South Haven and Oyster Cove

At the marina

Penny Morton discovers two marinas and several good places to eat when she visits Tasmania's beautiful d'Entrecasteaux Channel.

Tasmania's mild summers, friendly folk and pristine waters draw cruising yachts to one of Australia's best-kept secrets, the d'Entrecasteaux Channel. South of Hobart "The Channel," 30nm of deep water between Bruny Island and the southeast coast, has changed little since European discovery hundreds of years ago.

Near its northern end is Kettering, in little Oyster Cove, where two small marinas offer short-term berths to visitors, with most essential services available. Entrance is relatively easy. Stay near the southern shore to avoid a shallow patch and follow fairway marks for a minimum two-metre depth.

South Haven Marina
South Haven Marina is to port, beside Bruny Island ferry terminal. It offers showers, toilets and laundry, plus tourist information centre, souvenir shop and café. Marina Manager Shane Procter advises ringing ahead to confirm a berth, mono or multihull, water and power provided, for $15 a night. Depths: 1.5-4m; tidal range rarely exceeds 1.5m. Shane, usually found at the tourist information desk, will provide an amenities key for a small deposit, plus internet access, local tourist brochures and ferry/bus schedules. The bus service to and from Hobart runs several times daily.

Oyster Cove
Farther up the cove are a public jetty, canvas works, engineering shop and Roaring Forties Ocean Kayaking, plus Kettering Yacht Club (racing on Sundays and second Wednesday of the month). A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to Bruny Island with its diversity of truly magnificent views and tiny settlements. Most roads are gravel, but worth the effort. Five kilometres south of Kettering down the Channel Highway is Woodbridge, home of Peppermint Bay Hotel, a new restaurant complex, which offers a first-rate selection of meals, stunning view and a shop selling gourmet delicacies.

At the head of the cove are Oyster Cove Marina, fuel dock, chandlery, boat broker, launch ramp, slipway/hardstand, 25-tonne lift and Coast Guard base. Marina manager Phil Bousted has half a dozen berths available for visitors, both multi and monohull, with power and water; depth of about 2.5m. Permanent weekly fees: $65 for a 12m boat. There are showers, toilets, laundry and fuel. Phil also advises ringing ahead to book a berth.

Restaurants and shops
Besides three basic convenience/takeaway shops, there are two eateries in Oyster Cove. Mermaid Café (South Haven Marina building) is a delightful spot to eat, watching the ferry and yachts. Excellent light meals are well presented, reasonably priced and a refreshing change from routine takeaway fare.

For a more substantial "after-5" meal with bar, Oyster Cove Inn is a short uphill walk at the head of the cove. Its grounds feature interesting wood sculptures with nautical and Alice-in-Wonderland themes - even the Cheshire cat's grin! Dining room and al fresco tables overlook a lush green hillside with bobbing yachts below. A new restaurant will open soon and a 70-berth marina expansion is expected in 12 months, for vessels up to 18m.

Contact details
South Haven Marina, Shane Procter: (03) 6267 4494 (9-5, 7 days).
Oyster Cove Marina, Phil Boustead: (03) 6267 4418 (mobile: 0429 674 418)

AUTHOR'S BIO.
Penny and husband Chris are enjoying a retirement sea change in southern Tasmania. Once their 10m timber gaff cutter An Old Captivity sells, they'll buy a campervan, build a small trailer-sailer and explore more of Tassie's beauty spots.