sydney to Lord Howe Island to southport / 900 nm / 8 - 29 MAR 2026
Australian Circumnavigation Leg 1 / 21 days / cat 2 expedition / EVENT #2601 / MAGIC MILES, SALT LINES, SILVER FERN & TE KAIHŌPARA: CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Leg 1 / Leg 2 / Leg 3 / Leg 4 / Leg 5 / Leg 6 / Leg 7 / Leg 8 / Leg 9 / Leg 10 / Leg 11 / Leg 12 / Leg 13 / Leg 14 / Leg 15
Overview
Embark on an exceptional 21-day sailing adventure with Ocean Sailing Expeditions, navigating the stunning eastern coastline of Australia. From the iconic harbour of Sydney to the golden shores of Southport, prepare to hoist the sails and set off on a journey rich with scenic beauty, unique wildlife, and unparalleled oceanic experiences.
Our journey begins in the world-renowned Sydney Harbour, where the majestic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge serve as the backdrop for the start of our maritime adventure. From there, we venture to the tranquil waters of Pittwater, a sanctuary for yachtsmen and nature lovers alike.
Next, Newcastle greets us with its vibrant arts scene and coastal charm, leading us to the marine wonderland of Port Stephens, an area dotted with national parks and home to playful dolphins and humpback whales. Broughton Island invites you to explore its rugged landscapes and hidden coves, a remote spot that's perfect for an afternoon of snorkeling or a quiet beachside evening under the stars.
Our sails then catch the wind towards Balls Pyramid, an awe-inspiring volcanic stack rising dramatically from the Tasman Sea. This natural spectacle is a prelude to the unparalleled beauty of Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed paradise. Here, you’ll find a unique blend of pristine beaches, lush forests, and a spectacular coral reef system.
The journey continues to the remote Elizabeth and Middleton Reefs, offering some of the world's most southern coral reefs for exploration. These underwater sanctuaries teem with a kaleidoscope of marine life, making for unforgettable snorkelling opportunities.
As we draw our voyage to a close, Southport's friendly community and expansive coastline provide a warm welcome and a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences we've shared. It’s a fitting end to an extraordinary expedition, where each sunset has brought a new understanding of the ocean's timeless allure.
Onboard with Ocean Sailing Expeditions, you’ll find more than just a sailing holiday; you’ll discover a life-affirming experience aboard luxurious yachts, each equipped with all the comforts and amenities to make your journey memorable. Our skilled crew is dedicated to providing an intimate understanding of each destination, ensuring your adventure is as educational as it is exhilarating.
This 21-day journey promises not just new horizons but new perspectives. It’s an invitation to embrace the freedom of the sea, to witness nature’s wonders up close, and to forge connections with the world around us. Set sail with Ocean Sailing Expeditions and chart a course for the extraordinary, with every nautical mile a story waiting to be told.
Passage plan
Crew registration
Secure your place on the crew with deposit options from 20%.
Single Berth: AUD$12,750
PRIVATE CABIN:AUD$34,425 (3 BERTHS)
Expedition Description
Sydney
Sydney's sparkling harbor is a jewel in Australia's crown, offering an unparalleled sailing experience. Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, sailing in Sydney provides a unique perspective on these world-renowned landmarks. The city's rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and bustling harbor life make it a must-visit for any sailing enthusiast.
Pittwater
Just a stone's throw from Sydney, Pittwater is a secluded haven offering tranquil waters surrounded by national parks. Its pristine beaches, hidden coves, and serene bays are perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape on the water. The area's rich Indigenous and colonial heritage, combined with its natural beauty, makes Pittwater a unique destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Newcastle
As the gateway to the Hunter Valley, Newcastle boasts a vibrant maritime history and a revitalized waterfront district. Sailing into Newcastle Harbour offers stunning views of its historic sites, including the Nobby’s Head lighthouse. With its blend of urban sophistication and laid-back coastal charm, Newcastle provides a diverse experience for sailors.
Port Stephens
Known as the "Blue Water Paradise," Port Stephens is a sailing paradise with its crystal-clear waters, stunning marine park, and the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Its sheltered bays and secluded beaches offer perfect anchorages. The region's history, from Indigenous culture to a strategic defense location in WWII, adds depth to its natural attractions.
Broughton Island
Broughton Island is a hidden gem within the Myall Lakes National Park. As part of a marine park, it offers untouched natural beauty, with opportunities for snorkeling in its clear waters to see vibrant marine life. The island's history as a fishing base adds an interesting layer to its serene landscapes.
BALLS PYRAMID
Journey to Balls Pyramid, an awe-inspiring volcanic stack rising from the depths of the Tasman Sea. The breathtaking sight of this natural spire is a bucket-list moment for sailors and adventurers, a testament to the power and mystery of the natural world. Its sheer cliffs and surrounding waters make for an unforgettable exploration.
Lord Howe Island
Sailing to Lord Howe Island offers an unforgettable voyage through the Tasman Sea. The island itself appears as a verdant paradise, rising dramatically with Mount Gower and Lidgbird presenting a stunning backdrop. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers pristine beaches and a unique subtropical forest, making the arrival a breathtaking experience. The island's isolation contributes to its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere, offering an ideal escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Elizabeth reef
Elizabeth Reef serves as a sanctuary for marine biodiversity, offering a mesmerizing array of coral species and a dazzling display of tropical fish, turtles, and occasional passing dolphins. The reef is a testament to the resilience and beauty of the marine world, providing an idyllic environment for underwater photography, scientific discovery, and serene reflection.
middleton reef
Navigating its waters, sailors and divers alike can indulge in an aquatic tapestry that is as vibrant as it is rare. The reef's unique ecosystem is home to an array of marine species that thrive in its protected lagoon and perilous drop-offs. Middleton Reef’s history is etched into its very structure, with sunken shipwrecks creating artificial reefs that meld the past with the present, offering explorers a tangible connection to maritime history.
Southport
Crossing into Queensland, Southport marks the northernmost destination of this journey. As the heart of the Gold Coast, it blends urban sophistication with the laid-back beach culture. Southport's Broadwater offers protected waters ideal for sailing, with the city's skyscrapers providing a stunning backdrop.
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.
Weather impact
With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.
Extra reading
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.
SAILING.BLOG
Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation
Salt Lines
Itinery
You'll fly into Sydney Airport on the 8th of March 2026. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 9th of March we'll depart Sydney and head for our first of many stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 8th March, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 8th, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.
We’ll aim to be tied up in Southport by 3pm on the 28th of March for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart the Gold Coast from the 29th of March onwards.
Arrive at the vessel in Sydney by 4pm on 8/3/26
Crew welcome dinner on 8/3/26
Crew training and safety familiarisation 9/3/26
Depart Sydney Marina around 12pm on 9/3/26
Arrive in Gold Coast by 3pm on 28/3/26
Crew farewell dinner on 28/3/26
Depart Gold Coast on 29/3/26
Getting to and from the yacht
Arrival at the yacht before departure: Sydney Airport
Departing from the yacht on arrival: Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport
Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway
Land transport:
Sydney: train, taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Gold Coast: taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Brisbane: train, taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard and ashore, and accommodation onboard throughout the duration of the event. It also incudes your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, any cruising permits and local taxes, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Private Cabins
There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles and doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is 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. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Visa applications for entry (if required), related fees and travel insurance are also excluded.
Review sailing calendar for all events