We recommend the following 3 boat ramps for this summer holidays;
NUMBER 1
Soldiers Point Boat Ramp recently underwent an upgrade and is now a superb facility. There are now two floating jetty’s splitting the ramp in to a 2 lane and 1 lane facility, making it easy for all ages to board vessels after launch.
The boat ramp is an excellent all craft ramp located towards the western end of Port Stephens whilst still being only 10 minutes’ drive by car from Nelson Bay. The ramp is 3 lanes wide and suitable for use at both high and low tides. It has a large free car park, fish cleaning tables with running water and garbage facilities along with picnic tables and toilets.
Soldiers Point ramp is a great place to launch if you’re out to explore the western reaches of Port Stephens such as Tilligerry Creek or Karuah River or if you just wish to launch and then cruise your way back to the headland.
This boat ramp is protected from Northerly winds.
NUMBER 2
Little Beach Boat Ramp is an excellent all craft ramp 4 lanes wide and suitable for use at both high and low tides however at low tide we do recommend using the left or southern two lanes as the right or northern side of the ramp can become sanded up.
Little Beach boat ramp has a large free car park for vehicles with trailers and free on-street parking for other vehicles. There are fantastic fish cleaning tables with running water and garbage facilities along with picnic tables, toilets & showers.
The ramp has a fixed height jetty which can be a bit difficult to use at low tide. Little Beach boat ramp is a fantastic spot to start your day no matter whether your heading offshore for a fish or whale watch, or planning to cruise west exploring the bay.
This boat ramp is protected from Northerly & Southerly winds.
NUMBER 3
Shoal Bay Boat Ramp was rebuilt and is now of excellent quality with an elevated design that allows water and sand to flow underneath hence avoiding any sanding over of the ramp.
It’s a two-lane ramp that can be used at either end of the tide. It has excellent expanse of beach to either side, perfect for pulling the boat up on.
NB: At low tide the end of the ramp is exposed, there is a drop from the end of the ramp to the sand. Important to consider this. I recommend if using a 2wd vehicle light craft only.
I recommend making an assessment of the ramp prior to using.
Parking is free and there are picnic tables, toilets and grassed areas adjacent to the ramp.
Shoal Bay boat ramp provides immediate and direct access for those wishing to fish offshore. Its also great for families as Shoal Bay itself is one of the most beautiful sections of Port Stephens.
This boat ramp is protected from Southerly & Westerly winds.
