Albany, Australia

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Revision as of 14:41, 25 March 2015

Albany, Western Australia (Port of Entry)

(Click links for more information)
	35°1.534′S, 117°53.23′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

• See Wikipedia on King George Sound.
• See Wikipedia on History of Albany.
• See current tourist information on AU Tourist info.
• See current local government information on AU Tourist info.

Local Weather

Give local weather conditions or refer to another page (a region or island group) that covers these conditions.

Sources for Weather forecasts:

• Weatherzone

Charts

Australian Hydrographic Service

Aus110 - Australia South Coast - Western Australia - King George Sound

Radio Nets

See Western Australia.

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Local Volunteer Sea Rescue "Albany Sea Rescue Squad" keeps a 24/7 listening watch on VHF channel 16 and 82. The base is manned every Saturday and Sunday from 0800 to 1700 hrs and at other times VHF is monitored from home-bases. The premises are at Emu Point. They have 2 high speed RIB Naids, and one 10 mt Steber craft with 2 Cat diesel engines.

Channel #82 (repeater) is used commonly for non-emergency traffic, including as 'call' channel. This group has an HF radio but is not monitored. Range of VHF reception is about from Cheyne's Beach in the East to Denmark in the West. Call sign is "VMR610". 'VMR' stands for: Volunteer Marine Rescue.

Contact details

Base phone : +61 8 9844 1005

For reporting emergencies phone: +61 427 923 557

Website

Email

Approach and Navigation

Coming from the West

You can pass Eclipse Island either side, lighthouse on top

• Watch out for Vancouver Rocks at coordinates approx -to come-. At calm seas and high tide still visible, in rough seas (approaching from the West) you won't see them either until you are on top of them.

Just round the pointy bit ("Bald Head") and sail or steam towards Princess Royal Harbour or Oyster Harbour. Waters round Bald Head are very deep. Just mind the swell and the wash back from the rocks ashore when you are close to Bald Head.

You will see Breaksea Island ahead (lighthouse on top), keep that to your right, or in nautical parlance: keep that to starboard.

Coming from the South

Meaning from Antarctica? If you need this information you should have never gone South!

Coming from the East

Generally between Breaksea Island (with lighthouse) and Michealmas Island. Deep waters all round.

Or between Michealmas Island and the shore. Again deep waters everywhere.

• After passing Michealmas on the portside, just mind Gull Rock, which you might not see at night as it is a rock only and 1-2 metres high, deep water round this.

Approach Princess Royal Harbour

East of Mistaken Island there are 2 rocks ("Two Sisters") submerged at high tide, seas are often breaking here, keep well East of these.

North of Mistaken Island and the "Two Sisters" there is a large oyster-farm, indicated by small yellow markers and faint flashing lights at night. Easily missed, both day and night. Stay East or North of all this.

A deep channel is dredged (to 12-13 mt) and marked for the big ships towards Ataturk entrance, which leads into Princess Royal Harbour.

• It is deep (ie 4 mt plus) outside the channel, right to close to shore (ie 30 mt), except for:
  • 2 rocks at coordinates approx -to come-
  • multiple rocks past the 3rd port marker, and these are now roughly marked with a Cardinal marker at approx -to come-

Approach Oyster Harbour via Emu Point Channel

hmmm, there is no other entry:

There is a sectored laser-light on the western shore:

Cheyne's Ledge is a reef, but the local name for this is "Skippy's Reef"; this is visible as the waves break over this in all but the calmest conditions, at coordinates approx -to come-, with a moored cardinal buoy is on the South side and lit at night.

• One can sail/motor on the inside of this reef ie stay close to shore ie no further out than 50 metres.

Emu Point channel is marked, and it narrowest approx 50 mt wide.

• At times there is a tidal current up to 2-3 Knots.
• It is not advisable to sail only as often winds are fickle here and the hill to the East causes the wind to change often by 180 degrees! Motor-sail if you want, to impress the folks on the groyne on the western side.
• If there is a large swell running one tends to surge or even surf into the channel, although not without danger of broaching! In particular when tide is running out and swell/winds going the other direction. Therefore if the winds are Southerly and over 35 knots and/or waves 2 mts or more, unless you have local knowledge, consider alternatives and avoid this entrance.

Once in the narrowest part swell decreases and one can follow the narrow marked channel to the marina. Shortcuts are penalised at best with touching the seaweed over sand bottom, or at worst an instant soft 'thump': you run aground.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Submit details about facilities for checking in - location of immigration & customs, etc.

