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visible, by observing the direction a ship will be well clear of the reef.

Should the weather be hazy, and the red or less intense light be obscured, no vessel should approach the reef with the white light bearing S.S.E., under (7) seven fathoms.

The following description of the Tipara, and sailing directions for Wallaroo or Tipara Bays, are published for the guidance of Mariners.

The Tipara Reef is an extensive shoal, the southern extremity being four and a-half (4½) miles N. W. from Elizabeth Point.

The reef consists principally of sand, but there is a rocky patch of small extent near the southern extremity which dries at low water; it is under the shelter of this patch where the lightship, referred to above, will be moored.

From the rocky patch, the reef extends in a northerly direction, about two (2) miles, the outer edge trending to the N.N.W.; whilst the S.E. part takes a N.E. ½ E. direction; the extreme breadth from east to west nearly two (2) miles.

The soundings on the reef vary:—in some places their being a fathom and a-half (1½), whilst in others—particularly to the N.N.E. part of shoal—there are only two (2) or three (3) feet. From the northern extremity of the reef, the buoy off Long Point, referred to in this notice, bears N.E. by E. ¾ E.

Vessels rounding the south part of the reef should not bring Elizabeth Point to bear to the southward of S.E. by E. ½ E.; whilst those intending to pass to the northward of the danger, into or out of Tipara Bay, should not bring the buoy off Long Point to bear to the eastward of E. by N. ½ N.

A red nun buoy has also been placed off Long Point in three (3) fathoms with the following bearings:—Elizabeth Point, S. ¾ E.; Long Point, E. by N. ½ N.

To pass outside or to the westward of the Tipara Reef, do not approach the lightship from the westward under six (6) fathoms, or come within a mile of the same; from this position, when to the westward of the reef, steer an N.N.W. course, in which the same soundings will be maintained.

When the buoy of Long Point bears east, a course of N.E. may be shaped, taking care as the Long Point Buoy is brought to bear S.E., not to come under four and a-half (4½) fathoms.

When Long Point bears south, a course of E. by N. may be shaped, when the Pilot and Harbour Master will come off, and conduct the vessel to the anchorage or jetty.

At night no vessel in the vicinity of Tipara Reef should come under (7) seven fathoms, or attempt to enter the Bay until the lights from the Smelting Works are clearly defined bearing E. by N., when that course may be shaped for the anchorage; taking care not to come under (6) fathoms, unless the commander is sufficiently well acquainted with the Bay to take the ship in, or the pilot has taken charge.

The tides in the vicinity of the reef and Long and Elizabeth Points, are irregular and rapid; care must therefore be exercised to guard against the influence of the tides when in the stream of the reef, or near the points referred to.

It is high water at Port Wallaroo at 5h. 45m. F. & C.; rise and fall four (4) feet eight (8) inches at ordinary springs.

To pass inside Tipara Reef give Elizabeth Point a berth of a mile and a-half (1½), to avoid the shoal rocky patch which extends nearly a mile from the Point in a north-westerly direction.

With the Point bearing S.E., distant a mile and a-half (1½) steer due N., which course will lead through the inner passage in not less than four (4) fathoms.

In beating through, keep the lead going, and do not, in a vessel drawing more than seventeen (17) feet, when standing in shore, bring Long Point Buoy to bear to the westward of W.N.W.

In standing off, when to the southward of the north end of the reef, do not bring the Long Point Buoy to bear to the eastward of N.N.E., by which the eastern part of the reef will be avoided.

Small vessels may pass inside the Long Point Buoy, taking care not to bring Elizabeth Point to bear to the westward of S. by W., so as to avoid the Walrus Rock. With the above bearing a vessel will be in two (2) fathoms at low water, spring tides, with the Walrus Rock distant about half a-mile.

The Walrus Rock lies nearly a mile of Long Point, when bearing S.E. by S., and is nearly dry at low water.

N.E. a mile and a half (1½) from the Walrus Rock lies the Bird Reef, which is a wash at low water.

Coasters should give this danger a wide berth, not bringing the Long Point Buoy to bear to the westward of S.W. With this bearing a vessel will be in two (2) fathoms at low water.

In the Bay there is excellent anchorage in four (4) fathoms, with the jetty end bearing E.S.E., distant about two (2) cables’ lengths.

Small vessels can anchor in three (3) fathoms, with the end of the jetty bearing S.S.E. to S.

Alongside the jetty will be found good berths, from eight (8) to fourteen (14) feet, shoaling towards the shore.

B. DOUGLAS,
President of the Marine Board
of South Australia.

Marine Board Office, Port Adelaide,
February 23rd, 1865.