This is the fifth edition of Richard Hawkins' well respected mariner's companion to Western Port, published by Dwyer Pacific before Lawling Press acquired the rights.
The waters of Western Port cover an area of 680 square kilometres of which 270 square kilometres are exposed as mud flats at low tide. Sea grass meadows, rich mangrove and saltmarsh communities and internationally recognised migratory bird habitat are to be found here. These features make for interesting recreational boating
Boat harbours, launching ramps and clearly marked channels dotted around the bay provide for ready access to the water. However, although the islands and many inlets can offer sheltered water, the dramatic tide changes in Western Port mean that care must be taken when boating.
This book contains a wealth of information that will assist not only in the safe navigation of the waters of Western Port, but also in enhancing awareness of its natural treasures. There are numerous plans covering the waterways, a list of public boat ramps, information on radio frequencies used by the Emergency Services, and a brief description of the area's history and its wildlife.
The images that follow are taken from the book. They include the Contents page, and some sample pages showing typical content. If you are not familiar with the book they will show what the it is like. If you are already using an earlier edition of the book, they will provide you with an idea of the changes that have been made since the last edition
