Navigation and communication

Boating maps and plans, plus information about restrictions, closures, bridge openings, coastal bar crossings and radio services to help you navigate NSW waterways.

Quick link:

Navigating NSW waterways

Boating maps

Boating maps are a vital tool for negotiating NSW waterways. They include handy hints for safe boating.

Boating plans

Boating plans are a guide to access and shared use for particular waterways. Each plan is designed to respond to changing conditions and boating patterns.

Radio network services

Radio services give navigation warnings and weather forecasts. They also listen for distress and emergency signals.

Line crossings

Stay safe around line crossings, including overhead electrical cables, on NSW waterways. Information for boaters and line crossing providers.

Lighthouses

The lighthouses aid navigation, in conjunction with modern shipboard satellite navigation systems.

Bridge opening times

Spit Bridge

Spit Bridge opening times and clearance levels for boats travelling through Middle Harbour NSW.

Harwood Bridge

Harwood Bridge opening times, booking details and clearance levels for vessels travelling on the Clarence River in NSW.

Hexham Bridge

Opening times, booking details and rules for vessels travelling under or passing through Hexham Bridge in on the Hunter River in NSW.

Narooma Bridge

Opening times, booking details and clearance levels for vessels travelling under the Narooma Bridge in NSW.

Swansea Bridge

Opening times, booking details and rules for boats travelling through the Swansea Bridge in NSW Lake Macquarie region.

Restrictions, Notices and Closures

Exclusion and restriction zones

Check maps and keep a lookout for restriction and exclusion zones for vessels on NSW waterways.

Personal watercraft (PWC) restricted and prohibited zones

There are rules and locations for using personal watercraft on NSW waterways.

Restrictions and closures

Learn about where and when to avoid specific areas on NSW waterways due to restrictions, safety hazards and events

Coastal bars

Webcams for coastal bars and alpine waters

Live webcam vision of coastal bars and alpine waters to help boaters and skippers prepare for a safe trip.

Locations of coastal bars

Find the locations of NSW coastal bars and general information about each bar on the North Coast, South Coast, Hunter, Hawkesbury and Broken Bay regions.

Crossing coastal bars

Coastal bars can have strong currents and large breaking waves.

Other safety resources

Plan ahead for crossing NSW coastal bars by viewing our safety booklet and videos.

Contact Transport for NSW

More options to contact us
Phone:13 12 36
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm, Saturday - Sunday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Top of page