Bathurst Harbour
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Bathurst Harbour, Tasmania
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Bathurst Harbour.
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 | Local chartlet |
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Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour together provide a large world class temperate cruising ground. These two areas lie in the middle of Tasmania's World Heritage South West National Park.
Access is a challenge as the south and west coasts of Tasmania are fully exposed to the Southern Ocean. To the west, there is no land until you reach Argentina, to the south, the next land is Antarctica. There are few civilised facilities in the area and no permanent residents. There are no roads, although there is an unsealed airstrip at Melaleuca. Several walking tracks converge on this area, but the walk back to civilisation takes up to a week.
There is a huge number of anchorages spread around the shores of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour and these provide great opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Port Davey is a large bay, mostly open to the west and experiencing the full effect of the westerly swell, but there are sheltered bays around the edge which provide sheltered anchorage.
The Breaksea Islands provide a natural barrier which shields the Bathurst Channel from the swell and this channel has numerous excellent anchorages along its length.
After 8 miles, Bathurst Channel opens out into Bathurst Harbour, a large inland waterway. The Harbour is quite shallow at around 5 or 6 metres, but mostly free from dangers. There are several good, interesting anchorages around the harbour.
Melaleuca Inlet lies in the SW corner of Bathurst Harbour and can be navigated (with care) by most vessels for 3 miles to the settlement of Melaleuca where the airstrip is situated.
Cruising the region
Because these waterways are within a World Heritage Area and National Park, there are some restrictions on anchoring, use of motors, diving and fishing. These are not onerous and those who sail with a clean wake will not be troubled by them.
Boats visiting this area should be prepared to be self sufficient in fuel, food and spares for an extended period of time. Good water is available from several sources. There is no guarantee that a suitable weather window for return along the south coast will be available when needed, so all vessels should carry an adequate reserve of supplies.
Note that there are strong tidal flows in Bathurst Channel, especially in those areas that are particularly narrow. The water in Bathurst Channel and Harbour is heavily stained from its passage through the local button grass. This strong discolouration makes it impossible to assess depth by eye. Keep a close eye on your charts, your depth sounder and travel slowly in doubtful areas, especially those that have not been charted. Most of the anchorages in Bathurst Channel and Harbour are tenacious mud. Your anchor and chain will be liberally coated when you retrieve them.
The whole area is a national park. No pets are allowed. No dogs, no cats.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
- Chart Source
- Chart No
- Chart No
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Local Weather
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While most of the pictures show Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour on beautiful clear days, this picture shows the normal weather in Claytons Corner. Be prepared for extended periods of wet and windy weather.
Sea breezes tend to blow from the west and can be strong from noon on.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
- Weather forecasts are provide several times a day by Coast Radio Hobart on HF and VHF frequencies. There is a VHF repeater on Maatsuyker Island which broadcasts on channel 82. Reception of this channel in the Port Davey / Bathurst Harbour varies with your location and may depend on the height of your aerial. Clear line of sight through to Maatsuyker provides best reception.
Access to Bathurst Harbour from Port Davey is via the 8 mile long Bathurst Channel. This channel is generally deep. Where it is narrow, tidal flows can be very strong. This especially applies in Bathurst Narrows and in the gap between Joan Point and Farrell Point.
Berthing Options
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- None
Anchorages
The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service proved guidelines for visitors. In particular, see the map of the Port Davey Marine Reserve. Note the restrictions on anchoring, diving, fishing, motorised boating and any boating in some sensitive areas.
Bathurst Channel
Waterfall Bay
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Anchor in about 6 metres of water on a sand bottom, close to the waterfall. This anchorage is sheltered in all but strong easterly winds. The main value in anchoring here is to take on water from the waterfall. This can be done by maneuvering alongside the black poly pipe structure below the waterfall and using the hose provided.
Schooner Cove
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Schooner Cove is an excellent anchorage in Bathurst Channel. It is sheltered in all except strong easterly weather. Anchorage in 4 metres plus on a mud bottom. There is an aboriginal ochre mine and midden on the eastern side of the Cove. Note that there is a covered rock in the middle of the bay, normally marked by a pole. There are good walks on to the surrounding hillsides, all rewarded with great views.
Wombat Cove
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Wombat Cove is a pleasant small anchorage on the north side of Bathurst Channel. Anchorage is in about 4 metres on a sand bottom. This anchorage is sheltered from all wind directions, but there is very limited swinging room.
Parker Bay
This small bay is primarily a day anchorage for those wishing to visit the grave of Critchley Parker who died here in 1942. Anchorage can be found in about 4 metres of water in the middle of the bay.
