New Caledonia to Australia
The passage from New Caledonia to QLD, Australia is a common route for westbound cruisers completing a South Pacific season and heading to Australia for cyclone season. Below is an overview covering route options, timing, weather patterns, entry procedures, and navigational notes.
🧭 General Passage Overview
• Route: Nouméa (New Caledonia) to Bundaberg (Queensland, Australia)
• Distance: ~820 to 900 nautical miles depending on departure and arrival points
• Direction: West-southwest
• Time at sea: 5 to 7 days for most cruising yachts (avg. speed 5-7 knots)
• Destination port of entry: Bundaberg Port Marina (Port of Bundaberg – Biosecurity and Customs clearance available)
⛵ Recommended Timing
• Best Season: Late October to mid-November
• Why: This window is after the South Pacific cruising season and before cyclone risk increases. Weather is more stable and frontal systems in the Coral Sea are less frequent.
• Avoid: December onward due to increasing cyclone activity; also avoid departing during strong SE tradewinds or when a Tasman low is active.
🌦 Weather & Routing Considerations
• Prevailing winds: SE tradewinds (10-25 knots)
• Typical pattern: Start with E-SE winds, often light near New Caledonia and building mid-passage; expect more variable winds approaching the Queensland coast.
• Troughs & Fronts: Watch for cold fronts sweeping up from the Tasman Sea. These can bring strong SW to NW winds and squalls.
• Recommended Routing Tool: Use Weather Routing plugin in OpenCPN or services like PredictWind or FastSeas. GRIB files essential.
🗺 Navigational Notes
• Departure Point: Nouméa (Port Moselle Marina) or Baie de Prony for a better jump-off
• Arrival Waypoint: Bundaberg Fairway Buoy (then follow river channel to marina)
• Hazards:
◦ Coral Sea can become rough with wind-over-current conditions.
◦ Avoid lingering in the Capricorn Channel in a strong southerly.
◦ Stay alert for commercial shipping lanes and fishing buoys closer to Australia.
🇦🇺 Arrival in Australia – Border Procedures
• Biosecurity: Australian Border Force and Biosecurity (DAFF) require advance notification.
• Notice of Arrival: Must be submitted 96 hours before ETA (Australian Border Force Yacht Arrival Info)
• Prohibited Items: Fresh produce, untreated wood, animal products, seeds, etc.
• First Port of Entry: You must check in at an official port — Bundaberg is one of the most cruiser-friendly with a smooth process and marina support.
⚓ Bundaberg Port
• Coordinates: 24°45.802′ S 152°23.426′ E
• Services:
◦ Biosecurity & customs clearance on-site
◦ Friendly staff accustomed to international arrivals
◦ Fuel, haul-out, chandlery, provisioning
• Nearby town: Bundaberg (short taxi ride) for groceries, banks, travel services
WEATHER FORECAST
Swell
NOUMEA YACHT SERVICES 🇫🇷 🇳🇨 NEW CALEDONIA
NOUMEA YACHT SERVICES 🇫🇷 🇳🇨 NEW CALEDONIA – OUR SERVICES
22° 16.5733′ S 166° 26.31′ E
We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on arrival and departure formalities for registered vessels this year.
- Arrival & Departure Formalities
We handle all formalities to ensure a seamless entry and exit from New Caledonian ports :
• Coordination with local authorities
• Pre-arrival preparation
• Immigration, customs, and biosecurity clearance
• Berth reservations
Special Offer : Enjoy a 10% discount this year exclusively for all South Pacific Posse participants. - Yacht Support & Technical Assistance
From quick fixes to full-scale refits, we’ve got you covered :
• Coordination of repairs and regular maintenance
• Access to a trusted network of skilled local technicians and suppliers
• Comprehensive refit services – minor upgrades to complete overhauls - Bunkering & Provisioning
We ensure your yacht stays stocked and fueled :
• Fuel arrangements, including duty-free fuel on departure
• Coordination with reliable bunkering facilities
• Provisioning of fresh food, beverages, spare parts, and more - Trip Organization & Land Logistics
We manage all logistics for your crew and guests :
• Car and van rentals, including chauffeured and VIP transfers
• Travel and accommodation arrangements
• Local SIM cards, entertainment bookings, and more - Entry Letters : I
n collaboration with immigration services, we provide entry letters for crew or guests arriving on a one-way flight to join your yacht - Tourist & Onshore Support
Enhance your New Caledonian experience with : - Our tailor-made itineraries
• Recommendations for anchorage, diving, sightseeing, and island excursions - Freight & Spare Parts
• Use our Noumea address as your local delivery point
• Assistance with customs-free clearance of spare parts - Yacht Keeping Agreement
Need to leave the territory for a while ? We take care of your yacht during your absence :
• Regular check-up visits
• Rapid response in case of any issue
• Coordination with service providers when needed
And much more !
Need something else ? Just ask, we’re here to help 😊
Clementine Givre
email: contact@nys.nc
tel: +687 79 56 01
LOCATION
NEW CALEDOONIA RESOURCE
MAP
NEARBY
1. Îlot Amédée
A classic day trip from Nouméa, this small coral islet is home to a historic lighthouse and protected marine reserve. Its surrounding waters are famously clear, with excellent snorkeling—sea turtles, reef sharks, and a wide variety of tropical fish glide through shallow coral gardens.
2. Îlot Canard (Duck Island)
Just offshore from Anse Vata, this islet features an underwater snorkeling trail with informative buoys and healthy coral. It’s a quick hop by water taxi, popular for half-day excursions. Expect parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional octopus beneath calm, shallow seas.
3. Signal Island & Îlot Larégnère
Both part of a marine park network, these islets lie slightly farther out but offer excellent reef exploration, beach walks, and a serene anchorage. Picnic tables and shaded huts invite a full-day visit. Snorkeling reveals eagle rays, clownfish, and soft coral fans.
4. Anse Vata Bay
Nouméa’s most famous beach is not only a hub for windsurfing and paddleboarding, but also offers decent snorkeling right off the beach. Its reef flats support schools of reef fish, and visibility is usually good in the mornings before the tradewinds pick up.
5. Baie des Citrons (Lemon Bay)
This protected crescent bay has easy entry points for swimmers and is often used by locals for snorkeling and night diving. The marine life includes pipefish, nudibranchs, and the occasional stingray. Cafés and palm-lined walks add to its urban charm.
