Port Stephens

[Geoff]

PORT STEPHENS

There are 3 ramps in the Pt Stephens area , Shoal Bay near the heads , Little Beach , Nelson bay & Soldiers Point.

**The main ramp is Little Beach**

CONDITION & ACCESS

4 lanes in good condition however the Eastern side has some sand coverage which is exposed at low tide . The ramp is not all that deep so retrieving larger boats over 6 mt can be a bit of a challenge especially at low tide

PARKING / FACILITIES

Very good parking , approx 80 trailers but even on a normal weekend this can fill quickly. There are toilet & BBQ facilities

Has excellent under cover fish cleaning facilities

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**Shoal Bay**

LOCATION

On the same street as the shopping center but the very eastern end

CONDITION & ACCESS

The one big plus for this ramp is it's location to the heads , approx 3 - 4 min run. It is a single lane in reasonable condition . It's draw back is retrieving at low tide . The ramp finishes with soft sand & wheels quickly sink up to the rims. Normally requires a 4WD to retrieve the trailer.

Launching at low or near low & retrieving at high tide with a 2WD is OK

The ramp is also exposed to swell serge & N/W & N/E winds.

PARKING & FACILITIES

Parking for about 20 - 25 trailers. Toilets are available but a bit rough , not recommended for ladies

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**Soldiers Point**

LOCATION

At the western end of the bay. By boat approx 20 - 30 min from the heads

CONDITION & ACCESS

This ramp has recently been updated and now is:

3 lane in good condition with a pontoon dividing the lanes (2 lanes on one side and 1 on the other)

This is the steepest of the 3 Port Stephens ramps, good for larger boats. Has a break wall for wind protection

The down side , rocky on both sides so boats need to be handled carefully

PARKING & FACILITIES

Good parking for approx 50 trailers.

There is now a toilet block .

Geoff