Berthing Options

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

There are three marinas in Albany suitable for sailing vessels and a fourth one is very basic and now being repaired, but may only be open to vessels who are member of a private consortium. This latter marina is situated further into Oyster Harbour, near Elizabeth street.

The other 3 marinas are:

1. Albany town Marina, situated in Princess Royal Harbour
   • New in 2011, floating pontoons, quite pricey and close to centre of town (500 mts).
   • Toilet and shower on shore but no other facilities.
   • There is large wooden jetty, that allows bigger boats ie up to 200 ft to and ??? tons to be docked. This jetty is used for events like Endeavour, sail training ship Leeuwin, around the world clipper race etc.
   • There is also one jetty with floating pontoon for visiting boats, free of charge and a time limit of 2 (TBC) hours
   • There are 3 public launching ramps next to the marina.
   • To the West is a small (but good!) coffee shop, and 2 cafe/restaurants
   • This marina is managed by the Department of Transport in WA
     • Phone contact: +61 8 9842 7333
     • Website
     • offices are located on Stirling Terrace
2. Emu Point Marina is situated in Oyster Harbour
   • Follow the channel to enter this marina!!! Only a kayak might be able to cross the sandbars/weed-shallows at high tide.
   • Max draft vessels of approx 2.3 mts (7.5 ft), jetties are wooden and fixed.
   • There is slipway for up to 40 tons and a large hardstand and a good local shipwright
   • There is a large service jetty with car access for loading and unloading. Generally no daily/weekly hire of pens are available.
   • A beach area between the jetties can be used to come ashore in your tender.
   • There are 3 public ramps for launching trailable boats.
   • The beach on the eastern side is accessable to cars and very popular with locals as well.
   • Public toilets are situated on the grassed areas behind the beach.
   • A chandlery there caters mainly for trailable powerboats.
   • A good fish and chips shop on the foreshore, otherwise town is approx 8 km away by road
   • Bus service to town 3-6 times a day, bus-stop is 500 metres away
   • The pens for the professional fishermen are managed by the Department of Transport, contact details see above in 1)
   • Recreational pens are managed by the City of Albany:
     • Phone:+61 8 9841 9333
     • Website
     • Website for information on pens
     • Council offices are located on North Road
3. Princess Royal Sailing Club is situated across the harbour from Albany in "Little Grove"
   • Facilities are fairly old, and deep drafted vessels ie over 2 mt (6.6 ft) might bump the sand now and then.
   • There is one floating pontoon, only attempt to dock there if it is close to high tide and your draft is less than 1.5 mt (5ft)
   • Most pens are quite narrow-ish. There are 3 pens for catamarans.
   • Short term hire of pens is possible and the cheapest in Albany. There are nearly always pens available.
   • There is a jinker with large winch that can accommodate boats up to 6 (tbc!) tons.
   • Bar and restaurant are open Friday evenings and bar is open post racing on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Wonderful harbour views from the clubhouse!
   • Two public ramps for launching boats from trailers are next to the Sailing Club.
   • Closest deli/small supermarket/bottleshop and fuel station is approx 1 Km away by road.
   • Albany city centre is 11 km by road
   • A bus-stop is approx 1 Km away, but busses ride only 2 to 3 times a day
   • Contact details PRSC:
     • Phone: +61 8 9844 4033
     • Email
     • Website

Anchorages

Albany Local

No real safe winter anchorages on the coast near Albany or in King George Sound; Oyster Harbour and Princess Royal Harbour are far better options in adverse weather conditions. But then again, if one has good groundtackle..... one can anchor anywhere.

