During weeks of freezing temperatures and demanding sailing weather, we felt that our life afloat was a series of battles with harsh conditions. Our first weeks on board were cold and uncomfortable, and the section from Bittaganbee to Broken Bay was particularly stressful. But springtime is here now, we have reached warmer climes and it makes such a difference to how we feel, to our health and well being.
In fact warm northerlies have stopped us in our tracks. But Port Stephens is a great spot to be stuck in. It is a very large bay; they call these waterways Port Stephens Great Lakes, such is their size.
The northern shores are less populated with bush and mangroves, whereas the southern shores are lined with little townships and marinas.
When we first arrived we stayed overnight at Shoal Bay, just inside the entrance on the southern side, and part way through our stay we reprovisioned at Nelson Bay, also on the southern side.
Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay
The Head, from Jimmy’s Beach
Although we are unlikely to get to the reef this season, we are not focusing on this and are now in relax mode. On Monday as the winds shift southerly for two days, we will sail to either Forster or Crowdy Head, and then to Laurieton the next day, where we are likely to pause again with contrary winds.
For now, here is a gallery to give you a tour of our surroundings. Small home, but a boat with views!
Sv-Anui 
So much natural beauty! So much to see and explore! I’m glad that you are enjoying every minute of your trip. Your photos are gorgeous. 🙂
Thanks so much HJ! As you say there is a lot to see. It’s nice to finally experience this unhurriedly.
I would recommend you make the effort to get to Broughton Island (although it is now school holidays and will be busier). It is the only proper island of the NSW coast. Great walk to the top and nice snorkelling. Good birdwatching too. If you like diving you can dive with the Grey Nurse sharks. Dive boats are based out of Nelson bay if you want to go with them.
cheers
Phil
Thanks for the info Phil. We have been there a few times. Yes great snorkelling. Haven’t seen the grey nurse sharks yet. Might try that when we come back down. Hey, there are a few more islands along the NSW coast, what about Montague and the Solitaries in particular which are on our to dive at list!
Glad you are having a good time in Port Stephens. Lovely place.
Thanks Sue! Left for Broughton Island – you will recall thus from our trip together to Lord Howe – where we are anchored on the northern side at Providence Beach. Providence indeed: saw whales breaching next to us on our the way across; photos to prove it for the next post!
You lucky two, would have been beautiful
Great photos, sounds like you all have had a very relaxing time in Port Stephens. Hope you have a great sail to Crowdy or further north and that you see Migaloo, that would be amazing.
Hi Lindy – we loved it at Port Stephens. Moved on to Forster via Broughton where we saw lots of whales at very close quarters… you will see in today’s (Tuesday) post! That was something else! No sign of Migaloo, but on the look out as we sail to Laurieton.