We have been out of contact for a while, but what a time we have had! Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour are the highlight of any Tasmanian sailing voyage. If you seek untamed, pristine, remote wilderness, this is the ultimate. Getting to the South West Tasmanian Wilderness from the North West coast, feels like even more of a challenge than attacking it from the Southern end.
So what have we been up to, you ask? Well, the Navionics chart shows you our playground for a couple of weeks.
Having not had any internet for over two weeks, we are in catch up mode with the reporting on our expedition. We are now at the Southern end of Tasmania, anchored in Recherche, but over several posts, we are going to share with you the wonderful sights we have been exploring in the Tasmanian South West Wilderness. Today, we take you down from Macquarie Harbour to Bramble Cove, our first anchorage in Port Davey.
We left Macquarie Harbour on Thursday 22 March, and took advantage of ENE conditions to make the 90 miles passage to Port Davey in two days. Going through Hells Gates was another calm affair, yet spectacular, and shortly after that the sails went up and off we went.
Even in calm conditions, the west coast is daunting, exposed, and few places offer shelter from the unrelenting southern ocean swell. But we had a smooth run to Point Hibbs, a third of the way down for this passage, and hid behind Hibbs Pyramid for the night – a bit rolly, but good enough for a west coast anchorage.
The run from Point Hibbs to Port Davey was one of those dream runs: fast, smooth, only two meter swell, in sunshine. The coast from Low Rocky Point onwards is spectacular, with tall mountain ranges right to the ocean. This would have to be the most magnificent and remote part of the Tasmanian coast. It was also rich in wildlife, such as seals, large pods of dolphins, albatrosses including the less frequently seen Grey-Headed Albatross and Wandering Albatrosses, and lots of other seabirds. There were also many fishing boats laying their crayfish pots! One must keep a sharp eye out for cray-pot lines that can wreak havoc if you run over them.
We arrived at our destination in the middle of the afternoon and anchored at Bramble Cove, where a couple of other yachts were, one of which we had met at Strahan. No sooner was the anchor down did we climb the neighbouring Mt Milner for panoramic views. We were keen to do this in clear weather, as the next few days were forecast to be rainy and windy.
Here is a gallery of images from our passage down. The next post will show you around Bathurst Channel, which links Port Davey to Bathurst Harbour.
Sv-Anui 
Hi friends, It’s been a couple of weeks with no words from you. I figured that where you are is so remote and isolated, most likely you would not get Internet connection that easy. Your photos are beautiful! What incredible places you are visiting. I’m glad that you are having a great time. Take care my friends! 🙂
Hi HJ – we thought a few of our faithful followers would be wondering. It is nice to be back in contact. Although it is good getting away from it all we missed the interaction. These wildernesses are sensational but so, so isolated! Lots more photos to come in the next few posts. Take care 😍
Simply stunning images. Really enjoying these posts. You may have already done this: but while you are in Recherche try googling “Brig Cyprus “ and read about the amazing story of the real Captain Sparrow and their connection to Recherche Bay.
Thanks Deb and Pete – off to Mr Google. We are going to see the whale statue and stretch our legs after days of being boat bound!
What a journey, such a beautiful and remote part of Oz. Glad you shot point Hibbs, named after my ggg/gf. He too was an adventurer with Flinders. I too have missed your posts. Glad you are all safe and enjoying your adventures.
Hiya Sue, now that we are back in civilisation the posts will come out more regularly. Hibbs Pyramid and Hibbs Point were very scenic.
Beautiful photos as always, I’m glad you guys are safe! 😎👍🏻
We had some mean weather but it is so beautiful out there.
I saw you liked a couple of things on Instagram, so I have been waiting for the post, good to see it finally here. It has been so long. Good to hear it all went well and you are safe.
Yes, got out of Port Davey early yesterday and sailed all day back to Recherche. It has been good. Will ring later today.
my friend told me of your journeys so now I am coming along too! sounds magical!
Welcome aboard!
How far offshore were craypots and which place did u like best Macquarie or bathurst, great pics
Hi – the cray pots were about 3 miles offshore. We probably prefer Port Davey because you can get off the boat and walk or kayak in decent weather. It is a lot more remote too.
I can only reiterate the comments on the photos. Very jealous and I can’t wait to get there….
Hi Trish – wait until you see the next posts! Port Davey is special, even in shitty weather.
I would go back again but earlier in the year to get better weather. We always planned to be there earlier, but with the theft of our gear we got delayed by a month! So aim for Feb/March. The weather started going bad in mid March… season over now. It’s really cold as well as wet.
Thanks Chris. With a bit of luck we will get there this coming season. I think the Tassie Rally is usually in Feb (not that we will be (or indeed can) join them. ‘look forward to your next post!
If you can get there outside the rally, you can avoid being on somebody else’s schedule and having to share every anchorage with 30+ boats! Rallies are not are thing as you know, and places like Davey are best seen without crowds.
Thanks for a great post, Chris! Beautiful images of a beautiful place! Port Davey is on my list!!
Thought you might like it! More to come…