Joe Page Bay
To visit the Spring River requires anchoring in a relatively exposed position in Joe Page Bay. It is possible to anchor in about 4m, soft mud not far from the river mouth. Approaching the anchorage, be aware of the rock about 200 metres south of Cone Island and the islands and reefs to the east of Hehir Island.
Note that Manwoneer Inlet and the lower reaches of the Spring River are areas frequented by Black Swans. You should try to avoid disturbing these birds if at all possible. Most of Manwoneer Inlet is very shallow, with large areas drying at low tide. The channel though the Inlet is indicated by a series of poles, though these have clearly not been maintained for some time. The River beyond the Inlet is restricted to non motorised vessels. While it is possible to row a dinghy for about one and a half miles beyond this point, it is not necessary to do this to see the most interesting aspects of the river. A short distance beyond entrance to the River, there is a large bay on the eastern side. Ruins of 19th century Huon Pining activities are to be found at the head of this bay.
Horseshoe Inlet
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Horseshoe Inlet is a very sheltered anchorage, but requires considerable care in negotiating its narrow entrance. There is a rock on the NE side of the entrance which should be avoided. There is limited swinging room in the Inlet and a shore line might be worth considering in some circumstances. The rest of the Inlet can be explored by dinghy and Balmoral Hill can be climbed easily using a track which leaves the bank opposite the anchorage. A small bay outside the entrance can be visited by dinghy and this gives access to the very picturesque Balmoral Beach. Though tempting, this small bay does appear to be suitable as an anchorage as it has very poor holding.
Ila Bay
Anchorage can be found on a mud bottom, about 6 metres depth. Note that there is an uncharted reef on the western side of the bay about 1/3 of a mile north of Farrell Point. This bay is suited to northerly conditions.
There is a dinghy landing at Point Farrell (and Point Joan) to allow bush walkers to cross Bathurst Channel. Boats are permanently located at both spots.
Landing at Point Farrell at the dinghy ramp gives access to this section of the Scotts Peak - Port Davey track. 3/4 hour easy walking leads to Lindsay Hill which can be climbed from the track without difficulty. This provides excellent views of Joe Page Bay and the Bathurst Channel.
Clytie Cove
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Clytie Cove is on the southern side of Bathurst Channel, just before the entrance to the Bathurst Narrows. It is an excellent anchorage, well protected from all but strong northerly winds. Mount Rugby forms a very scenic backdrop. Anchor in about 4 metres, mud bottom. Note that Ila Bay on the opposite side of the channel provides a complementary anchorage as it is sheltered from the north. Keep an eye out for eagles that frequent this area. There is a rough track from the small beach at the western side of the head of the bay which leads to the main Melaleuca track. Follow the track for excellent views from the obvious ridge.
Frogs Hollow
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Frogs Hollow lies just inside the western entrance to Bathurst Narrows on the southern side, just beyond Eve point. Depth is around 4 metres and the bottom is sand and mud. This all weather anchorage is a useful base from which to climb Mt Rugby. From the anchorage, dinghy across to Starvation Cove. The Mt Rugby track heads up the prominent ridge. Allow most of a day for the climb. Good footwear and suitable clothing for rough weather are essential for this climb. Note that a weather change could make a return dinghy trip across the Bathurst Narrows very dangerous.
Iola Bay
Iola Bay is an alternative base from which to climb Mt Rugby. The bay is small, shallow and there is a rock shelf extending from its southern side. Enter through the narrow entrance with care and anchor in the centre of the bay. To climb Mt Rugby, dinghy to Starvation Bay or to the small bay to the east of Iola on the northern side of the Channel, where the track heads up from a rocky beach. Note that you must not anchor in Bathurst Narrows, apart from in these bays. See the Port Davey Marine Reserve Map for details.
Bathurst Harbour
Kings Point
- The bay south of Kings Point offers a very good anchorage in strong westerly conditions. Anchor in about 4 metres on a mud bottom. Expect to take the full blast of the wind, but the holding should be more than adequate. This anchorage is very exposed to the east.
Claytons Corner
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Claytons Corner has the only jetty in the World Heritage area of SW Tasmania. Rain water tanks feed the hose on the jetty. Anchorage is in about 4 metres, with a thick mud bottom. Vessels drawing less than 2 metres should be able to use the western side of the jetty, but only at the outer end. Win & Clydes house and the attached water tanks are maintained by volunteers - please respect the facilities that have been provided. Note that a good track leads from the house to the top of Mt Beattie. This walk takes about an hour and provides excellent views of Bathurst Harbour, the Narrows and Mt Rugby. This is a good alternative short walk for those who don't fancy the day long effort of climbing Mt Rugby. The nearby Celery Top Islands have not experienced fire for hundreds of years and are free of root rot. For this reason , the Parks and Wildlife Service would prefer that people did not visit these islands. If you do choose to go ashore, please only visit the 2nd island and ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned all your walking gear (especially boots) of mud to prevent the transfer of root rot.
