Yamba and Iluka to Ballina via the Richmond River

Planning direction: northbound Planning distance: approximately 41 nautical miles by the illustrative offshore route below Typical elapsed time: approximately 5 hours 55 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes at 7 to 4 knots, before two bar crossings and securing allowances Usual format: one exposed coastal passage, beginning at the Clarence River bar and ending at the Richmond River bar Departure: Yamba Marina, Iluka or another confirmed position inside the Clarence River Destination: a pre-confirmed Ballina mooring, anchorage or berth inside the Richmond River Intermediate dependable refuge: none that a visiting cruising yacht should assume Forecast zone: Bureau of Meteorology Byron Coast, Point Danger to Wooli Guide status: community planning template, not a navigational authority Research review: 30 August 2026

Hey guys, we put this guide together at YouSail to help crews start planning the run from Yamba and Iluka to Ballina. It looks straightforward on a map, but it begins with the Clarence River bar and finishes with the Richmond River bar, one of the most demanding entrances on the NSW coast. Weather, swell, river flow, tide, sand, depths, leads, marina access and rescue arrangements can change. The coordinates below are planning references only. They are not instructions to steer from point to point.

Check current official charts and notices, inspect both live webcams, speak with Marine Rescue, confirm somewhere suitable to secure the boat in Ballina, and make your own decision for your vessel and crew. Local yacht clubs, commercial operators, marina staff and experienced sailors can add knowledge that no online guide can replace. If either bar is doubtful, wait.

This passage joins two river entrances:

1. The Clarence River bar at Yamba and Iluka, which must be safe for departure. 2. The Richmond River bar at Ballina, which must be safe at the expected arrival time.

A suitable Yamba departure does not guarantee a suitable Ballina arrival. A moderate southerly can make the northbound run fast while building following seas at Ballina. A northerly can slow the boat until the chosen tide or daylight window is lost. Strong river outflow after rain can make either entrance more hazardous than the ocean forecast suggests.

Transport for NSW states that the Ballina bar is exposed and caution is required in any weather. Marine Rescue Ballina describes it as notorious and dangerous. Its current local-information page identifies a laser sector light showing white on the approximately 310.02°T centreline of the bar, but the current chart, visible sector and actual conditions must govern.

This is not a passage where an uncertain destination can be solved by simply entering anyway.

On 4 May 2026, a yacht got into difficulty near the South Ballina breakwall in rough conditions. During the response, a Marine Rescue vessel rolled while crossing the bar. The sailor and two Marine Rescue Ballina volunteers died, and four rescue volunteers were injured. Marine Rescue NSW described the loss of its volunteers as a tragedy and supported an investigation into the circumstances.

This guide does not speculate about the causes. The incident is included because it is current, directly relevant passage-planning evidence. The Richmond entrance can overwhelm both recreational and professional rescue operations. A skipper should never rely on rescue availability as a control for knowingly attempting an unsuitable bar.

Northbound

This guide is written northbound. In light to moderate southerly conditions, many cruising yachts can cover the leg comfortably in daylight. A stronger southerly may create fast but demanding following seas and can make Ballina unsafe. A northerly reduces speed, increases fatigue and may destroy the selected arrival window.

Southbound

The reverse route requires a separate plan. The East Australian Current may improve southbound speed, but a southerly becomes adverse. The Clarence River destination still requires current bar, port and berth information.

Seasonal pattern

Cruising movement often increases in the cooler months, but there is no automatically safe season. East Coast Lows, cold fronts, troughs, thunderstorms, hazardous surf, strong-wind warnings and long-period swell can occur outside expected patterns. The actual window matters more than the month.

Stage 1: Yamba or Iluka to the Clarence River entrance

Leave the berth, mooring or anchorage only after the bar has been assessed for the actual crossing time. Follow the current marked channel, remain clear of commercial vessels and ferries, and prepare crew before reaching the breakwalls.

Stage 2: Clarence River to Woody Head and Black Rocks

Clear the bar and establish safe sea room before turning north. The coast near Iluka, Woody Head and Bundjalung National Park contains reefs, bomboras and shallow areas. Remain outside charted dangers and any breaking water.

Stage 3: Black Rocks to Evans Head

Evans Head is the only notable intermediate harbour-like feature, but it is another coastal bar. Its presence does not create a dependable diversion. Use the Evans Head webcam and local information only if a separate entry plan becomes necessary and remains safe.

