Join our sailing expedition to Lord Howe Island, Middleton & Elizabeth Reefs — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

sydney to Lord Howe Island to southport

Australian expedition / 21 days / cat 2 sailing expedition / 900 nm / Leg 1

Overview

Embark on a 21-day sailing adventure along Australia’s breathtaking eastern coastline, journeying from the world-famous Sydney Harbour to the golden shores of Southport, Queensland. This expedition-style voyage offers a blend of coastal exploration, offshore sailing, and remote island discovery, with stunning landscapes, abundant marine life, and immersive sailing experiences.

Setting sail from Sydney Harbour, we’ll cruise past the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge before heading to Pittwater, a tranquil haven of sheltered bays and lush bushland. Our journey continues north with stops in Newcastle’s vibrant harbour, the pristine waters of Port Stephens, and the rugged beauty of Broughton Island, where we’ll snorkel in crystal-clear coves and relax on secluded beaches.

Venturing further offshore, we’ll sail past the dramatic volcanic formation of Balls Pyramid, leading us to Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed paradise with spectacular beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife. The adventure deepens as we explore the remote Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, home to some of the southernmost coral reefs in the world, teeming with vibrant marine life.

As we approach Southport, Queensland, we’ll soak in the final days of this unforgettable passage, reflecting on the incredible moments shared at sea, the wild beauty of the Tasman Sea, and the camaraderie built along the way.

Passage overview

Sydney Harbour – The Iconic Start

Our journey begins in Sydney Harbour, one of the world’s most beautiful and recognisable sailing destinations. As we depart, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge create a breathtaking backdrop, marking the start of an incredible voyage. We’ll navigate past the coastal cliffs of North Head, heading into open water where the Pacific Ocean stretches ahead. Depending on conditions, we may spot pods of dolphins and seabirds soaring above the waves as we settle into the rhythm of offshore sailing. The warm afternoon light on the Sydney skyline provides a final, stunning farewell to the city before we push northward toward Pittwater.

Pittwater – A Tranquil Escape

Nestled just north of Sydney, Pittwater is a sailor’s paradise, offering sheltered bays, lush forests, and golden beaches. This picturesque waterway is a haven for yachtsmen and nature lovers, with opportunities to explore the stunning Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, home to ancient Aboriginal rock engravings and scenic walking tracks. The calm waters make for an ideal first anchorage, providing time to relax, swim, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. As night falls, the sheltered coves offer a peaceful retreat, perfect for a barbecue dinner on deck under the stars. In the morning, we set sail once more, bound for Newcastle.

Newcastle – A Vibrant Coastal City

Newcastle, with its historic charm and modern vibrancy, is a fantastic coastal stop on our journey north. Known for its beautiful beaches, working harbour, and thriving arts scene, this city offers a mix of culture and natural beauty. We’ll sail into the harbour, passing the imposing Nobbys Head lighthouse, before taking time to explore the waterfront. Whether enjoying fresh seafood at a harbourside eatery, walking the scenic Bathers Way coastal track, or watching surfers at Merewether Beach, Newcastle is a refreshing and lively stopover. After soaking in the city’s energy, we set sail toward Port Stephens, known for its pristine waters and diverse marine life.

Port Stephens – A Marine Wonderland

Port Stephens is renowned for its stunning beaches, towering sand dunes, and incredible marine life. This natural harbour, twice the size of Sydney Harbour, is home to a large population of resident dolphins, making it a hotspot for marine encounters. Anchored in its tranquil waters, we’ll have the chance to explore the nearby Tomaree National Park, with breathtaking coastal viewpoints. The sheltered coves provide excellent swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking opportunities, while the surrounding reefs are teeming with colourful fish and coral gardens. After a peaceful night at anchor, we continue toward Broughton Island, a remote and rugged paradise.

Broughton Island – A Hidden Gem

Broughton Island is a secluded escape, far from the bustling mainland, offering a pristine natural environment perfect for exploration. This unspoiled island is part of the Myall Lakes National Park, known for its dramatic rock formations, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Snorkellers and divers will love the abundant marine life, with playful seals, vibrant fish, and rich underwater landscapes waiting to be explored. The island’s remote feel makes it the ideal place for a quiet beachside evening under the stars, with no city lights to interfere with the spectacular night sky. After enjoying the peaceful beauty of Broughton Island, we set our course for the open waters of the Tasman Sea.

Balls Pyramid & Lord Howe Island – A Natural Wonder

As we sail further offshore, we approach Balls Pyramid, a towering volcanic sea stack rising 562 metres above the ocean—the tallest in the world. This isolated landmark is an unforgettable sight, standing like a sentinel in the Tasman Sea. From here, we continue to Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed paradise with lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and a thriving coral reef ecosystem. The island’s crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant marine life make for incredible snorkelling and diving experiences. With only a limited number of visitors allowed at a time, Lord Howe remains unspoiled and exclusive, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific.

Elizabeth & Middleton Reefs – Coral Sanctuaries

Located deep in the Tasman Sea, Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs are some of the world’s most remote coral atolls, providing an unparalleled snorkelling and diving experience. These reefs are part of a protected marine reserve, ensuring a pristine underwater world filled with schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations. With no land in sight, these submerged atolls create a truly unique experience, offering some of the most southern coral reef snorkelling in the world. After soaking in the wonders of these untouched reefs, we begin our final push toward Southport, Queensland.

Southport – The Final Destination

Our journey concludes in Southport, Queensland, a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, lively marinas, and welcoming sailing community. As we sail into the protected waterways of the Gold Coast, we’ll reflect on the incredible adventure we’ve just completed, from Sydney’s bustling harbour to the remote islands of the Tasman Sea. Whether it’s celebrating with new friends, enjoying a final seafood feast, or simply taking in the golden glow of the Queensland sun, Southport offers the perfect ending to an extraordinary 21-day voyage.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).

  • Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.

  • Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.

  • Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.

Ocean Sailing Podcast

EPISODE 118: MATT HARVEY / DAVID HOWS - AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION REVIEW: 8,500NM IN 4 MONTHS

Skippers David Hows and Matt Harvey catch up to review their 2-yacht circumnavigation of Australia in 2023. With 8,500nm covered in just 4 months, they share the highs and lows of covering the 7th largest coastline in the world. The event was spread over 5 legs and 102 crew in total, across the two 72-foot yachts; Silver Fern and Salt Lines, including 3 circumnavigators that completed all 5 legs. With 4,600 meals prepared, it was a planning exercise of military proportions.

With engine failures, crocodiles, storms and boat fatigue to deal with, sailing some sections of this vast country are not for the faint hearted. The stunning Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland islands and reefs, Cape York, Thursday Island, the Kimberley’s, 9 metre tides in Broome, the Montebello Island Group, the Great Australian Bight and the wilderness of Tasmania, there is just so much thats remote and incredible to explore.

Press the play button to listen, or play in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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