Are There Books for Coastal Cruising in Australia?

If you're planning to sail the Queensland coast, explore the Whitsundays or tackle the wild stretches of Western Australia, here's the most important question to answer before you leave the dock: Do you have the right cruising guides, maritime books and nautical charts onboard?

The answer and the good news are that Australia has some of the best coastal cruising resources in the world. Here's exactly what's available and why it matters.

Yes, there are excellent books specifically written for coastal cruising in Australian waters. These include dedicated regional cruising guides, seamanship and marine navigation titles, official nautical charts and annual tide tables, all covering Australian sailing routes from the tropics to the Southern Ocean.

Why Can't You Just Rely on GPS?

Australia's coastline covers over 35,000 kilometres, according to Geoscience Australia, one of the longest in the world. From the shallow reef systems of Far North Queensland to the tidal extremes of the Kimberley, conditions change fast and local knowledge is everything.

A GPS shows you where you are. A cruising guide tells you whether where you are is actually safe.

100 Magic Miles provides the following:

• Harbour-by-harbour breakdowns
• Anchorage depths and holding information.
• Hazard warnings and navigational risks.
• Fuel stops and marina locations.
• Local knowledge and practical cruising tips

That combination of seamanship knowledge and on-the-water detail is what separates a well-planned passage from an expensive rescue.

Skipper's Tip: The Australian Hydrographic Service publishes approximately 850 official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) covering Australian and Papua New Guinea waters. Even with electronic charts loaded, carrying a current paper backup is still considered best practice under AMSA guidelines.

Which Types of Books Do You Actually Need?

1. Cruising Guides for Australian Waters: These are the backbone of any coastal passage plan. Regional guides cover specific stretches of coastline in detail, anchorages, tidal entry points, reef navigation and marina facilities. The Beacon to Beacon Guides (16th Edition) is a popular choice for Queensland coastal cruising, while the AUS252 Whitsunday Group chart is a must-have for anyone heading through the islands.
2. Marine Navigation and Seamanship Books: Covering coastal pilotage, weather interpretation, COLREGs and offshore passage making, these titles build the skills that keep you safe when conditions turn. Seamanship knowledge remains essential even with modern electronic systems onboard.
3. Nautical Charts and Tide Tables: Boat Books Australia is an official agent for Australian, British Admiralty, New Zealand and Fijian charts, both paper and electronic. Annual Australian tide tables are equally essential, particularly for northern waters where tidal ranges can exceed 10 metres in areas like the Kimberley coast.
4. Boat Maintenance and Repair Books: The ones you'll be grateful for at 2 am when something fails. Engine troubleshooting, electrical systems and emergency repair references are practical kits that every serious cruiser should carry.

Which Guide Covers Which Part of Australia?

Do You Need Paper Charts if You Have Electronic Navigation?

Yes and this is worth being clear about. Electronic charts are highly effective for real-time marine navigation and AusENC charts are fully ECDIS-compliant for commercial vessels under SOLAS regulations but paper nautical charts remain a critical backup for recreational sailors and are still recommended under best-practice seamanship guidelines. Boat Books Australia also offers a chart correction service to keep your existing paper charts current with the latest Notices to Mariners.

Final Thoughts

There has never been a better time to cruise the Australian coast and there has never been a better range of maritime books, cruising guides and nautical charts available to help you do it safely. Whether you're preparing for your first overnight passage or planning a full circumnavigation, the right resources on board make every nautical mile more confident and more enjoyable.

Browse the full range of Australian cruising guides, maritime books, paper and electronic nautical charts and navigational equipment at Boat Books Australia. Australia's largest specialist marine bookshop. Shop online or visit the store at 38 Oxley Street, St Leonards NSW, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. Call (02) 9439 1133 for expert advice.

FAQs

Are there cruising guides specifically for Australian coastal waters?

Yes. 100 Magic Miles and the Beacon to Beacon Guides provide detailed, region-specific local knowledge covering anchorages, tidal patterns, hazards and facilities along Australia's coastline.

What charts do I need to sail around Australia?

For coastal cruising, you'll want current Australian Hydrographic Office charts for your specific region, available as paper charts or AusENC electronic chart packs by state, including NSW, QLD, WA, SA, VIC, TAS and NT. Boat Books Australia stocks the full range as an official chart agent.

How often should I update my nautical charts and cruising guides?

Nautical charts should be corrected regularly using official Notices to Mariners. Boat Books Australia offers a correction service for this. Cruising guides are typically updated every few years, so always check you have the latest edition before departure.

Is a cruising guide enough or do I need nautical charts as well?

You need both. Cruising guides provide local knowledge and passage planning information, while nautical charts give you precise positioning and hazard awareness. Using them together is the foundation of safe seamanship for any coastal voyage in Australian waters.