Port Macquarie and the Hastings River

Port Macquarie is located north of Sydney on the East Coast of Australia about 380km via road on the M1 motorway. Accessible by air and rail, Port Macquarie has a temperate climate which is suitable for outdoor activities all year round.

The Hastings River one of the smaller river systems on the East Coast of Australia. Yachts generally are limited by the Dennis Bridge to the west of Port Macquarie upstream with shallow areas making the river unsuitable for yachts with a draft over 3.5 meters. The Hastings River Bar can be dangerous in large seas and in particular approaching low tide, breaking waves across the entire entrance requiring yachts to stand off until conditions abate. 

The Hastings River is subject to flooding during periods of extended and heavy rainfall. The river can rise in places up to 2 meters causing significant damage to property and in particular yachts that are not sheltered from debris. Moorings located near the Westport Park are generally protected from significant flows and debris however moorings near Hibbard Ferry are in the full flow of the river and moorings that catch debris can be dragged downstream.