Western Australia
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WESTERN AUSTRALIA CRUISING GUIDE
An online Cruising Guide for yachts sailing the coast of Western Australia.
Background
Submit details about the sailing in the area, etc.
Climate and Weather
North Western Australia Tropical Cyclones November to April with occassional activity either side of these months and maximum occurence in January, February and March. Squalls are common particularly in the cyclone transition periods. Affecting all areas from Canarvon north encompassing all northern Australian land and sea areas. Occassional activity affecting areas south of Canarvon. It is the Northern wet season with very unpleasant, hot and humid conditions extending for areas from Tropic of Capricorn north. Rainfall accompanying cyclones is very heavy.
Sources for weather forecasts:
Passagemaking
Currents - Highly variable direction - generally running at 3/4kn to 1kn but up to 3kn in some areas .
Best time May to October coinciding with the dry season. Best time June, July, August, September. Warm to hot conditions with lower humidity. SE trade winds predominate blowing from E to S average force 4 to 5, stronger at night. Intense High (anticyclone) systems in the southern area can increase wind strength between force 6 to 8.The trade winds are generally associated with fine weather. Occassional tropical storms occur. Excellent conditions are experienced during this time with frequent light conditions for North western areas resulting in more frequent motoring. Strongly recommend carrying extra water and fuel in the Kimberley area Broome to Darwin as supplies are not readily available or are long distances apart Strong SE to SW winds are regularly experienced during the dry season for areas south of Exmouth making for uncomfortable passages south. Waiting for a High system with moderate E to NE winds is recommended for passages south.
Strong tidal streams to 4 kn (but up to 10 kn in the approach to large bays and narrow channels) occur in the NW area together with excessive tides (rise and fall of up to 12 metres). Extreme caution navigating and selecting anchorages is required. Numerous unmarked "bombies" and shallows abound requiring careful navigation along coastal waters.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Ports & Popular Stops
- Albany, Australia (Port of entry)
- Broome, Australia (Port of entry)
- Bunbury (Port of entry)
- Carnarvon, Australia (Port of entry)
- Dampier, Australia (Port of entry)
- Derby, Australia
- Esperance (Port of entry)
- Exmouth, Australia
- Perth (Fremantle) (Port of entry)
- Geraldton (Port of entry)
- Onslow, Australia
- Port Hedland (Port of entry)
- Port Walcott
Offshore Islands
List Islands
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
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