Swansea Bridge openings
Opening times, booking details and rules for boats travelling through the Swansea Bridge in NSW Lake Macquarie region.
Book a bridge opening
Plan ahead if your vessel needs to pass through Swansea Bridge in the NSW Lake Macquarie region.
To book call (02) 4972 7400 or VHF Channel 16.
View the Swansea Bridge projects page for any planned work with marine traffic impacts.
Book at least 1 hour earlier for these times:
| 6am | 7am | 9am | 10am |
| 11am | 12pm | 1pm | 2pm |
| 3pm | 5pm | 6pm | 7pm |
Book at least 6 hours earlier for:
| 8pm | 9pm | 10pm | 11pm |
| 12am | 1am | 2am | 3am |
| 4am | 5am |
NOTE: The bridge will not be opened during peak road traffic times on weekdays at 8am and 4pm.
The bridge will open to vessels automatically at these times (no booking required):
| 6am | 7am | 8am | 4pm |
| 5pm | 6pm | 7pm |
Advance bookings are required for the following times on weekends and public holidays by calling (02) 4972 7400 or VHF Channel 16:
Book at least 1 hour earlier:
| 9am | 10am | 11am | 12pm |
| 1pm | 2pm | 3pm |
Book at least 6 hours earlier:
| 8pm | 9pm | 10pm | 11pm |
| 12am | 1am | 2am | 3am |
| 4am | 5am |
Rules
All boat operators passing through the bridge must:
- observe navigation rules when approaching the bridge
- keep a safe distance from the opening bridge and wait for a green light before proceeding.
- Priority is determined by the bridge operator depending on tidal flow, safety and emergency service access. Be alert to navigation lights and the variable message sign. The bridge operator will announce priority on the PA (public address) system and display a variable message sign. “Make ready” indicates when vessels have priority. 'Keep clear' indicates vessels are to wait.
- “Make ready” indicates vessels have priority and must leave their moorings. The bridge will not open if vessels have not left their moorings.
When a flotilla of vessels is moving through, the bridge may close after 10 minutes to clear road traffic, before reopening again.
NSW Water Police will be notified of any serious breaches to these rules.