Port Officer's Information Newcastle Harbour

Approach to Newcastle Harbour and facilities therein.

Date: 1st. November 2008.

General Comments
Newcastle Harbour is sometimes described as an “all-weather Port”. As we all know there is no such thing, but it is possible to enter Newcastle under all but the most extreme conditions. In conditions when there is a developed swell from the E/SE the passage between the breakwall heads can be a bit exciting but the surf quickly exhausts itself once between the walls.

The Entrance
The location of the harbour entrance can be identified by Nobby’s, a lump of land that once was an island and is now the base for a lighthouse and part of the south breakwall. The entrance is approximately 500m to its east. Approaching from the South caution should be exercised if hugging the coast as a series of reefs extend from the southern wall along Nobby’s beach. They are largely exposed at low water and generally break at any stage of the tide. From the North the approach is straightforward once Birubi Point is rounded. If unfamiliar with the entrance use the shipping channel buoys to make your passage as there is also a reef on the South side of the channel inside the breakwalls in the vicinity of the first small beach. Once past this there is plenty of water for the average yacht throughout the harbour. Obviously a flood tide is preferable for a smooth entry.

Precautions
Newcastle is a very busy commercial shipping port. 150,000 ton bulkers are not uncommon. Don’t expect them to stop for you. Once inside the harbour there is plenty of depth outside the shipping channel. Call Newcastle Harbour control on Channel 9 to get details of shipping movements before entering or leaving the Port. Coastal Patrol Newcastle is located high on the cliffs with a good view of the harbour entrance and the whole of Stockton Bight. Call them if you are concerned about conditions for entry.

Anchoring
The choices of anchorage are not great. The most commonly used is The Basin although it is possible to find a spot in the Hunter River. Shipping with associated tug activity can be disturbing in the river. If you do anchor be prepared for a very dirty hook when you get it up.

Best option is the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Marina located opposite the Dockyard at the entrance to Throsby Creek. It is new enough to be a work in progress and the facilities are good.

Important
It is located opposite an excellent pub at which you can buy the Port Officer a drink. The NCYC clubhouse is expected to be open by Xmas 08. Also across the road is a newsagent/postshop/CBA branch, and the best Greasy Joe’s on the East coast. The small Marketown shopping centre (Coles, Liquorland etc.) is about 10 minutes walk away.

Lots of things to do, places to go, and good transport options. Don’t go past.

Updated Nov 08