Anyone ever anchored in Forster on NSW coast?

[surfingminniwinni]

Thinking of pulling in on Sunday and wondering about swing room, tide flow etc. Any opinions welcomed.

[ozsailer]

Hi Glen,
I have not been into Forster personally but have been helping a friend plan his forthcoming trip north. If you have a copy of Alan Lucas's "Cruising the NSW Coast" he gives a very good insight into Cape Hawke Harbour (Tuncurry/Forster). There is a marina on the Sou/Eastern side of the entrance. It appears to be a very shallow marina and I would suggest it wise to contact the marina for details as to access.
There are pile berths on the northern end of the western side and a few on the Forster side closer to the bridge. The ones closet the bridge should be approached with caution due to the tidal flow which may see you inadvertently introduce your boat to the bridge . (you wouldn't be the first one ) From Lucas there is only one area for anchoring and that off Tuncurry being aware of the sandbanks, tides etc.
Hope this is of some assistance. There is a VMR station at Forster that has a bar video cam.

Greg
Southerly Miss
Lake Macquarie

[surfingminniwinni]

Originally Posted by ozsailer

Hi Glen,
I have not been into Forster personally but have been helping a friend plan his forthcoming trip north. If you have a copy of Alan Lucas's "Cruising the NSW Coast" he gives a very good insight into Cape Hawke Harbour (Tuncurry/Forster). There is a marina on the Sou/Eastern side of the entrance. It appears to be a very shallow marina and I would suggest it wise to contact the marina for details as to access.
There are pile berths on the northern end of the western side and a few on the Forster side closer to the bridge. The ones closet the bridge should be approached with caution due to the tidal flow which may see you inadvertently introduce your boat to the bridge . (you wouldn't be the first one ) From Lucas there is only one area for anchoring and that off Tuncurry being aware of the sandbanks, tides etc.
Hope this is of some assistance. There is a VMR station at Forster that has a bar video cam.

Greg
Southerly Miss
Lake Macquarie

Thanks Greg,

I have Lucas onboard, and his description of Forster leaves a lot to interpretation. From experience I know Lucas, with good reason is very cautious with his guides. I will ring the marina tomorrow, I'd prefer to go there than to anchor in the tidal stream. I draw 1.8 mtrs, and yacht is 46 ft, I'm not sure if I'll fit in there? Anyway lets hope that someone who has been there chimes in thanks again!

[boden36]

My memories of Forster is that there is very little swing room for anchoring, and the tidal flow is quite strong. With all this rain it may be even stronger.
Last time we were in there (years ago!) we arranged to raft up with a yacht that was moored alongside. Maybe you could call the VMR (?) and ask whether there are any vacant berths.

Regards,
Richard.

[surfingminniwinni]

Thanks everyone, I've decided to go straight to Camden Haven

[44'cruisingcat]

We anchored at Forster last year. It's fine, there's enough room, but not a heck of a lot more than that. Deep draught would reduce the available room, as you anchor on the edge of a sandbar, so you leave the channel clear.

Camden Haven is a good choice though.

[casablanca]

I've anchored there twice but won't do it again. Tide runs fast and when you have wind vs tide the boat swings all over the place. Broke the hook on the bridle last time when the tide caught the boat and the anchor came taught with an almighty bang.

There are pile berths near the fish co- op which are fairly cheap, although you have to tie up against the piles.

Bob
Casablanca Lagoon420

[Jim Cate]

G'Day Glenn

We have anchored there many times... and been a bit nervous each one of them! The only area for deeper draft vessels is just downstream from the road bridge, and as others have said the flow is strongish and the room minimal. The holding is good in firm sand, though and we have always stayed put. Would not want to be there in severe conditions, though!

We have entered during the ebb (benign conditions at sea) with no trouble on the bar, but the outgoing current can run 6 knots near the entrance which limits access for slower boats. With our 2.2 metre draft we've never investigated the marina.

BTW, while Camden Haven is attractive, we've been denied access by breaking seas at the bar even at HW slack, so it isn't a slam-dunk entrance. Have sat out some strong winds there, opposite the RSL wharf, and the wind vs tide situation can be quite unpleasant. Much more room than at Forster, though. If you do go there and the wx is nice do the walk up the Brother. The view from the top is outstanding!

Happy cruising, mate

Jim

[44'cruisingcat]

Or if you're not so fit, take a taxi up North Brother, and walk down!

[surfingminniwinni]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Or if you're not so fit, take a taxi up North Brother, and walk down!

Mate! I'm 60 if I'm a day! Jen tells me I can do it!

We made Camden Haven today, bar was flat, so smooth crossing. Hired a mooring from the Dunbogan boatshed.
Thanks for everyone's input.

[Boracay]

I'll second the comment on the current being strong (don't ask).

I just reread my edition of Lucas. The section is quite short.

Came in on a rising tide which was very useful (don't ask).

We used a pile "jetty" near the restaurant" and found it tricky to tie up and even trickier to leave. Paid the modest fee at the co-op.

This is one place where I really appreciated having a steel boat.

[ozmate]

We are presently anchored at Forster just at the end of the channel, we had no problems acrossing the bar , its very calm and anchor holding well. Just lots of rain.