NELSON BAY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A crisp one-way harbour crossing aboard a purpose-built catamaran from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens
A one-hour, one-way ride on the locally owned Y-Knot that delivers stable, panoramic cruising with pet- and gear-friendly service — a practical guide to what to expect.
A crisp one-way harbour crossing aboard a purpose-built catamaran from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens.
Set off from Nelson Bay for a scenic one-hour crossing to Tea Gardens aboard the Y-Knot, a locally owned catamaran built for stability and wide-open deck space. The vessel’s 360-degree views, generous outdoor areas and attentive crew make a short transit feel like a deliberate bit of coastal travel, year-round service (except Christmas Day) and with practical policies for pets and sporting gear.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Purpose-built catamaran with panoramic decks
The Y-Knot is a purpose-built catamaran offering exceptional stability, wide open floor space and generous outdoor decks for uninterrupted 360-degree views; she’s fitted with two bathrooms, a full galley and a bar, supported by an experienced crew.
Pet- and gear-friendly operations
Y-Knot welcomes pets and transports sporting equipment—carriage of sporting gear (such as golf clubs) is free of charge; dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead and under control while onboard.
Regular, short crossings throughout the year
The service runs one-hour crossings each way and operates year-round (the operator does not run on Christmas Day), making it a reliable short-journey option between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Departing Nelson Bay, the short, one-hour passage on the Y-Knot feels deliberate rather than rushed: ample deck space and stable catamaran performance let you move around freely, watch the water, and make use of onboard amenities as the crew manages a smooth crossing to Tea Gardens.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this crossing suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sporting equipment (for example golf clubs) is carried free of charge; if bringing a pet, ensure the animal can travel on a lead and remain under control while onboard.
The service is explicitly pet-friendly; all dogs must be kept on a lead and under control whilst onboard the boat. Sporting gear carriage is free.
One-way crossings run on scheduled departures from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens — consult the operator for specific times and availability.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the crossing?
Each one-way crossing takes one hour.
Are dogs allowed on board?
Yes — the service is pet-friendly, but all dogs must be kept on a lead and under control whilst onboard the boat.
Is there an extra charge for sporting equipment?
No — carriage of sporting equipment such as golf clubs is free of charge.
When does the service operate?
The operator runs crossings throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas Day; there are scheduled departures from Nelson Bay to Tea Gardens at specified morning and afternoon times.
What onboard facilities are available?
The Y-Knot is fitted with two bathrooms, a full galley and a bar, and an experienced crew to manage the crossing.
Is the service suitable for all ages?
Yes — the service is offered to all ages.