SeaChart
Explore Australian coastal waters with SeaChart's online marine chart, then prepare offline charts in the Android app. Start with a harbour or bay below, check the available depth and seamark layers, and keep official chart information alongside your planning.
What is the best official source for nautical charts in Australia?
The Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) is the official source for Australian nautical charts. Use its Chart Explorer to find chart coverage and products, or the Australian Chart Index for a text-based list.
Chart Explorer helps you find products; its online preview is not for navigation. Obtain official charts through the suppliers listed by AHO. Check Notices to Mariners for paper-chart corrections; AusENC has a separate update service.
Where can I explore Australian marine charts online?
| Area | How to explore the view | Open map |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Harbour | Begin with the harbour coastline and place names. Switch on seamarks, then compare the detail around your intended area with the wider harbour entrance. | Sydney Harbour → |
| Moreton Bay | Inspect the broad bay with depth shading, then zoom into a smaller area. Colours alone do not identify a navigable channel or current water depth. | Moreton Bay → |
| Port Phillip Bay | Pan between the open bay and its entrances rather than assuming detail is uniform. Check the layers along the whole area you want to view offline. | Port Phillip → |
| Hobart / Derwent River | Compare the river's coastline with the estuary view. Look at the transition between inland basemap detail and marine layers, and note any missing information. | Derwent River → |
What do depth contours and seamarks tell me?
The SeaChart web view combines a basemap with marine depth and seamark layers. Coverage and detail vary by location and source.
- Depth contours
- Lines connecting depths in the source data help show the shape of the seabed. They do not represent a live measurement beneath your boat.
- Depth shading and soundings
- Colours and available depth points add context. They do not automatically account for tide, vessel draught or all hazards.
- Seamarks
- Available buoys, lights and other nautical features help you examine the area. Missing features may reflect incomplete or outdated source data.
Zooming closer does not create a new survey. A blank area is not proof of safe water. See Data Sources & Licences for source acknowledgements.
Can I download Australian charts for offline use?
Yes. Offline chart downloads are available in the SeaChart Android app, subject to available coverage and your account access. The browser preview is not an offline download. Follow the offline chart guide to download overview charts and the detailed blocks you need, then check the actual layers without internet access.
- Inspect the intended area and alternatives at the zoom levels you will use.
- Check download completion and the account's offline licence before leaving reception.
- Consult current official charts and the relevant harbour or local authority's notices and restrictions.
For location and track recording, see the marine GPS guide. For onboard AIS equipment, see the AIS connection guide.
Fishing forecasts for supported locations
Open the Australian forecast locations to see tide predictions, estimated fish activity and fishing scores alongside the map. These harbour reference points are not verified fishing spots; follow the linked local rules and restrictions.