Moulters Inlet
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Moulters Inlet is a large, very shallow inlet on the southern side of Bathurst Harbour. Navigate carefully and expect to anchor in only about 2 metres of water on a mud bottom. Explore the Inlet by dinghy and climb the nearby hills for great views.
North Inlet
Earlier guides mark this area as a possible anchorage, however it is a black swan breeding area and motorised boating is not permitted anywhere north of the two points that form the entrance to the inlet.
Swan Cove and Old River
Swan Cove is a fairly open anchorage for those planning to explore the Old River by dinghy. It is really only suitable for use on calm days and would be particularly exposed in SW conditions. Use your depth sounder to find a suitable spot near the mouth of the river. The dinghy trip can take several hours and provides an opportunity to explore the lush riverside vegetation. Look for Huon Pines overhanging the river and for Leatherwoods when they are in flower. If you are feeling adventurous and do not draw more than 2 m, cross the bar and anchor in the Old River. Waypoints from 2012 are: start at 43° 19.86' S, 146° 12.73' E, head to 43° 19.75' S, 146° 13.03' E then turn towards 43° 19.68' S, 146° 13.45' E and anchor alongside the point.
Kings Jetty, Melaleuca Inlet
Melaleuca Inlet can be easily traversed by dinghy. If you wish to take your boat to Melaleuca, some care is required. Ideally, make the trip when the tide is high and still rising. A draft of 2 metres is probably the limit in most conditions. Generally follow standard river rules to find the deepest water. There are two lagoon areas to traverse. There are sticks marking the channel across these lagoons. Heading upstream, these sticks should be kept close (very close!!) to your port side. There is a 5 knot speed limit in most of the Inlet, but if you hit the mud at 5 knots, you may become a permanent feature. At the end of the Inlet, there is a pile structure against the northern bank. This was the permanent mooring for Deny King's boat, Melaleuca. This is the end of navigable water. The structure has deteriorated and is unsafe for mooring, though some boats were still using it (at their own risk!)in 2014. New mooring piles have been installed at the 'heavy landing', approximately 500 m down the Inlet from the old mooring, but the piles are at such an angle to the bank that you may have to stand off from them (somehow) to prevent your hull from rubbing on them below the waterline. An alternative is to anchor in the narrow channel opposite the old mooring, possibly running a line ashore. From here, it is a short dinghy ride up the Melaleuca Creek to the landing by the airstrip. Note that no vessels are permitted in Melaleuca Lagoon.
Yacht Repairs and Services
No facilities at all.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- None available
- Water
- Volunteers have refurbished Win and Clyde Clayton's house and its jetty in Clayton's Corner. Most vessels will find it possible to moor alongside the outer end of the jetty (western side is deepest). The roof of the house collects rain water to the tanks and this is piped to the jetty. Note that this is the only clear water in the area and others may need it as well, so only take what you really need, especially if the weather has been dry for a while.
- Electricity
- None available
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
List places of interest, tours, etc.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- None
Eateries
- None
Internet/WiFi
None
Laundry
- None
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- No roads, no cars
Garbage Disposal
There are no garbage disposal facilities with the World Heritage Area. Basically, if you sail into the area with it on board, sail out with it on board.
Parks and Wildlife prefer that holding tanks be used within the Bathurst Channel and Harbour area.
Transportation
- Access to the Port Davey area is by foot (up to a weeks walk), boat or by air to the Melaleuca airstrip. In summer, Par Avion run regular flights and in winter, occasional flights from Hobart airport. Note that Par Avion run tours from Melaleuca out into Bathurst Harbour and beyond using fast runabouts. If you intend having visitors join you, they will deliver them to your boat at Claytons Corner.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour (Wikipedia)
- Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
- Friends of Melaleuca
References & Publications
- J. Brettingham-Moore, Cruising Tasmania, Shadrach P/L, ISBN 9780731633319
- ROYAL YACHT CLUB OF TASMANIA, Tasmanian Anchorage Guide, ROYAL YACHT CLUB OF TASMANIA, ISBN xxxxxxxxxxxx
- The Anchorage guide is produced to enable passage planning and provides details of possible shelter available around the Tasmanian coast.
- Port Davey Marine Reserve Map and Notes - Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service (available from Service Tasmania).
An insight into the recent European history of the Port Davey and Bathurst harbour area can be found in:
- Christobel Mattingly, King of the Wilderness - the life of Deny King, Text Pub, ISBN 9781877008412
- Janet Fenton, Win and Clyde, Lindisfarne, ISBN 9780980856453
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:
- January 2014 - Pedro
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Names: Pedro |
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