These observations upon the danger of sailing along the South Coast in the winter season, are not meant to apply to the commander of a ship desirous of going eastward through Bass’ Strait, and of seeing no more of the land than is necessary to assure his situation.  The strait may be passed without more than very common danger, at any time of the year, provided that the navigator be certain of his latitude before approaching the longitude of 1431/2 deg.; he should not, however, enter the strait in the night, unless he have previously seen the land, or be certain both of latitude and longitude.  The parallel of 39 deg., or 39 deg. 20’, according as the wind may incline, is the best for taking a ship between King’s Island and Cape Otway; and a sight of either, or preferably of both, will point out his position on the chart.  The sole danger to be apprehended here, is the Harbinger’s Reefs, two patches lying nearly two leagues out from the north end of King’s Island; but are so far separated from it, and from each other, as to leave practicable passages between them, where the shoalest water found by the Cumberland schooner was 9 fathoms.

(Atlas Plate VI.)

When the position of the ship at the entrance of the strait is ascertained, a course should be shaped for Curtis’ Island, which will be visible ten or eleven leagues from the deck in fine weather; and as the distance is between forty and fifty leagues, and nothing lies in the way, a part of it may be run in the night, with a good look-out.  I would afterwards pass on the south side of Kent’s Groups, at not a greater distance from the largest than two leagues; and then steer east-north-east by compass, if nearly before the wind, or on either side of that course as the wind may incline; but taking care not to approach the northern Long Beach.

In case of meeting with a continuance of foul winds, the most convenient places in the strait for anchorage, when going eastward, are these: 

1st.  Under the north-west end of King’s Island, near the New Year’s Isles.  Of this anchorage I know only, besides what is given in the chart, that the brig Harrington there rode out a gale from south-west, the heavy sea being broken off by the New Year’s Isles; and the shelter from eastern winds must certainly be much more complete.

2nd.  Port Phillip; anchoring just within the entrance, on the south side.  When a fair wind comes, a ship can get out of the port by means of the strong tides.

3rd.  Hunter’s Isles, between Three-hummock and Barren Islands; taking care not to anchor too close to the weather shore, lest the wind change suddenly.

4th.  The bight between Wilson’s Promontory and Cape Liptrap, in case of necessity; but I would not recommend this place, it being very dangerous should the wind shift to south-west.

5th.  Kent’s large Group for brigs and lesser vessels; in one of the small sandy coves under the eastern island.