• Frenchmens Bay offers good anchorages when it is blowing from the South or West
  • In front of the old whale station coordinates approx -to come-; there is a coffee shop at the Whale Museum, easy access to the beach behind the groyne, hmmmm, jetty and groyne was supposed to cater for big boats, but it all silted up.
  • Further West in Frenchmens Bay itself coordinates approx -to come-, where there is a spring that always provides fresh water, flowing from the rocks in the bush onto the beach. Captain Vancouver used that in year 1791 (as per Wikipedia). Water is 2 to 8 metres. Bottom is seaweed over sand. Stay approx 100-200 metres from the beach as it becomes very shallow. Good access to the beach. 13 km to nearest shop, 25 Km to Albany via road, no public transport.
  • Further west still, in front of Goode Beach and its same name settlement (no shops though), anchor in 3 to 15 metres of water crystal blue water with weed patches, anchoring is possible right up to Mistaken Island, then also being in the lee of any northerly winds, but more exposed to S to E winds.
• Ellen Cove, that is in front of Middleton Beach: coordinates approx -to come-, no protection from the summer Easterlies, very rolly in a swell (and there is nearly always a swell) sandy bottom with some seaweed, reasonable access to the beach, coffeshops, cafes and restaurants on the beach front, 3.5 km to Albany via road, regular bus service to town.
• Johnson's Cove, inside Oyster Harbour, coordinates approx - to come-, in 3 metres of water, bottom seaweed over sand, anchoring is prohibited but there are 3 public moorings for boats up to 15 metres, very well protected from the Easterlies that blow from November to March. Approach in the dark is not recommended, approach is via an unmarked wide channel. A long (and often wet) 1 Nm dinghy ride to the Emu Point Marina. 8 Km to Albany city centre via road, limited bus service to town.
• Oyster Harbour: coordinates approx -to come-, which is to the N and NW of the Emu Point Marina, in waters 3-5 metres, bottom is seaweed over sand/mud. Good protection in winter from westerlies, 0.5 Nm to Emu Point Marina. There are now (2015) 3 moorings here, owned by Emu Point Slipway services. A fourth mooring is privately owned.
• Inside Princess Royal Harbour. Coordinates approx -to come-, directly West of the town marina, in the lee of the groynes, good protection in summer from East and North in waters 2-4 metres, sea weed over sand. Not good in winter storms. Close to town, 100 metres in dinghy, 300 metres walk into town.
  • In fact one can anchor nearly anywhere in Princess Royal Harbour, depth is usually 2 to 5 metres, but check charts as there are large areas of shallow water to the West and South. The area close to the docks of the merchant vessels is dredged to 13 metres and obviously off limits for anchoring.

Within a daysail from Albany

Going from West to East

• Torbay, waters around West Cape Howe are often rough, and in particular around Torbay Head. Out in the ocean there is a slow Leeuwin current from West to East direction from 0.1 to 0.5 Knots, and in Torbay itself there is often a current going anticlockwise.
  • Dunsky Beach, the first beach around Torbay Head is only small room for 2 or 3 boats, in 4 to 10 metres of water with sand and seaweed, good protection from S to NW winds, although swell is nearly always present. Beach is accessible with dinghy, and by 4WD via a long and very rough track
  • Shelley Beach is the 2nd beach, 0.5 Nm further North, water is 6 to 12 metres but then drops off steeply, sandy with seaweed, protection from SW to NW, always a swell. Beach is mostly not accessible by dinghy due to large surf. This beach is well known for its hang-gliding (from the top of the cliff), cliff climbing and whale watching in season (July-October). There are always campers on the grassed area behind the beach, has easy car access.
  • Dingo Beach is next. Often a surf will prevent dinghy access; a rough track for 4WD only can lead to civilisation, anchorage protected from the SW to the N.
  • There are good protected anchorages behind the 2 islands Richards and Migo, protection from virtually all directions, and the water is deep enough to allow an approach close to shore, depth goes from 12-6 metres to 3 metres. Passed Migo island it shallows to 1.5 metres and then just rocks...... If you are passed the 3 fishermen's moorings then you have gone too far, and you will see Hartmans Beach, a spot that is used to launch trailer boats from, you are about the hit the rocky bottom.......
  • Cozy Corner is long sweeping beach with one outcrop of rocks, protection from S to N, in 4 to 10 metres of water, sand and seaweed
  • After the rocky outcrop it is called Perkins beach. Protection is good from the W to NE. There is an estuary visible that at times breaks though the beach-sand ie in early spring, draining into the ocean, this then colours the water murky brown caused by the tannins in the fresh water.
  • And if you tuck behind Shelter Island, between it and the shore, (although the local name for this island is "Muttonbird Is") you are protected from virtually all directions. Water is crystal blue over sand, becoming quite shallow towards the reef that protects the SE entrance. So, there is only one way in and out there, the same way one came from!
  • In the middle of Torbay is another island, Seagull island. One can anchor on the North side and be protected from wind and swell from the South. Approach is only from the NW to N!! Water is 8 to 15 metres with sand and seaweed.

• In the stretch from Shelter Island to Bald Head there are some beaches and generally NOT suitable for anchoring due to the large swell and the depth of the water.

