Swansea channel into Lake MacQuarie.

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Windjana said..
G'day,
I had a quick look at previous posts on the subject, but I didn't see anything since 2017.
Has anyone in a keel boat recently used the channel?
I'm aware that dredging is ongoing as depth has been an issue.
Cheers!

I haven't been out in a while but am assured it is OK - I'm 2.2 draft.

Plan your bridge opening for 2 to 4 hours after high tide. The ideal is 3 hours after for entering or leaving.
The tide difference at Swansea Bridge is approximately one hour later and at "the drop over" the tide difference is three hours later than Swansea Heads.
If you plan your departure time from Port Stephens for a 2pm or 3pm bridge opening tomorrow you should be OK - you can even request an escort from MR to guide you through the channel.
Winds are looking good for a nice run down.

Came out of the lake about 3 weeks ago 2 hours before high tide and the shallowest we had was 2.8m near where the port markers 20 and 22.

Windjana
the markers seemed to be correct according to my chartplotter. My charts are Lighthouse charts approx 12 months old.
Heading back into the lake possibly this Tuesday 2/12/25 and will check if it has changed.