Pilotage Plan from Dolans Bay to Elizabeth Bay, NSW, AU
Your journey from Dolans Bay to Elizabeth Bay is a fantastic cruising experience that navigates through some of the most beautiful and sheltered waters of New South Wales. The route is ideal for recreational boaters, offering both safety and the opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. Here’s a detailed plan for your trip:
Departure: Dolans Bay
Starting from Dolans Bay, where your vessel is typically sheltered from adverse weather, it’s essential to check the marine weather forecast before setting out. You’ll want to ensure calm conditions, particularly as you make your way through the narrow channels leading out of the bay.
Route Overview
- Dolans Bay to Port Hacking River Entrance
Distance:Approximately 2 nautical miles.
Navigational Aids:Maintain a course heading northeast. Keep an eye out for navigation markers along the waterway, specifically the green and red buoys that mark the channel.
Hazards:Be cautious of shallow areas and submerged rocks, particularly around the river entrance. Stay within the marked channels. - Port Hacking River to Bundeena
Distance:2.5 nautical miles from the entrance of Port Hacking.
Points of Interest:Bundeena offers beautiful beaches, picnic spots, and access to the Royal National Park. This is an excellent stopover if you’re looking for a break or a swim.
Shelter Options:If weather conditions change, Bundeena provides some protection from the prevailing southerly winds. - Bundeena to Cronulla
Distance:About 4 nautical miles.
Navigational Aids:Follow the coastline and align with Cronulla’s beaches as you approach. Watch for small boats and swimmers, especially near the popular surfing spots.
Features:The famed Cronulla Surfing Beach and vibrant cafes are perfect for a leisurely lunch stop. - Cronulla to the Entrance of Botany Bay
Distance:Roughly 2 nautical miles.
Navigational Aids:As you navigate west towards Botany Bay, stay aware of shipping traffic as this area is frequented by larger vessels entering and leaving the bay.
Local Considerations:Be careful of submerged rocks; they may not be well marked. Observe the traffic signals and communicate if necessary. - Navigating Botany Bay to Bare Island
Distance:1 nautical mile from the entrance of Botany Bay.
Shelter Options:Bare Island is a beautiful location to stop and explore historical sites, with decent shelter if winds pick up. - Botany Bay to Elizabeth Bay
Final Approach:6 nautical miles navigating northward along the eastern shore of Botany Bay towards Elizabeth Bay.
Navigational Aids:Pay attention to the buoys marking the shipping channels, especially as you approach Double Bay and past the Sydney Seaplanes, you’ll encounter complex traffic.
Arriving at Elizabeth Bay:This final stretch offers stunning views of Sydney’s skyline and botanic gardens.
Arrival: Elizabeth Bay
Upon your arrival at Elizabeth Bay, you will find a picturesque waterfront area that is perfect for mooring. Enjoy access to local parks, restaurants, and attractions. Take a moment to explore the local area and perhaps even navigate to nearby Sydney Harbour for further adventures.
Safety Considerations
- Always wear a life jacket while on the water.
- Make sure to maintain a lookout for other vessels, swimming areas, and buoys.
- Check local regulations regarding speed limits and anchoring in designated areas.
- Keep your VHF radio tuned to channel 16 for emergency communications.
- Monitor weather conditions continuously, and have a plan for returning to harbor in case of sudden changes.
- Recommended Boating Apps
For your journey, I recommend utilizing savvy navvy for real-time navigation and route planning, alongside other apps such as marine traffic for tracking other vessels and wind charts for weather updates.
This route, with its combination of safety, stunning scenery, and opportunities for exploration, truly captures the essence of boating along the NSW coast. Happy cruising!
