Getting year-round pleasure and enjoyment from your boat can just be a matter of finding the best places for boating in the different seasons. As we head deeper into autumn and approach the cooler winter months, a top spot to consider is Port Stephens. Port Stephens is a boating and fishing haven any time of the year, but worth mentioning as destination for your autumn.
Destination Spotlight: Port Stephens, NSW
Port Stephens, situated just north of Newcastle on the NSW mid-north coast, is a expansive waterway. It's conveniently reachable for trailer boat owners driving from Sydney, Brisbane, and additional coastal locations along the M1 Pacific Highway, especially considering recent highway upgrades, which have made the journey smoother and more pleasant. Now, it's only approximately 2.5 hours away from Sydney. Moreover, for those boating enthusiasts in inland NSW, several connecting roads provide accessible routes to Port Stephens.
For those with larger boats, pick the right conditions and enjoy the cruise north or south along the coast. For those heading offshore either to travel to Port Stephens or when boating in the area, make sure you have all the required safety equipment and that your vessel is equipped to handle blue water boating.
Port Stephens is part of the Great Lakes Marine Park which is a boating paradise of 98,000 hectares of magnificent waterways. Not a town or place in itself, Port includes Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Salamander Bay, Soldiers Point and Corlette on the southern shore and Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest on the north shore. Upper reaches include Lemon Tree Passage. Broughton Island lays offshore to the north and is a popular destination for boaters.
Fishing in Port Stephens
Fishing is a major attraction for boat owners and Port Stephens has plenty to offer. We hear that a hot spot for jewfish and snapper is Middle Island while flathead, whiting ad bream are also plentiful. But the ‘main game’ is marlin. Port Stephens is home to a major NSW game fishing tournament and anglers head to the Port each season for their chance to land a big one. Port Stephens is renowned for big species such as Mahi Mahi, tuna, marlin and wahoo that follow schools of baitfish up and down the coast. This is usually December through May but different species predominate depending on the time of year.
According to local sources, in May large yellowfin can show up and in June the chances of landing a broadbill swordfish are apparently enhanced.
The area is well catered for with bait and tackle shops with a wealth of local knowledge to be sought from the locals. Stay across the regulations in regard to the local area by checking in with the NSW Fisheries Department and the local business operators.
Anchorages and Berthing
If looking for short-term berthing, you have three leading and highly regarded marine operations to consider:-
- D’Albora Marinas
- The Anchorage Marina
- Soldiers Point Marina
These are all operated by highly professional businesses and offer a range of high quality services and many marina-based facilities including restaurants, cafes, retail and other outlets. The Anchorage also offers accommodation.
If not staying aboard, d’Albora Marinas is situated right in the heart of Nelson Bay which has a wide selection of accommodation options.
Boat Ramps
For trailer boat owners, there are quite a number of boat ramps in Port Stephens. On the southern side they are located at Nelson Bay, Little Beach, Shoal Bay, Soldiers Point, Salamander Bay, Lemon Tree Passage and Taylors Bay. North side ramps are located at Karuah, Winda Woppa, Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Allworth.
Refer to the locals for directions and recommendations for the most suitable ramp for your boat.
Other Things to Do
When you’re not boating there are plenty of other attractions and recreational activities to enjoy in Port Stephens. Dolphin watching, ocean and surf swimming off Fingal Beach and Anna Bay or in the inland waters, multiple golf courses, wineries, breweries, parasailing, nature attractions and plenty more.
Buying a New Boat
If Port Stephens sounds like the place for your cool weather getaway, then now is the time to get yourself organised with the right boat. The waterways suit both trailer boats and large cruisers as well as offering great conditions for sailing. So the choice of which boat is totally your decision.
When it comes to a loan to buy that boat, just contact Jade Boat Loans and we’ll source you the cheapest quote, negotiate and handle all the details with the lender, handle the paperwork and liaise with the boat dealer for prompt settlement.
While you’re browsing boats for sale, refer to our boat loan calculator for repayment estimates on any number of boats you’re considering. Don’t forget to include the cost of the trailer (if appropriate) and the necessary equipment and safety gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable Port Stephens boating experience.
Contact Jade Boat Loans on 1300 000 003 to get your boat loan sorted and your boat purchased in readiness to enjoy Port Stephens this autumn-winter boating season.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND SPECIFIC DETAILS CONTAINED IN THE CONTENT OF THIS ARTICLE HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND ARE PRESENTED PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION AND NOT INTENDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR BOAT BUYERS AND LOAN BORROWERS. FOR THOSE THAT CONSIDER THEY REQUIRE SPECIFIC ADVICE, THEY SHOULD CONSULT WITH A FINANCIAL ADVISOR. LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED IN REGARD TO ERRORS AND MISPRESENTED DATA AND DETAILS HEREIN.
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