Australia, is published for general information.

Fred. A. Weld.

(All bearings are magnetic, variation 4° 30′ E.

Notice is hereby given, that, on and after the (1st) first day of April next (1865), the floating beacon now moored on the Tipara Reef will be replaced by a temporary light-ship, which will be moored close under the rocky patch near the southern extremity of the Tipara Reef, with the following bearings:—Elizabeth Point, S.E. ¾ S.; Long Point, N.E. by E. The light-ship has two masts, is painted red, and exhibits during the day a red ball at the mainmast head.

Lights.—From sunset to sunrise will be exhibited the following lights:—A white light from the mainmast (24) twenty-four feet above the sea-level, visible from all points of the compass at a distance of (7) seven miles in clear weather. A red light from the foremast (12) twelve feet above the sea-level, visible from N. to S., round by W., at a distance of (3) three miles, in clear weather.

Vessels making the Light from the N.N.W. should not stand towards the northern extremity of the reef, whilst the red light is 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 light-ship, referred to above, will be moored.

From the rocky patch, the reef extends in a northerly direction about (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 there being a fathom and a-half (1½), whilst in others, particularly to the N.N.E. part of the 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. ¾ N.

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

To pass outside or to the westward of the Tipara Reef, do not approach the light-ship 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 a N.N.W. course, in which the same soundings will be maintained.

When the buoy off 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 six (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. 43m. 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.