Stage 4: Evans Head to Broadwater and South Ballina

This is an exposed, relatively low coastline. Confirm actual speed over ground, crew condition and the latest Richmond bar information. Do not wait until the breakwalls are close before deciding whether the entrance remains viable.

Stage 5: Richmond River entrance to the Ballina destination

Remain in sea room while assessing the bar. If safe, identify the current sector light and aids to navigation, put all crew in lifejackets, commit only with reliable propulsion, and follow the marked channel. Inside, navigate to the pre-confirmed mooring, anchorage or berth without shortcutting across shallow water.

These coordinates form an illustrative offshore planning route. They are not surveyed waypoints, bar-crossing instructions, clearing bearings or substitutes for a current official chart. Plot every point at large scale and inspect nearby dangers, depth, marine restrictions and the day's sea state.

Critical warning: P10 to P14 must never be used as a blind autopilot route. Marine Rescue Ballina currently describes a white laser-light sector on approximately 310.02°T for the centre channel, but sand, depths, marks, light sectors and safe water can change. Use the current chart, official information and what is physically observed.

The calculations below connect the illustrative positions. They do not include leeway, current, collision avoidance, bar manoeuvring or required clearance from charted hazards.

The final approach bearings do not represent the charted sector-light centreline. They connect planning positions only.

Use conservative speed over ground.

Backward-planning example

If the selected Ballina assessment time is 1500 and conservative SOG is 5 knots:

1. Allow about 8 hours for the offshore and river route. 2. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to leave the Yamba berth and cross the Clarence bar. 3. Add at least 45 minutes for adverse current, sail handling and Richmond assessment. 4. A nominal departure near 0530 may result. 5. Confirm there is enough light to assess the Clarence bar at that time.

If the suitable Clarence departure tide and safe Ballina arrival window do not overlap, there is no passage window. Do not solve the conflict by accepting a dark or unsafe bar.

The entire offshore route lies within the BOM Byron Coast coastal-waters forecast zone, Point Danger to Wooli. Read wind, sea, swell, secondary swell, weather and warnings for the full planned period.

Questions to answer

• Is any strong-wind, gale or hazardous-surf warning current or expected?
• What will the wind be at Yamba departure time?
• What will it be at Ballina arrival time?
• Will a southerly build and increase following seas at the Richmond bar?
• Will a northerly reduce progress below the daylight plan?
• What are the swell direction, height and period at both bars?
• Is a second swell crossing the primary swell?
• Has recent rain increased Clarence or Richmond river discharge?
• Could showers, thunderstorms or low cloud reduce visibility?
• Do the Yamba, Evans Head and Ballina webcams agree with the forecast?

The BOM advises that wind gusts can be 40 percent stronger than forecast averages and stronger again in squalls or thunderstorms. Maximum waves can be twice the forecast significant wave height.

East Australian Current

The East Australian Current and its eddies can reduce northbound speed. Compare GPS SOG with speed through water and update the ETA at every checkpoint. Review IMOS OceanCurrent before departure, but treat model data as guidance rather than certainty.

A boat making 6 knots through the water but only 4.5 knots over the ground adds more than two hours to the offshore schedule. That can completely change the Ballina decision.

Clarence outflow at departure

An ebb tide or flood-enhanced outflow can steepen the Clarence bar. Do not treat tide-table time as the only factor. Obtain local information and assess the actual sets.

Richmond outflow at arrival

The Richmond catchment is large and flood-prone. River discharge may remain strong after rain. An outgoing flow opposing swell can create dangerous, steep breakers. Ask Marine Rescue Ballina for current conditions and inspect the webcam, but retain responsibility for the final visual assessment.

Before leaving the berth or anchorage

• Check the Iluka/Yamba bar webcam.
• Obtain current bar information from Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba.
• Review Port of Yamba notices and traffic.
• Confirm current charted leads and marks.
• Check tide, swell, wind and river discharge together.
• Confirm the Ballina destination and latest bar outlook.
• Put all crew in lifejackets before the bar.
• Start and test the engine, steering and fuel supply.
• Secure loose gear and reduce sail before reaching the entrance.

Crossing out

The Transport for NSW Clarence map shows approach leads approximately 237°40'T for inbound traffic. Outbound navigation must use the reciprocal alignment, current chart and actual aids. Keep clear of commercial traffic and ferries. Do not turn north until the boat is clear of breaking water, shoals and the entrance traffic lane.

If the Clarence bar is unsuitable, remain inside. A planned Ballina window does not justify an unsafe departure.

