Sailing to Australia - Coffs Harbour or Sydney for check in

[Sailingallday]

Good day folks

We will be heading out from New Zealand to Australia in the not too distant future

We had planned on arriving into the country in Sydney however two people have now suggested to us that check in at Coffs harbour is much easier and straight forward.

Has anybody here checked into both of these and can give feedback on which is the best/easiest one to go to?

[JPA Cate]

Well, we've checked in all the ports of entry on the east coast, south of Cairns, including Launceston, TAS. If you want to go to Sydney, do that. Perhaps you have business there. It's not that hard. It is also a busy harbour, with lots of stuff to avoid, and the ferries are the stand on vessels--you have to stay out of their way, even under sail. Fines apply. If it were my first trip to Syd., I'd find out in advance where to go to the clearance dock. They move it around at their whim, so current information is needed. You may be getting a cruising permit. You could be limited to the international anchorage, which is not very good in strong SE winds. There may be time limits for some anchorages. Check with Waterways.



Coff's is fairly small, simple access, and currently is a work in progress, and I agree with your informants it is easier. It is also a long way north of Sydney, and if Sydney is the goal, and you want to check in in Newcastle, then it is but a day sail to Pittwater (and buses to Syd), or to Syd.

If you're wanting a cruise before going to Syd, then Coff's is good, and a pleasant sail in day hops or greater, to loaf along and see some stuff and have some nice hikes on the way. Depends on what you want to do. If you like to fish, you'll want to get a license, or not fish anyhow. They take preserving fish stocks seriously.

Ann

[chrisr]

as an aussie : i would avoid sydney if you can. too busy...to crowded...too many little adolfs-in-uniform who just want to make your life a misery

the further you are from sydney to easier life is. coffs is great...newcastle is ok

once checked-in, agree with ann - if you need to go to sydney, call into pittwater, rather than sydney harbour. much nicer and almost cruiser tolerant (unlike sydney harbour where you are just a target)

cheres,