Safe and comfortable anchorages in Port Arthur can be found in the first bay north of the historical site in Stewarts and Ladies Bays. I anchored at Stewarts Bay for a week in north-westerlies and then moved 200m to Ladies Bay when the winds changed southerly.
Both Bays have easy access to the beach and Stewarts Bay Lodge jetty. The Lodge has an excellent and reasonably-priced restaurant.
A short walk up the track at the top of the beach leads to the NRMA caravan and camping park with a small shop for basic necessities as well as a coin-operated laundry.
A short walk up Stewarts Bay Road via the jetty leads to two general stores on the main road, one with an excellent cafe.
On the right up Stewarts Bay there is a farm outlet where you can but fresh local vegetables and fruit.
My old mate, Peter Godson, joined me for a week of day-sailing and swimming off the beach.
After Peter returned to Melbourne I spent a week sanding and oiling the gunnels and rub rails.
The walking track south of the lodge leads to the historical site.
All in all I spent three weeks in these wonderful bays during the best of the summer and would happily return again.