Iluka and Woody Head

After clearing the Clarence entrance, the route passes the Iluka coast and Woody Head area. Reefs, shoals and bomboras can break even when the broader sea appears moderate. Plot the chosen offing and do not cut toward a visual landmark without checking the chart.

Bundjalung coast and Black Rocks

The long beaches and low coastline can make distance difficult to judge. Black Rocks is a useful checkpoint. Fishing vessels, small craft, whales and gear may be present.

Evans Head

Evans Head is an intermediate bar entrance with a live Transport for NSW webcam. It may sometimes be usable by suitable vessels with local knowledge, but this guide treats it as unavailable unless a completely separate bar and destination plan has been made. Do not divert toward the entrance merely because Ballina conditions are uncertain.

Broadwater and South Ballina

The coastline remains exposed. Begin the formal Richmond arrival review well before the breakwalls. Contact Marine Rescue, examine available webcam information and update the tide and river-flow picture.

Richmond River approach

Ballina Head and the breakwalls define the entrance area. Remain offshore until the entrance is positively identified and the bar is assessed. Do not loiter close to the southern wall, surf zone or breaking banks.

Use multiple sources

• current official chart and notices;
• Transport for NSW Ballina webcam;
• Marine Rescue Ballina local information;
• BOM Byron Coast forecast and warnings;
• authoritative tide information;
• rainfall and flood status;
• visual observation of several complete wave sets;
• depth sounder, radar and AIS where fitted.

No single source proves the bar is safe. A webcam can flatten wave height and cannot show every set. A sector light identifies alignment, not adequate depth or a safe wave cycle.

Sector light

Marine Rescue Ballina says the entrance laser sector light was upgraded in 2021 and shows white for the approximately 310.02°T centre channel. Red or green sectors indicate that a vessel is off the white sector. Verify this information against the current chart and actual light. In daylight, glare and background can affect visibility.

Tide preference

Many skippers seek a rising or incoming tide to avoid strong ebb against swell, but this is not a universal rule. River discharge, sandbanks, swell period, wind and vessel characteristics remain decisive. High water does not make a breaking bar safe.

Boat configuration

• Lifejackets worn by everyone.
• Engine running, warm and verified.
• Propulsion available immediately.
• Sail reduced or secured before the impact area.
• Companionway and loose equipment secured.
• Crew seated or braced in assigned positions.
• No unnecessary foredeck movement.
• VHF on 16 and radio operator assigned.
• Abort strategy agreed while there is sea room.

Observe complete sets

Watch long enough to identify larger sets, not just the first calm interval. Consider whether the vessel can maintain steerage and speed through the full crossing without surfing uncontrollably, broaching or being pushed toward either wall.

The offshore contingency must be decided before leaving Yamba.

Possible strategies include:

• remain in safe offshore water until a clearly suitable window develops;
• stand off overnight if vessel, crew, fuel and forecast support it;
• continue north toward a separately planned destination;
• return to Yamba only if the distance, bar and conditions remain safe;
• request information or assistance while still outside immediate danger;
• declare urgency or distress if safety is threatened.

Do not wait in the surf zone. Do not approach the breakwalls hoping conditions will improve at close range. Do not assume Evans Head or Brunswick Heads will be safer. They are also bar entrances.

The Gold Coast Seaway is a major northbound option, but it is roughly another 45 to 50 nautical miles beyond Ballina depending on route. A vessel considering this contingency must carry enough fuel, water, food and crew endurance from the start.

The official Richmond River map and Marine Rescue local page warn of shallow water. Marine Rescue advises vessels drawing more than 1.2 metres to check charts and keep to the northern side in the relevant lower-river section.

After crossing:

• remain in the marked channel;
• monitor depth continuously;
• obey speed and wash limits;
• avoid shortcuts across shallow banks;
• keep clear of trawlers and commercial operators;
• identify the selected mooring or anchorage before leaving the channel;
• allow for current when approaching pontoons or moorings.

Ballina does not currently offer the simple visitor-marina experience found at Coffs Harbour or Yamba. Confirm the destination directly before departure.

Courtesy moorings

Marine Rescue Ballina currently lists two Transport for NSW courtesy moorings:

Availability, condition, depth and suitability are not guaranteed. Inspect the tackle before relying on it and confirm current restrictions.

Main safe-anchorage area

Marine Rescue identifies an area farther west as the best general Ballina anchorage, with silt holding, reported depths of about 3 to 6 metres and more swing room. The exact safe position depends on current chart, moorings, vessel draft, traffic and tide.

