Courtesy Moorings in Sydney Harbour – East of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
I have had a page from the Afloat Magazine, dated September 2015, listing the 16 locations of courtesy moorings in Sydney Harbour. I have kept this page in a plastic sheath so I knew where to go when in Sydney Harbour. Having this list however did not let me know “where abouts” in the listed locations I could find the mooring floats. For example to state “there are 4 moorings in Rose Bay” is one thing; but Rose Bay is quite large. So I decided, while in Sydney Harbour for the 2017 Compass Regatta I would visit as many of the 16 locations to “find” the mooring floats and note them on my Sydney Harbour chart.
I arrived in Sydney Harbour on the Thursday before the Friday regatta B.B.Q. As I am a R.A.N.S.A. member I headed to Rushcutters Bay and topped off my fresh water, had a hot shower and went to the shops to get the essentials for the B.B.Q. – meat and beer! There were no vacant moorings at R.A.N.S.A. (have been lucky in the past) so I decided to head to one of the listed mooring sites for the night.
Athol Bay. 5
There are 5 courtesy moorings at Athol Bay. Located to the east of the ferry terminal, below the zoo. From previous visits to Sydney Harbour you have to get there early, even mid-week to get on a mooring. When I arrived, at about 1430, 2 moorings were already taken. By 1700 all were occupied. Then, as sunset got closer another 4 “party boats” arrived and dropped anchor. It became apparent that Athol Bay is a popular spot to watch the sunset and Sydney skyline light up – and drink and listen to LOUD music! By 2100 the party boats had left, but the floating night club was then was just ramping up.
Quite rolly from the ferries until they stop around midnight; but they start again around 0530. Should be quite protected from N.E. summer winds. All up a good spot in the right wind.
I spent Friday night on a borrowed V.Y.C. mooring.
Watsons Bay.
This 1 courtesy mooring is located well off shore of the beach; a little to the north entrance of the bay. It is in the path of the ferries and most vessels heading for the wharf. A long row ashore, but once on the beach there are some lovely cafes and of course the famous Doyle’s restaurant – if you can afford it!
Again a rolly mooring from ferry wash.
On Saturday, after the regatta was over, I and 3 other vessels headed to Sugarloaf Bay area. We did not use any of the courtesy moorings that night. After the other 3 Compass’s left to get the Spit Bridge opening I stayed in the area and moved onto one of the courtesy moorings.
Sugarloaf Bay. 4
There are 4 courtesy moorings in this spot. They are not located up the back of the Bay, Castle Cove, but in the entrance to Middle Cove. A nice quiet spot, I had a good nights sleep here. It was a hot day and I went for a swim off the back of the boat, ignoring the bull sharks that I am told live in this area. I figures it was safe as the children and dog swimming off another vessel on a nearby mooring were not taken (I watched for 10 minutes).
Bantry Bay. 8
I did not get to these courtesy moorings as I have been there before and I wanted to get under the Spit Bridge on Monday morning. Unless they have changed I can say that these courtesy moorings are a very pleasant place to stay. These are very popular on weekends and you have to be early. Anchoring is usually good in deep water. Good in all winds other than southerlies. Be aware of gusts that can come whistling down the bay.
The Spit. 2
There are 2 courtesy moorings just downstream from the Spit Bridge on the northern side. I think that these are primarily for those waiting for the bridge opening, but you could stay there for 24 hours. Noisy from car and boat traffic, but an easy tender ride to nice eateries. Free from most winds.
Pirriwi Point. 5
There are 5 courtesy moorings located here, just south of the marinas on the western side and slightly round the corner. These are still in the “no wash/5 knot” zone – although not all vessels follow the rules. I spent a reasonably comfortable night there. A short tender ride into the yacht club for a “real coffee” and some sugary food!
Balmoral Beach. 3
There are 3 courtesy moorings here, ticked into the northern end around Rocky Point. Outside of the private moorings, these 3 courtesy moorings looked good, but they were used – the same vessels for 2 days – so I did not get on to one. They appear to be in a good location for a tender ride to the beach and nearby shops. Would be protected from southerly winds by the looks.
Quarantine Beach. 3
There are 3 courtesy moorings here, located just to the north of the ferry jetty. Went here from Pirriwi Point as there was a southerly forecast and this looked a good spot. All the moorings were vacant so I picked the middle one, and once fast I went ashore in the tender. The coffee shop was open at the end of the wharf, so I just had to have a large flat white. A good spot to spend a sunny day, out of the wind. Back on board for lunch, and it was getting quite hot. Time for a swim! I donned the mask, snorkel and fins for a swim ashore. Nice underwater scenery, with lots of fish – no fishing in this area unfortunately – and one large inquisitive blue groper. I was going to spend the night, but there was a lot of wash from the passing ferries, and I did not fancy another rolly night, so headed back to Pirriwi Point.
The following courtesy mooring locations I visited but did not spend an overnight or more than an hour or so.
Chowder Bay. 1
There is 1 courtesy mooring here, situated about 100 meters out the front of the netted bathing area. Very exposed to passing vessel wake, and all but westerly winds. Would be very pleasant in the right conditions, but I think highly contested on those days.
Taylor’s Bay. 1
There is only 1 courtesy mooring here. It is tucked into the back of the bay to the left of the private moorings. Would be a good place to get out of the way and hide! Did not look like the place to be if you wanted to get anywhere by tender. The yacht that was on this courtesy mooring when I was there looked like it had been there for some time.
Rose Bay. 4
There are 4 courtesy moorings situated on a line on the eastern shore. Watch for seaplanes landing and taking off. These were all taken when I passed them, and I would think that they would be very popular at any time. They look well protected from most winds and out of the wash from most passing vessels.
Hermit Bay. 2
Here you will find 2 courtesy moorings, situated to the northern end of the bay. Again they were occupied so I did not have a chance to try them out. I think they would be almost as good a Rose Bay but possibly a little more exposed to westerly wind and vessel wake.
Nelson Park. 1
Only 1 courtesy mooring to be found here. Located outside the netted swimming enclosure, it is very exposed to passing vessel wake. I did not stop here as I was headed to V.Y.C. for the Compass Regatta
Vaucluse Bay. 1
Another location with only 1 courtesy mooring. Come round Bottle and Glass point and head and head to the south east side of Vaucluse Bay, you will find the courtesy mooring at the head of the private moorings. Only went past it on my way to the V.Y.C. but it looked OK for winds other than any with north in it. Not close to landing areas, so make sure the tender motor works!
I did not get to Camp Cave, 1 courtesy mooring, or Manly Cove, 5 courtesy moorings, but I believe these numbers are correct. All the moorings I picked up appeared to be in serviceable condition, although some of the splicing did not look well done – says he who in not a good splicer of rope. I do not know if the 24 hour/do not leave vessel unattended rule is enforced. I know that some moorings had the same vessel on them for over 24 hours. Maybe it is enforced more of a weekend/public holiday. Same with speed/wash zone enforcement.
So that was what I did in Sydney Harbour to pass the time waiting for a northerly to take me home. I hope that others find this of use. I know that having looked at these courtesy moorings I am confident that I will be able to find them again when required when next I visit Sydney Harbour.
Now, what is up stream of the Bridge?
Michael Ball
Pisces, Compass I33
7 March 2017