Shelter from W – N – SE
Indicative Anchoring Position
33° 38.4’S 134° 52.5’E
Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.
The township of Elliston is on the eastern side of Waterloo Bay. This bay is almost circular and is protected by a reef extending from each headland. As can be seen in the Google Earth shots, these reefs would spell disaster for any vessel which fails to negotiate the entrance correctly, so this anchorage is not for the fainthearted. It should not be attempted in strong south-westerly conditions or when a large swell is present because of the danger of ‘surfing’ and broaching when crossing the bar. However, the area is well charted, and there are leads for the entrance which is about 1/4 mile wide.
The reefs provide excellent shelter from seas outside, and vessels can anchor anywhere in the bay dictated by the wind. The bottom is patchy weed on sand. Shore access is easy.