Mobbs Bay

Marine Rescue reports that Mobbs Bay lost depth and swing room after the 2022 flood. It describes holding as good but space as limited, and recommends other options farther west for vessels drawing more than about 1.5 metres. Do not assume the planning coordinate in this guide is suitable for anchoring.

Trawler Harbour

The Ballina Fishermen's Co-operative manages the trawler harbour. Marine Rescue says diesel may be available and spare berths are sometimes offered by arrangement. Current published manager number: 0444 550 541. Confirm berth dimensions, depth, commercial priorities, price and fuel before arrival.

Martin Street Boat Harbour

YouSail listing: Martin Street Boat Harbour

The existing harbour is small and working, with about 18 recreational berths listed by YouSail. Ballina Shire Council's upgrade page states that the current basin is shallow and suitable only for small vessels. A proposed 49-berth redevelopment and dredging concept should not be mistaken for completed visitor facilities. Do not enter without confirmed access, depth and berth permission.

Public wharves

Marine Rescue lists Fawcett Street Wharf and the RSL Wharf with two-hour limits. Commercial operators have priority at Fawcett Street. These are short-stay access points, not guaranteed overnight berths.

Ballina Slipway and Emigrant Creek

Marine Rescue lists Ballina Slipway services up to 80 tonnes, with shipwright work, moorings, hardstand and other facilities. Published contacts are (02) 6681 3339 and 0413 007 310. Emigrant Creek has shallow entrance sections, and Marine Rescue recommends that vessels drawing 1.2 metres or more enter only at high tide. Obtain direct advice before navigating there.

• YouSail Ballina sailing guide
• YouSail Ballina berthing and moorings
• YouSail Yamba Marina
• YouSail Brunswick Heads sailing guide

Ballina provides supermarkets, medical services, food, transport and marine trades, but hours and boat access should be checked. Richmond River Sailing and Rowing Club is part of the local sailing community and can be useful for local contacts, without replacing official bar advice.

Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba

• VHF: Channel 16
• Telephone: (02) 6603 4000
• Email: ilukayamba@marinerescuensw.com.au
• Base: Moriartys Wall, Iluka NSW 2466
• Website: Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba

Marine Rescue Ballina

• VHF: Channel 16
• 27 MHz: Channel 88
• Base telephone: (02) 5666 4700
• Mobile: 0408 525 674
• Email: base.ballina@marinerescuensw.com.au
• Base: corner of Fenwick Drive and Lighthouse Parade, Ballina NSW 2478
• Website: Marine Rescue Ballina

Marine Rescue Ballina's local page says its radio base is staffed from sunup to sundown seven days a week. Operational arrangements can change, particularly after the May 2026 tragedy, so confirm current coverage and which unit will manage the voyage log.

Emergency

• VHF distress and calling: Channel 16
• Life-threatening emergency by telephone: Triple Zero, 000
• Marine Rescue NSW state number: (02) 9471 8300

Log on before departure, report significant ETA changes and log off only when the vessel is safely secured.

The route's short distance does not create an easy escape route. Both ends and the one intermediate entrance are bar-controlled.

Gate A: 24 to 48 hours before departure

Continue planning only if:

• the Byron Coast forecast is within vessel and crew limits;
• a safe Clarence departure window is plausible;
• a safe daylight Richmond arrival window is plausible;
• Ballina destination arrangements are confirmed;
• fuel supports stand-off or continuation north;
• engine, steering and safety systems are reliable;
• crew can manage the selected schedule.

Gate B: before leaving Yamba or Iluka

Depart only if:

• actual Clarence conditions are suitable;
• latest Ballina information remains favourable;
• conservative SOG preserves the selected window;
• all crew are rested and briefed;
• Marine Rescue log-on is accepted;
• the plan for a closed Richmond bar remains viable.

Gate C: Evans Head offing

Continue toward Ballina only if:

• actual SOG remains adequate;
• wind and swell have not exceeded limits;
• crew and machinery remain capable;
• latest Richmond information supports continued approach;
• the offshore contingency still has fuel and time.

Gate D: Richmond assessment area

Commit only if:

• entrance and current white sector are positively identified;
• several full wave sets have been observed;
• wind, tide, river flow and swell are acceptable together;
• all crew wear lifejackets and are safely positioned;
• engine and steering are fully ready;
• no traffic conflict exists;
• the abort decision can still be made in clear water.

Vessel

The boat needs reliable propulsion, sound steering, suitable speed, current navigation and the ability to manage two bars. Length alone does not determine suitability. Deep-draft boats also need a confirmed destination inside Ballina.

