Brisbane to Coffs -nice places to stop ?

[Heg]

Hi
We will be sailing from Brisbane to Coffs at the end of October/early November to ready ourselves for our crossing to NZ.
We could sail it in one go, but would prefer to take a few days to stop off along the way.
Are there any 'must see' places enroute? We need spots where we can anchor please. We have a 40ft cat and draw 1.3m
Thanks

[Jim Cate]

"Must see"? Not so much IMO, but there are certainly some good stops on that route.

I don't count Southport and environs as one, but some would do so. Crowded and loaded with rental jet ski type activities, parasailing, "thrill rides", etc.. Gack..

The Tweed river is accessible, and offers anchorage.

Byron Bay is a good roadstead anchorage in winds from the southern quadrant, right through the west. Can be rolly for monohulls, but that shouldn't bother you.

Richmond river also offers anchorage, but has a treacherous bar. Be very sure of bar conditions before entering.

The Clarence entrance is much better, and the river is scenic and little used by yachts. Excellent anchorage in Iluka, and the trip up to Grafton is very pleasant. Highly recommended!

And then it is only a day hop to Coffs...

Jim

[Heg]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

"Must see"? Not so much IMO, but there are certainly some good stops on that route.

I don't count Southport and environs as one, but some would do so. Crowded and loaded with rental jet ski type activities, parasailing, "thrill rides", etc.. Gack..

The Tweed river is accessible, and offers anchorage.

Byron Bay is a good roadstead anchorage in winds from the southern quadrant, right through the west. Can be rolly for monohulls, but that shouldn't bother you.

Richmond river also offers anchorage, but has a treacherous bar. Be very sure of bar conditions before entering.

The Clarence entrance is much better, and the river is scenic and little used by yachts. Excellent anchorage in Iluka, and the trip up to Grafton is very pleasant. Highly recommended!

And then it is only a day hop to Coffs...

Jim

Thanks Jim
We we forced to spend a few months in the Southport area when we first got the boat and couldn't agree more with your sentiments. No desire to go back.

[Mozzie]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

The Clarence entrance is much better, and the river is scenic and little used by yachts. Excellent anchorage in Iluka, and the trip up to Grafton is very pleasant. Highly recommended!

I was looking at all of the rivers and inland waters that are available to cruisers in the US the other day. They are so spoilt. Our rivers generally seem to be short and often have treacherous bars. It looks like the Clarence is pretty much the best river for cruising, except for maybe up North where they are a dime a dozen.