• Anchorages from Bald Head to Johnson Cove are listed in local anchorages

• Anchorage East of Albany: details to be provided in due course
  • Ledge beach
  • Nanarup Beach
  • Coffin Island
  • Two Peoples Bay South/West
  • Two Peoples Bay North/East
  • Two Peoples Bay small cove unnamed
  • Betty's Beach
  • Waychinicup Inlet stunning!!!!
  • Cheyne's beach / Hassell Beach

Right now we are well beyond a day's sail from Albany

• Cape Riche
• Black Head / Boat harbour
• Around Groper Bluff (Beaufort Inlet)
• Dillon Bay
• Bremer Bay
• Doubtful Bay
• Point Ann
• Hopetoun/Hopetown
• Mason Bay
• Starvation Bay

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Eclipse Island: Lighthouse on top, deep water both North and South of the island
• Breaksea Island: this has a lighthouse on it, deep water all way around, 20-40 metres
• Michaelmas Island: deep water all way round 10-30 metres, although there is small patch on the North side (between it and the main land, where large ships anchor at times, in water 10-15 metres deep
• Mistaken Island, hmmmm, only with very good local knowledge you can sail around it:
  • On the North side a 80-100 mt wide space between it and the oyster farm, depth 4-10 metres
  • On the East two rocks ("Two Sisters"), where seas are nearly always breaking, although on a very calm day you might be able to go between these 2 rocks and the island, in a small dinghy or kayak, otherwise give these a wide berth, depth 5-12 metres
  • On the South side, again one line of an oyster farm/floats, about 200 metres off the island. Water is 4-14 metres deep here.
  • On the West side a very narrow, shallow channel with a sandy bottom, littered with rocks, some submerged, good only for a dinghy or a yacht with good local knowledge and a fearless attitude.
• Seal Island: in King George Sound with clear deep water all round, 15-30 metres of water.
• Green Island: in Oyster Harbour with shallow water around it, sea weed over rocky ground, in 0.5 to 2 metres of water. One would not like to get on this island, or downwind from it, due to the awful bird-poo smell. Thousands of seagulls, pelicans and other birds breed here.
  • BTW, there are two small islands plus a rock also with the name "Green Islands", just NW of Eclipse Island; these islands do not show much greenery either.

Then there are some "rocks" in King George Sound: Gull Rock, Rock Dunder and Flat Rock. Deep water all around these.

None of the above islands and rocks can be accessed easily, no beaches; large swell with rocky coast makes it quite dangerous. In fact most islands are nature reserves anyway. Rock Dunder, in particular, can throw enormous plumes of foamy white water into the air, when there is a swell coming in from the South.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

• Rusty Marine, Chesterpass road, 7 km out of town, caters mainly for small powerboats, Honda dealer
• GB Marine, Chesterpass road, 7 km out of town, caters mainly for small powerboats, Suzuki dealer
• Watercraft Marine, at the Emu Point Marina, caters mainly for small powerboats, Yamaha dealer
• Westerberg, on the town waterfront, caters mainly for the small to medium powerboats, also a boat builder in aluminium
• O'Keefe, Serpentine rd, right in town, paintshop that also sells some SS boat fittings, some rigging

Camping and fishing, and some small boat stuff

• Trailblazer, Albany Highway, 1 km from centre of town; enormous range of gear, including clothing
• BCF, Albany Highway, 3 km out of town

Hardware

• Makit Hardware, Chesterpass road, 6 km out of town
• Southern Tools and Fasteners, Chesterpass road, 5 km out of town, large range of fasteners, and lawn mowers, I thought you might like to know that
• Bunnings, Albany Highway, 4 km out of town
• Home Hardware, Stirling Terrace, at the bottom of town, close to town marina

Hydraulics

• Albany Hydraulics, Chesterpass road, 5 km out of town

Other:

• V-belt and rubber, Albany Hwy, close to town, large range of hoses, fittings, belts, pullies, filters
• Albany plastics, Albany Hwy, close to town, plastic boxes, foam, mats

Repairs/Yards

Slipway/shipwright

• Emu Point
  • provides also hardstand

Canvas repair 

• Crumps canvas, Kelly rd, 4 km out of town (behind Bunnings); they may do sail repairs as well

12 Volt Electrical

Diesel engine

Aluminium / SS fabrication

• Albany Aluminium Fabrication, Graham st, centre of Albany
• Westerberg, on the foreshore near the town marina, also a (power)boat builder

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

None of the marinas and jetties have a fuel bowser. Although one can order a fuel delivery by contacting GSF (Great Southern Fuels) on 08 9844 3243.