Fuel

Use measured fuel consumption:

`required fuel = planned engine hours × measured litres per hour + operational margin + emergency reserve`

Include motoring in calm or adverse conditions, both bars, possible offshore waiting and enough reserve to continue toward a separately planned port. Do not assume Ballina diesel will be available without direct confirmation.

Crew

Agree before departure:

• who commands each bar crossing;
• helm and lookout rotations;
• reefing limits;
• tether and lifejacket policy;
• who makes radio calls;
• crew positions during the Richmond crossing;
• the conditions for standing off or continuing north;
• man-overboard and engine-failure actions.

• Update official charts.
• Check notices and navigation alerts.
• Plot every point at large scale.
• Verify Yamba and Ballina leads from current information.
• Download webcam, forecast and tide information before losing mobile coverage.
• Test GPS, compass, depth sounder, VHF, radar and AIS if fitted.
• Carry independent backup position and communications capability.
• Set depth and cross-track alarms appropriately.
• Ensure the autopilot can be disengaged instantly.

AIS does not show every boat, whale, breaker, fishing line or shifting bank. A chartplotter route is not a bar-crossing authority.

• [ ] Clarence and Richmond charts checked
• [ ] Both bar webcams reviewed
• [ ] Byron Coast forecast and warnings checked
• [ ] Tide and river-flow information checked
• [ ] Marine Rescue contacts confirmed
• [ ] Ballina destination confirmed
• [ ] Offshore contingency written down
• [ ] Engine, steering and fuel checked
• [ ] Navigation lights and electronics tested
• [ ] Lifejackets worn for Clarence crossing
• [ ] Crew briefing completed
• [ ] Marine Rescue log-on completed
• [ ] Shore contact has route and overdue time

• [ ] Latest webcam and local report obtained
• [ ] Complete wave sets observed
• [ ] White sector and current marks identified
• [ ] Tide, river flow, swell and wind assessed together
• [ ] Engine and steering rechecked
• [ ] Sail reduced in sea room
• [ ] Lifejackets worn by all crew
• [ ] Crew secured in assigned positions
• [ ] Traffic assessed
• [ ] Abort point agreed
• [ ] Marked channel followed after crossing
• [ ] Destination depth and availability reconfirmed
• [ ] Marine Rescue logged off only when secure
• [ ] Shore contact notified

Progress log

Useful post-passage information includes:

• date, direction, vessel length and draft;
• route distance and elapsed time;
• current observed between checkpoints;
• actual wind, swell and sea state;
• Clarence and Richmond webcam appearance compared with reality;
• tide and river-flow condition at both bars;
• Ballina sector-light visibility;
• observed minimum depth with time and tide;
• courtesy-mooring or anchorage availability;
• fuel and service availability;
• anything that would have changed the departure decision.

Report dated observations, not permanent claims. A safe crossing on one tide does not prove safety on another.

Maps, webcams and weather

• Transport for NSW Ballina coastal-bar webcam
• Transport for NSW Iluka/Yamba coastal-bar webcam
• Transport for NSW Evans Head coastal-bar webcam
• Transport for NSW Ballina to Brooms Head coastal map
• Transport for NSW Richmond River and Ballina boating map
• Transport for NSW Clarence River, Yamba and Iluka map
• BOM Byron Coast forecast
• BOM NSW coastal observations
• IMOS OceanCurrent

Rescue, local conditions and facilities

• Marine Rescue Ballina
• Marine Rescue Ballina moorings and anchorage information
• Marine Rescue Iluka Yamba
• Ballina Shire Council Martin Street Boat Harbour upgrade information
• Yamba Marina

May 2026 incident

• Marine Rescue NSW statement on the loss of two Ballina volunteers
• ABC News report on the Ballina boating accident

YouSail

• YouSail Ballina sailing guide
• YouSail Ballina berthing and moorings
• YouSail Yamba Marina
• YouSail Brunswick Heads guide

This guide is general community information for preliminary passage planning. It is not a chart, pilot book, forecast, notice to mariners, hydrographic survey, legal instruction or assurance that a route, bar, depth, berth, mooring, anchorage, service, radio facility or rescue response is safe or available. Conditions and infrastructure can change without notice. Coordinates, distances and bearings are approximate planning references and may contain errors.

The skipper remains responsible for the vessel, crew, legal compliance, current official charts, notices, forecasts, warnings, safety equipment, local knowledge and every go or no-go decision. Use official sources, contact relevant authorities and operators, seek qualified instruction where needed, and never cross a coastal bar merely because a guide says the passage is possible.