I am thinking about calling into Newcastle harbour for an overnight stop on my way up the coast. Has anyone anchored here. I only need 1.8m draft and was wondering whether are any areas to sneak into without having to go to the Newcastle YC marina.
Yes, you can duck up the river(right arm) and anchor before the bridge that limits further navigation to masted yachts.
As your entering harbour chuck to lefts then there is the bridge & some shallow drafted moored boats, quiet spot, occasion fumes from the chemical plant to the West.
Select to expand quoteBlueMoon said..quiet spot, occasion fumes from the chemical plant to the West.
I could highly recommend Newcastle YC for a day or overnight stop!
Last time l was there they were more than reasonable, so l stayed for almos three weeks.
I was told, they do not charge for the first day or a day stop but l would check that by ringing them.
I agree with Sirgal, however if you are just after an overnight anchorage then just before the bridge will be just fine.
On your way north, Esmerelda Cove on Broughton Island is a good anchorage but is exposed to the south. Alternatly the north beach is a good anchorgae in south type winds.
Of course Port Stephens is always good. The bay to the north, just inside is good in the right weather if you just want a quick stop.
We were at Crowdy Head for two nights a year ago. The fish co-op is now closed and there is now nowhere to pay for berthing. We tied up at the co-op jetty for two days and couldn't find anybody to pay for the priveledge. It's a nice sheltered spot if it suits your timing.
Safe sailing and fair winds.
Thanks guys for the help. I was looking at Newcastle as a stop if I couldn't get through to Port Stephens in daylight as I didn't want to go into a new anchorage in the dark.
Hopefully with the southerlies forecast for early next week it will be a quick run all the way through to Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a very safe entry and as long as you take the southern heads can't remember their name wide and look iut for fish traps you will be fine entering at night. Marine rescue can actually see you entering and guide you through. Cowdy head is now free . Watch out for tue current once you go around Seal Rocks. It is about 32 nm from Nobbys head to Port Stephens.
Hi dough1quintad,you can anchor at horseshoe beach which is just inside harbour on port side near the inner
training wall. Have anchored there a couple of times ,if you have Alan Lucas Cruising East Coast. He has a write
up on the spot. A long haul up the river to where other people have suggested . Horseshoe beach can be a little bit rolly
but it is O'k just wake from tugs. Hope I have been of help would anchor there anytime. Cheers 
Hi dough1quintad,you can anchor at horseshoe beach which is just inside harbour on port side near the inner
training wall. Have anchored there a couple of times ,if you have Alan Lucas Cruising East Coast. He has a write
up on the spot. A long haul up the river to where other people have suggested . Horseshoe beach can be a little bit rolly
but it is O'k just wake from tugs. Hope I have been of help would anchor there anytime. Cheers
Yeah, Horseshoe Beach will be fine if you don't want to go up river or NCYC - close to the heads.
I've stayed at NCYC a few times & never had a free night offered!!
Select to expand quoteLazzarae said..
Yeah, Horseshoe Beach will be fine if you don't want to go up river or NCYC - close to the heads.
I've stayed at NCYC a few times & never had a free night offered!!
It would have been a first, if it had happened, for the east coast.
But..it can be done, but I'm not saying how! 
We overnighted at the first pontoon on the south side where the tavern is and were not asked for a fee. Got in a bit after 5 and left reasonably early the next day.
I thought that was what you were hinting at. The next best kept secret is the weigh bridge in Port Stephens. 
I anchor at Horseshoe beach. Little sandy beach on the south side 500m or so from the heads. Never had a problem with holding etc. Safe during the day to leave the dinghy on the beach.
Horseshoe is perfect in east to Southwest winds. Problem with further up the channel on a southerly is the wind can complete with the tidal flow making things uncomfortable.
Other option is the Maritime Museum Wharf at Honeysuckle. Only $25 a night despite the length of the boat and a locked gate.options. Better position than the yacht club. Plus I would rather contribute to the Museum than the commercial club.
Select to expand quotecisco said...
We overnighted at the first pontoon on the south side where the tavern is and were not asked for a fee. Got in a bit after 5 and left reasonably early the next day.
I stay here regularly and PAY.
Regardless, because of the behaviour of other unscrupulous yachties, including many with deep enough pockets to afford a lot bigger boats than mine, I have been accused by both the Maritime and Police of not having paid. Wow was the b#tch Maritime officer pissed when I started pulling out a pile of payment receipts in front of her Water Police escort!!!!!
Goes to show, you can't always judge a book by its cover? Also shows how your bad behaviour can cause trouble for others?
Needless to say, I am a welcome customer. The volunteers at the Maritime Museum are such friendly people. I am more than happy to pay $25 for 24 hrs in support of their cause.
The manageress has also informed me she has had trouble with people not returning the key to the locked wharf. While some might forget, others undoubtedly want it for a cheap stay? Looks like they are now going to ask for a deposit.
In summary: if you are staying overnight please pay. The money is going to a good cause.
Hi Doug, If you or any other sailor is looking for free overnighting on a wharf, be sure to stop in on your way up the coast at Laurieton (Camden Haven).
Relatively easy bar crossing at high tide, free dockage at the Ex-Servicemans club wharf(for five days or a week, I think), free showers, free toilets, free wifi, free water, free billiard tables at the club.
The free showers & toilets are especially only for crews of cruising yachts passing through, simply pick up your key(that you keep for the duration of your stay) from the club, for a refundable key deposit.
Thanks guys for the advice. Had a great run up from Pittwater with 20-25kts from the SE straight through to Port Stephens. Wind went quiet and we spent a couple of days at Broughton Island and then got a nice ENE to bring us home. I wish I could plan my cruising that way all the time. 
Good one Doug.
Can you give us review of North/providence bay on Broughton, if you stayed there?
Stayed at Esmeralda Cove the other night , which was stunning.
Cheers
Select to expand quotesurfershaneA said..
The volunteers at the Maritime Museum are such friendly people. I am more than happy to pay $25 for 24 hrs in support of their cause.
In summary: if you are staying overnight please pay. The money is going to a good cause.
I have no problem with any of that but there was no gate and no facility to make the payment.
