Safe Anchorages and Ports

This guide is based on the experiences of many sailors and insights from local fishermen along Tasmania’s north and east coasts.

It is generally assumed that anchoring in the lee of a landmass is safe when waters are calm and the weather forecast is favourable. If in doubt, seek local knowledge and consider anchoring alongside local fishing boats. This guide may be helpful for finding safe havens in various wind and swell conditions, particularly where natural land protection is not available.

The Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) provides public moorings at various locations along the east coast of Tasmania between the Binalong Bay and Hobart. These moorings offer safe spots to stop as an alternative to anchoring.

For more detailed navigation, it is recommended to consult additional resources, such as the RYCT Anchorage Guide (Van Diemen’s Land Circumnavigation) or Cruising Tasmania by BrettinghamMoore.

Heading North-East from the Tamar River Mouth 

• Stoney Head & Black Rock Point (Lulworth): Offers limited depth and shelter in westerly winds, but swell wrapping around the points can make conditions uncomfortable.
• Sandy Points: Both West and East Sandy Points, including Bridport, provide some shelter from westerly winds but are prone to swell due to the shallow sandy seabed.
• Croppies Point: Provides good holding from northeast to easterly winds but may develop an uncomfortable roll.
• Waterhouse Island: After navigating the reefs south-west of the island, good shelter can be found from westerly and north-easterly winds on the southern side. Other anchorages are possible around the island with favourable forecasts.
• Ringarooma Bay: Shelter is available along the western shore, particularly near Pinnacle Rock. However, the coastline is rocky and requires cautious navigation.
• Fosters Inlet: Offers excellent anchorage on the northeast tip of Tasmania. The western side is protected by Black Rocks reef, with good holding on a sandy bottom. Winds can be strong due to the flat surrounding land, home to a wind farm.

Negotiating Cape Portland and Banks Strait

• Cape Portland to Swan Island: Unless you have local knowledge, it is advisable to stay well offshore as this area is scattered with rocks, reefs, and strong currents that complicate navigation.
• Musselroe Bays: Little Musselroe Bay provides safe anchorage in westerly winds, and the two southern bays on Swan Island offer good holding, though be aware of the rock in the middle of the eastern most bay.
• Great Musselroe Bay: Offers good holding and protection from westerly winds, provided the forecast is favourable.

Georges Rocks and Eddystone Point

• Georges Rocks: Limited shelter is available in small coves amongst the rock on the southwest side, but local knowledge is crucial due to space constraints and strong winds.
• Eddystone Point: Provides great shelter from north through westerly winds. The southern route via Victoria Rocks is safer for entering the sandy bay.

Sailing South in North to Southerly Weather

• Sloop Rock – The Gardens: Limited shelter can be found on the southern side of the reef close to shore near a small cove. Conditions can become rolly in northerly weather but are otherwise manageable.
• Binalong Bay: Provides shelter from southerly conditions, with MAST public moorings available off the township. Skeleton Bay, further south, offers a decent anchorage but can be uncomfortable due to swell.
• St Helens (Georges Bay): A well-protected anchorage with MAST public moorings. However, crossing the bar into Georges Bay requires local knowledge and favourable conditions. Contact St Helens Marine Rescue for advice on 0408 817 359, VHF 16 or VHF 82
• St Helens Island: Shelter can be found close to the shore on the southwest side, though space is limited for swinging at anchor.

Bicheno to Wineglass Bay

• Bicheno (Waubs Bay): Offers safe haven with MAST public moorings and short term berthing is available at the wharf in The Gulch. Beware of submerged rocks at the southern end of the entrance. Local knowledge is important for navigating through the entrances and exits of the bay.
• Wineglass Bay: A well-known safe anchorage, except in east to north-easterly winds.

Schouten Passage and Schouten Island

• Schouten Passage: Provides multiple anchorage options depending on the wind direction. The “Schouten Shuffle” is common practice, where yachts move between anchorages to adjust to weather changes. There are also a few MAST public moorings available.

The South-East Coast

• Triabunna: Offers excellent mooring and berthing facilities, with several MAST public moorings available.
• Maria Island (Chinamans Bay): Considered one of the best anchorages on the eastern coast, Chinamans Bay provides sheltered anchorage with MAST public moorings.
• Denison Canal/Dunalley: Suitable for yachts with drafts up to 2 meters. Care is needed when navigating the eastern channel, especially after easterly winds. Pass through the canal when the red light turns green after contacting the Bridge Manager.
• Lagoon Bay: Good shelter from most winds, but can suffer from an easterly roll in swell conditions.
• Pirates Bay: Offers good shelter and MAST public moorings, but conditions can become uncomfortable in easterly or westerly winds.
• Fortescue Bay: Popular for safe anchorage, with MAST public moorings available. It is often used before rounding Tasman Island.

Tasman Island

• There are no safe anchorages around Tasman Island, though short-term shelter can be found in the lee. Anchoring is generally not recommended.

Port Arthur to Hobart

• Port Arthur: Provides multiple sheltered anchorages and good facilities onshore. Safety Cove at the southern entrance can provide temporary respite.
• Final Stretch to Hobart: Safe anchorages are available at White Beach, Nubeena, and along the bays of Northern Bruny Island.

DISCLAIMER The information provided about Safe Anchorages and Ports is intended as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as the sole source of information for navigation or mooring. It is the responsibility of the skipper or vessel owner to observe all relevant maritime regulations, and take into account weather, sea conditions, and the specific needs of their vessel. The Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race Organising Authority accept no liability for any loss, damage, or injury caused by the use of this information. Always seek local knowledge, check official resources, and use appropriate navigational aids when racing.