Mooring location in Port Stephens NSW

[mausgras]

I can't decide which is the best forum for this so I'll put it here in General.

I expect to take my boat back to Oz in about three years and I have already started investigating potential mooring locations.

I have a son in the Hunter Valley where I expect to spend most of my land time So Port Stephens is topping the list at the moment. While I do not expect to live full time aboard I do expect to spend extended periods living at anchor, probably several weeks at a time.

I have absolutely no desire to be anywhere near Nelsons Bay, it's way to crowded and touristy and while Soldiers Point looks nice and convenient it is already full and a long waiting list. Same story with Lemon Tree Passage. Otherwise there are plenty of moorings available at Tillgerry Creek, Tanilba Bay, or the east side of Soldiers Point. Taylors Beach looked really pretty but no shops or transport. On the north side Karuah looks nice as does North Arm Cove. I haven't had a drive there yet.

I was wondering if any forum readers have experience of the area and could comment on a choice. I have a Bavaria 37 so I need some decent water under the keel, at least 2m, and somewhere secure I can leave the dinghy when I go shopping etc. What sort of exposure do each of the locations have from prevailing winds. I would really like to avoid buying a car so accessibility to public transport would also be nice.

[JPA Cate]

Mausgras,

Have you considered Lake Macquarie? Near Toronto? Good public trans, easy to get to market.

Ann

[Jim Cate]

There are a bunch of moorings in Salamander Bay, and it is deep enough and protected enough for general usage. It is our usual anchorage when transiting the area via Pt S.
From memory, there is bus service nearby, but some googling should clear that up.

Cheers,

Jim