The second post in our Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour series shows you through the Bathurst Channel, a 7 miles long narrow waterway that links the two large water expanses of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Several coves come off the Channel where you can anchor. During this part of our exploration we have had some rainy and very windy days, which is to be expected in this part of the world where the weather reigns supreme.
The view from the top of Balmoral Hill
The Bathurst Channel is quite deep, over 30m in places, compared to the depth of 7 or 8 meters in the ‘harbours’. The coves coming off the channel are even shallower, 2 to 4 meters. They offer shelter from gale force winds if you tie yourself to the shore rather than freely swing at anchor. Winds can be swirly with the tall hills overlooking the waterways. So the trick is to drop the anchor close to the water’s edge, then run lines to the shore with the dinghy and tie the boat to tree trunks. With the anchor at the bow and the lines at the stern, once tucked in, you are protected from ferocious gusts in your cat’s cradle.
Cat’s Cradle at Casilda Cove
At times the weather has impeded any excursion ashore. But we have managed to avert cabin fever by venturing out whenever we could and climbing up some of the tall hills that offer spectacular views to those who dare to bush bash. There are few tracks here; you scramble through button grass, knee to thigh deep heather, screes and rivulets, wombat trails if you are lucky!
The images in this gallery show you the views and feel of this wild place. We hope you get a sense of its vastness, remoteness and moodiness.
The next post will focus on Bathurst Harbour anchorages. Bring your brollies and gum boots !
Sv-Anui 
Wow! The views are no less than spectacular! And I love the wY you guys tied the Cat down, perfect! As a guy who grew up boating, I can sure appreciate the Anchorage. 👌🏻😎❤️
Hi John, yes the cat’s cradle is a bit of effort to set up, but very effective. Glad you like the scenery too. It is awesome is not it!
It looks cold and oh so moody, not to mention wild and remote. Scrambling up those hills would have been a little tiring but obviously worth the effort. The harbour and waterways look amazing, reminds me just a little of the landscape at the Hawkesbury, but even wilder and without the trees. You can see the impact of the wild southern ocean on the landscape.
Hi Sue – yes some parts have a little bit of a Hawkesbury look but obviously so much bigger. And no people, no habitation, no roads for hundreds of kms.
This territory looks so different from the rest that you’ve shown before. Why is Tasmania so empty?
The views are spectacular I like them a lot. You guys are looking good in a cooler environment I assume. Take care! 🙂
Hello HJ – This is one part of the country that is the way it always was, untouched. The climate is so harsh, cold and rainy, that it is too tough for people to establish themselves. It is also protected – a world heritage area. We have enjoyed our time there but will be glad to sail north to warmer climes!
come north! we miss you!
Coming! We are in Hobart for a week, then sailing up to Lakes Entrance for a couple of fix it things. After that it is north all the way! So mid to end of May maybe!
What a magic place it is
Yes, very special, Mick.
Wow. Wow. Wow. Looks magnificent! Takes my breath away. Overcast (and rain and snow as it happens) is synonomys with Tassie and Mountains. Really looking forward to sseing it myself.
I am glad it all comes through in the pictures. It is such a breathtaking place, Trish. And I think it looks even more spectacular in moody, rainy weather.
Spectacular!
It is Viki!
What a stunning spot! It reminds me a bit of the Aleutians with the lack of trees, incredible views, and fickle weather. Looking forward to the next post!
Wow. Love the pics. Reminds me of our family coastal walks in Albany W.A.
Hey Phil – we bet it was warmer in WA and not as soggy!
Hi guys, what a inspiring place to visit, is on the to do list. We are newbies that have just purchased a leopard 40 in Qld and are now waiting for a weather window to bring her home to Vic. Love reading your posts, thank you..
Hi Ross – lots of beautiful places to sail to. Be patient, don’t rush, the window will come. Thanks for the feedback.
That is just magnificent I’m in awe
Nice tying of lines by Wade as well
He is the specialist and the knots stayed put 😜! And yes it is a superb region, but very wild!
Very windy period coming up Fri 13 through Tues 17 April with large swell fetch so big waves. Cold as well Tues 17 with freezing levels down to 1300m.
Thanks Phil – we are tied in at Constitution Dock, Hobart, and we’ll stay here till it stops blowing.