Sailing the Clarence River

Leaving Gold Coast at Sunset

We departed on the 7th May at 4pm for an overnight sail to Yamba.  wind was directly on our nose so we motored.  The night passage was relatively easy although we have some rough seas around Byron Light House. We average 8 knots due to the easterly current running in our favour.

 Arrived at Yamba bar at 6am and crossed with no issues however we were both very tired and headed for the nearest quiet anchorage at Iluka.

Next Day we explored Iluka, enjoyed local fish and chips and picked up prawns at the Co-Op




Explored Yamba the following day and generally relaxed and read books.  Time is needed to chill out Terry and get him into holiday mode and his head out of Work.


Sushi from the galley

Yamba Fishing fleet

So far Captn Teza has been less theatrical than normal and no  mayhem stories to share..............................but I am sure he wont disappoint.

Floss the Dog and the Sugar Mill

Big Boat on the river

Floss the dog has settled into boating life and is enjoying the company , sights and sounds of the river cruise.

Cruised up the river to the Hardwood Bridge and anchored for the night which was blowing a very strong westerly but not uncomfortable.





Wednesday 11th May we opened the Hardwood bridge and  stopped the Pacific Hwy traffic and continued to Maclean.  The Public Ferry was occupied so we decided to keep cruising up the river to Brushgrove past Lawrence. 

Perfect location on a public jetty across the river from the Brushgrove historic Pub  where we had lunch and gave Floss the dog much needed shore time.



Terry And Floss outing down crab pots

I do like this inland water cruising. It is very easy with no reefs or swells and no time restrictions required to get to a safe anchorage.  All along the river is easy with great depths of water up to 18 mts in some parts and plenty of places  to just drop an anchor.  The scenery is farming and fishing boats with small villages and always an Historic Pub with great food and hospitality.

The Captn and his crew Floss

Tomorrow we will cruise to Ullmara and have a good look around this historic town and as a matter of good resoning visit the pub which has been touted by locals as having this best food.

Lawrence Ferry

Brushgrove Pub 1868



Sens de la Vie moored across from the Brushgrove Pub