Forster - Tuncurry, NSW Mid North Coast

This information was written by our previous Port Officer.

General comments : Located 45 miles N of Port Stephens and 41 miles S of Camden Haven. A convenient stopping off point, offering good shelter with straightforward bar access.

Nearest VMR : Marine Rescue Forster-Tuncurry, phone 6554 5458, located on the southern breakwater, overlooking the entrance. A 24/7 station with offshore rescue capability. The latest forecasts are broadcast on VHF 16/67 at 0635 and 1635 NSW local time, with weather warnings broadcast as issued. Forecasts and bar conditions can be requested at any time.

Entry Precautions : Recommended Cruising Guide is Lucas NSW plus chart AUS219. Subject to the accepted rules for crossing bars, this is one of the better ones on the coast, particularly in southerly weather, deriving good protection from Cape Hawke. It is at it’s “least good” following a period of strong winds from between east and north when the shallow area to the north of the leads causes seas to break. The leads are easy to see, orange triangles, fluoro blue at night. Wallis Lake joins the sea here causing a tidal overrun of between 2 and 3 hours. This means if you enter at the time of HW Fort Denison (deepest water), there will continue to be an inward flow for another 2-3 hours. In anything other than placid conditions arrange to arrive on an in-flowing current, (ie approx 2-3 hours either side of HW Fort Denison).

Berthing and Anchoring : Only available on the northern (Tuncurry) side due to considerable silting on the southern shore, plus the small Forster marina is full of local boats. Anchor in the stream, good holding in sand, on the Tuncurry side, a hundred metres or so up from the bridge, or tie up to a vacant trawler berth, for which a fender board is highly recommneded. The current flows strongly here, so care is needed. Due to recent changes in organisation all berths are now operated by the Fishermen’s Co-Op; phone 6554 6402 for bookings (business hours), or take a vacant one and see the staff at the office adjacent to the fish shop. At June 2015 rates were $25 per night for a berth without power, and $45 with power (reductions for longer stays). Care is needed when berthing, bow into the current, fender board at the ready. These berths are exposed to winds between SE and SW, with considerable fetch, which if strong, and combined with a flooding tide can produce uncomfortable conditions – something to consider when deciding whether to anchor out or tie up. Slipway facilities are available adjacent to the Co-Op.

On-shore Amenities : By arrangement between the Co-Op and the Tuncurry Caravan Park, yachties are able to avail themselves of shower and toilet facilities at the caravan park, a short walk from the trawler berths. There is also a public toilet block in the park adjacent to the Co-Op.

Availability of Diesel and Water : Diesel may be obtained alongside by arrangement with the Fishing Co-Op. Water is also available. Alternatively diesel is available from a garage some distance away. If assistance is needed, call the PO who will be pleased to provide transport.

Shops, Supermarkets, Chandleries : Adequate shops including a Bi-Lo supermarket are a short walk away in Tuncurry. The Fishing Co-Op has a very limited chandlery, a better one is Barclays, several kilometers to the south, but primarliy serving the local maket of power boat owners and fishermen, rather than yachties.

Restaurants, Cafes : Tuncurry has a good selection of reasonable restaurants, including
Thai, Italian, Chinese etc. A greater range of restaurants and generally higher standard of food is available across the bridge at Forster. The Club scene is strong with the Tuncurry Bowling Club being close by and well regarded.

Land Access : For picking up or dropping off crew, Busways run a daily service to/from Newcastle, or there is the XPT train via Taree, about 30 mins away.

Updated September 2011