d booked a week at Honeysuckle Wharf. It has secure/gated access, provides water and power, and is very cost-effective. But the current there is fierce/forceful. I was feeling a bit embarrassed that we ended up taking a different berth to the one allocated (after a couple of failed attempts), but the email we’d received from the marina did give us two options, so maybe they knew something we didn’t. I later heard and witnessed others also struggling to bring their boats in. It can also become a bit rolly when the fishing boats power past!
We had a great time in Newcastle, extending our stay by three days, and taking a trip to our storage unit to drop some things off, sort stuff, take some to the tip, and bring a few things back to the boat. The wharf is also close to many restaurants and an easy cycle to a supermarket. The foreshore also has a great cycleway/footpath which I used.
Newcastle to Lake Macquarie
On Thursday 25 May we headed to Lake Macquarie, a short trip covering 16NM and taking us 2 hours. And unusually for me, I took no photos!
We anchored on the eastern side of Swansea Bridge to await the bridge opening that I’d booked for close to the high tide time. We needed as much depth as possible to safely travel through the Airforce Channel into the lake. We had a fantastic few weeks cruising Lake Macquarie and catching up with friends. And we were struck by how many bays there were with public docks and easy access to shops, pubs, and restaurants. We’ll definitely spend more time here on our way back.
Lake Macquarie to Refuge Bay
On Monday 12 June we exited the lake in the afternoon and waited on the west side of Swansea Bridge for it to open at 5pm. Then we picked up a mooring on the east side of Swansea Bridge for the night so we could have an early start on Tuesday. In fact, it was dark when we left and while we don’t often travel outside daylight hours, we had a known route and the weather was perfect, with less than 1m of swell. And we were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise as we cruised the 42NM south to Refuge Bay.
So it feels a bit surreal to be back here after three years’ cruising. We still think the waterways are lovely, but we’ve also realised there are many other great places to the north, such as Lake Macquarie and the Clarence River in NSW and many places in Queensland including The Whitsundays.
Where to next?
We’re cruising around the local area and have been very lucky to borrow a friend’s car so we can easily provision, catch up with friends, and make a trip to the Boating Warehouse and Bunnings. We’ll go over to Pittwater next week and then look to travelling south to Sydney Harbour.
12 Responses
What an adventure you’ve had! Do let me know when you are in Sydney, I’d love to catch up with you both + the cats! I live in Balmain and there is anchorage here, at Mort Bay.
I’ve never seen cats watching TV so intently before 😄
What an achievement! I didn’t realise you weren’t seasoned cruisers. Enjoy your time back home.
Very impressed with your newly learned skills. Your pictures and journalism would make a great ‘coffee table’ book. I understand your inner fear and trepidation at setting sail on your first journey. Just like the first time I shot an arrow at 70 metres. Well done Pam & partner !😊. Cheers Richard
4500! Well done you all! Thanks Pam for you excellent blogs and photos. Looking forward to reading about the Clarence if you go that way. It was on our bucket list for cruising with Isabella Jane. Our only option now is to enjoy it vicariously through you. BWs for the next part of your adventure!
I love the cat photos too – “The adventures of Radar and Vinnie”.
And your journey is only part-was through ………………………. I look forward to the next installment.
What amazing adventures you’ve had over the past 3 years, can’t wait to catch up again. I’m back in Sydney now after a month away. Jo xx
Wow! What a fulfilling journey. Well done guys.
I didn’t realise how inexperienced you were when you set off!! It goes to show what 2 capable people (and a coupla cats) can achieve.
We loved catching up when you were in Port Stephens. You look like you have had a nice trip back towards Sydney. Your photos are spectacular & we have enjoyed following your journey. A couple of rough days with chemo, the roller coaster continues.
Have a great trip in Sydney harbour. Safe travels. Glad your cats continue to enjoy boating! Take care cheers Gerry & Sonja 😘
What a wonderful adventure you have had! Its great to have done something that has allowed you to learn new skills on the way.
Now we look forward to your journey south.
Love the pussy cats!
A great effort by both of you! Enjoy your home turf 👍