Sydney to gold coast / 383nm / 31 May - 6 jun 2024

7 days / coastal cat 2 PASSAGE / Event #2439 / Magic Miles: CREW positions available

The coastal Category 2 passage from Sydney, New South Wales to Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast is a great coastal passage for building sea miles, confidence and experience.

We’ll depart Sydney and head north-east to Cape Byron, the eastern most point of Australia, before altering course for the Gold Coast. This 4 - 5 day sail north with 1 - 3 coastal stops (depending on weather) along the way is a challenging 383nm course with ships, reefs and islands to navigate past. Potential stops include Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Yamba and Coffs Harbour

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

Join crew

AUD$1,625 - DISCOUNTED 50%
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$4,387 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHs)

7 days

The 383nm route from Sydney to the Gold Coast.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

passage DESCRIPTION

Embarking on a sailing trip from Sydney to the Gold Coast is an enchanting journey that offers a splendid mix of nautical adventure and exploration of Australia's eastern coastline. This highlights the journey's key stopover options at Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and Yamba, each with its unique history and charm.

Sydney: The Starting Point
The journey begins in Sydney, a bustling metropolis known for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sailing out of Sydney Harbour, you're treated to a spectacular view of one of the world's most famous skylines, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure.

Newcastle: A Blend of History and Beach Culture
Newcastle, is just a short sail north of Sydney. Known for its rich industrial history, particularly in coal mining and steel production, Newcastle has transformed into a vibrant city with a lively arts scene and beautiful beaches. The Newcastle Memorial Walk, a stunning coastal walk with panoramic views, and the historic Fort Scratchley are must-visit destinations. The city's marina offers a welcoming rest stop for yachters.

Port Stephens: A Natural Paradise
Further north lies Port Stephens, a natural bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour, known for its stunning natural beauty and marine life. Port Stephens is a haven for dolphins, and its calm waters are perfect for sailing. The area is also renowned for its sand dunes at Stockton Beach, offering a unique landscape for exploration and activities like sandboarding.

Port Macquarie: A Coastal Gem with Rich Heritage
Port Macquarie, is a coastal town with a rich history. It was established as a penal colony in 1821, and remnants of its past can be seen at the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse and the Roto House. The town is also known for its stunning beaches, coastal walks, and the Koala Hospital, a facility dedicated to the care and preservation of koalas.

Coffs Harbour: A Blend of Beaches and Rainforests
Coffs Harbour is another gem on the New South Wales coast. Famous for the Big Banana, one of Australia's first big things, it's a city surrounded by national parks and marine reserves. The Coffs Harbour Marina is a great place to relax and enjoy the local seafood. Nearby, the Dorrigo National Park offers stunning rainforest walks and waterfalls.

Yamba: A Charming Coastal Town
As you approach the end of your journey, Yamba, a small coastal town in the Northern Rivers region, offers a charming stopover. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and the famous Yamba prawns, it's a perfect place to unwind. The Yamba Lighthouse provides a picturesque view of the town and the Pacific Ocean.

Arrival at the Gold Coast: A Glittering End
The final destination is the Gold Coast, a major Australian tourism destination known for its surf beaches, high-rise dominated skyline, theme parks, and nightlife. The contrast between the laid-back coastal towns along the way and the bustling energy of the Gold Coast provides a fitting end to a diverse and enriching sailing journey.

Throughout this sailing trip from Sydney to the Gold Coast, each stopover offers a unique insight into the region's history and culture. From the industrial heritage of Newcastle to the pristine natural beauty of Port Stephens, and from the historical depths of Port Macquarie to the vibrant marine life of Coffs Harbour and the charming beaches of Yamba, the journey is as diverse as it is scenic. This voyage not only provides an exhilarating sailing experience but also a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of Australian coastal life.

Additional media

Check out photo gallery highlights from previous ocean passages.

HERES WHAT YOU WILL 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.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Itinery

You can fly directly into Sydney on or before the 31st of May 2024 in time to join us for a crew welcome dinner. On the morning of the 1st of June we will complete safety training and familiarise you with the yacht before departing around midday for our first coastal anchorage. Depending on wind direction and currents it should be about 4 days to sail to the Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast, where we should arrive by the 5th of June. You should plan to fly out of Gold Coast or Brisbane Airports after 12pm on the 6th of June.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Sydney, Gold Coast and any stopover ports en-route, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel is also included along with suncream.

Private Cabins

There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles in doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is still the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is still the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete either a 5-hour online or 2-day classroom based Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent prior to departure.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.