The other alternative is to make multiple trips using jerrycans..... then the following retail/car outlets are closest:

Emu Point: One of the caravan parks (Rose Gardens on Mermaid drive, 500 mt away) sells fuel, I need to check if they sell diesel as well.

or otherwise at BP on Angove St. in Spencer Park, approx 5 km away

Town Marina: Caltex, on top of York St, 1-2 km away, at least the trip with full jerrycans is downhill....-

Princess Royal Sailing Club: 1 km up the road

Water

Water is available in all marinas and jetties

Electricity

Electricity is available in all marinas, although there are limited outlets in the Emu Point marina.

Outlets are all 240 Volt, and generally limited to 10 Amps

Nautical events

• Albany Anzac Commemorative race, 17-27 April 2015
  • Ocean race Fremantle - Albany, approx 380 NM, leaves Fremantle Friday 17-04-15 1100 hrs
  • First yachts are expected in Albany after midday Sunday 19-04-15; if winds are not favourable.... much, much later
  • Yachts leaving Albany for the return race: Saturday 25-04-15 around midday (please check time)
  • More info

• Around the world Clipper race, 21 November to 2 December 2015
  • Race starts in UK on 30-08-15
  • Third leg from South Africa will finish in Albany in arrival window 22 to 27 November 2015
  • Fourth leg will start on 1 December 2015
  • More info

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

List places of interest, tours, etc.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Coles and Woolworth in centre of town (open 6 days a week)
• IGA x3: one on North Road, one near railway close to town marina, and one in Spencer park near the hospital (all open 7 to 7, 7 days a week)
• Small handy market/deli/fuel/bottleshop, 1 km from Princess Royal Sailing Club marina in Little Grove

Eateries

Too many to list: coffee shops, cafes and restaurants all over town, concentrated in town and some in Middleton Beach area.

Internet/WiFi

There is no free WiFi on the waterfront. Emu Point Cafe has WiFi for its customers, but it barely reaches the marina, and this cafe closes at 1700 hrs. Of course many coffee shops in town offer WiFi, but mostly nowadays (2014) give you a key or password to access that. And it may be valid only for an hour or so. The local Library on York Street (centre of town) offer computers and internet free.

The one internet cafe (Ethereal) still advertised on the web is not offering that service anymore.

Laundry

There are 2 laundries in Albany both in Middleton Loop in the centre of town, only 50 mts away from each other. One is nearly twice the price than the other, one has newer machines, see for yourself.

Update in March 15: one laundry has moved to 24 Minna st, approx 700 mt away, still in town

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Garbage Disposal

?

Transportation

• Plane travel: Virgin Airlines is flying to/from Perth 2 to 4 times daily, Timetable
  • Prices generally $160 to $200 one way (Jan 2015)
  • Airport is 15 km out of town
• Coach (bus) travel provided by "TransWA" to/from Perth, Bunbury and Esperance Website
  • Bunbury and Perth daily, Esperance twice weekly
  • Prices $55 to $70 one way (2014)
• Local busses Timetables
  • particularly timetable "Albany #2" is interesting for yachties as it includes Emu Point (route #803) and Little Grove/Sailing Club (route #805)
• Taxis:
  • Albany City Cabs: ph +61 131 008
  • Amity taxis: ph +61 9842 2855
  • Eclipse taxis: ph +61 132 227, also does tours
  • Taxis and charters: ph +61 9844 4444
• Hire cars:
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Albany car hire
• Although there is a railway link to Perth, it is not used for passengers anymore

more info to come

Routes/Passages To/From

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

One can contact the following for more information or assistance:

• This is the website of the local sailing Club: Website
  • note this website is not updated regularly, but emails are checked at least 3 times a week, when the manager is present at the club
• For repairs and haulout: Emupoint Slipyard Services as per contact details under the Yacht Repair heading
• For Sea Rescue see contact details under Radio Nets

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

List links external to the wiki such as in Wikepedia.

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc. Use the Reference template or not at your discretion. For example:

{{Reference|Rod Heikel|Greek Waters Pilot|Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire|9780852889718}}, expands to

Rod Heikell, Greek Waters Pilot Imray, Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire, ISBN 9780852889718

• Author, Title, Publisher, ISBN ISBN number
• Author, Title, Publisher, ISBN ISBN number

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• To the best of my knowledge, information and links are correct at Feb 2015
• However a seconder to this info would validate the information
• Photos, coordinates and maybe 'chartlets' may be added later when I get more knowledgeable with this cruisers-wiki stuff --HankOnthewate

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