Download pdf - Sunsail Yacht Charters Whitsundays

Cruising Guide The Whitsundays, Australia

Cruise Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 2

Sunsail Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 3

Cid Harbour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 4

Hook Island Nara & Maconna Inlets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 5

Langford Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 6

Butterfly Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 7

Border Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 8

Haslewood Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 9

Whitehaven Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 10

Turtle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 11

Lindeman Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 12

Shaw Island Billbob Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 13

Long Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 14

Daydream Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 15

ContentsCREDITSMuch of the information in this briefguide is taken from the fabulousWhitsundays guide book, “100 Magic Miles” by David ColfeltPublished Windward Publications.This publication is available forpurchase through Sunsail Australia.

DISCLAIMERThe information in this Brief CruisingGuide is correct at the time of producing.We recommend that you use nauticalchart 252 accompanied by the guidebook “100 Magic Miles” by David Colfeltwhen boating in the Whitsundays.Distances and recommendations areall weather dependent. This guide is notto be used for navigational purposes.

SUNSAIL AUSTRALIAFront Street, Marina VillageHamilton Island, QLD Australia 4803Phone Tollfree 1800 803 988Phone +61 (0)7 4948 9509Email [email protected] www.sunsail.com.au

THE WHITSUNDAYS - CRUISING GUIDE

THE WHITSUNDAYS - CRUISING GUIDE PAGE 1

Cruise Area

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

The Whitsundays are situated on thenorth east coast of Queensland insidethe Great Barrier Reef, betweenlatitude 20º and 21º south andlongitude 148º 48’ and 148º 30’ east.

Cruising area

Direct access to Great Barrier Reefvia seaplane or fast ferry

CAIRNS

TOWNSVILLE

MACKAY

ROCKHAMPTON

BRISBANE

WHITSUNDAYS

Coral Sea

Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropic of Capricorn

QUEENSLAND

GR

E AT

B A R R I E R

RE E F


AREA

The Whitsunday islands were ‘discovered’ by Europeans in the year 1770 butwere a favoured hunting and fishing grounds of Australia’s Aboriginal people formany thousands of years before that.

The Whitsunday islands are located in warms waters between 20 and 21 degreessouth latitude. The many islands lie off the coast of Queensland on the north eastcoast of Australia and are sheltered by the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.

Now listed as a World Heritage National Park, there are over 74 stunning islandsand hundreds of anchorages and islets to explore when sailing the Whitsundays.The area is a year-round cruising destination with a subtropical climate affordingmild winters and warm to very warm summer months. The water temperaturevaries from 22-27 degrees Celsius year round and the Queensland sun creates a‘shorts and shirt’ style of weather most of the time.

The mountainous islands are covered with eucalypt pine with patches of vividgreen grassland or the occasional shadowy gully of rainforest and waterfalls. Theshores of the islands are skirted by fringing coral reefs making it a mecca forsnorkelling and diving enthusiasts. From July to September you can even sail withhumpback whales.

IntroductionWhitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island.

Snorkelling The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Humpback whale, The Whitsundays


BASE INFORMATION

Sunsail’s Whitsundays base is located on Hamilton Island - the heart of theWhitsundays and the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, which is a World HeritageListed National Park.

With its own jet airport just 5 minutes from our base, 10 cosmopolitan restaurants, anexpansive range of resort and self-contained accommodation and a ton of activities,Hamilton Island is Australia’s largest and most popular island holiday destination. A multitude of activities will keep you entertained before you set your sails, such as

A golf driving range

Mini-golf

Go-karts

A health club

A unique Wire Flyer

The Sunsail base is very close to all of the conveniences in the Marina Village.There are shower/toilet facilities for guests and the village also has a grocery store,National Australia Bank, post office, TAB, medical centre, bottle shop, bakery,souvenir store, newsagents and much more!

Sunsail BaseHamilton Island

Hamilton Island Marina

Sunsail Whitsundays Base


INTRODUCTION TO AREA

Cid Harbour - is a popular first or last night anchorage due to its close proximity to Hamilton Island. It is the largest all-weatheranchorage in the Whitsundays and is formed by Cid Island on the west and Whitsundays Island on the east.

A number of sand beaches line the eastern side of Cid Harbour - Dugong Beach, Sawmill Beach immediately to its south andJoe’s Beach about 3 km further south. Dugong Inlet gets its name from the fact that in earlier times it was frequented bydugongs, marine mammals that graze on sea grasses and which may still occasionally be observed there. There is also apopulation of rock-wallaby, which are believed to have been isolated from the mainland 10,000 years ago.

APPROACHES

Watch out for strong currents andgusts of wind when entering CidHarbour from the south between CidIsland and Loriard Point. Give thepoint a good berth.

Sawmill BeachApproach all anchorages with careand be aware of the state of the tideas the beach slopes are fairly gradual.

Dugong InletApproach from Cid Harbour. Stayabout 150 metres off the port shoreand keep lookout.

ANCHORAGE

Sawmill BeachDepth: 5 - 8 metresBottom: Sand and coralThis is the best of Cid Harbour’sanchorages and the beach has anestablished campsite with tables. Agreat spot for a picnic!

Dugong InletDepth: 1.5-3 metresBottom: Mud & coralThis is a shallow anchorage but onein which the bottom is very soft mud.Very safe in most weather conditionsfrom the NW, N, NE, E and SE.

AMENITIES

National Park with picnic table andamenities block. All rubbish must betaken back onboard with you.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Bushwalk from Sawmill Beach to Dugong Inlet

Turtle watching

Beach fossicking

Swimming

Cid HarbourDISTANCE FROM BASE: 8NM

Cid Harbour



Hook Island is a massive island approximately 13 kilometres long and sixkilometres wide with lofty, rugged peaks and deep embayments.

Hook Island - Western side, Nara and Maconna Inlets - These two deep fjord-likeinlets on the southern side of Hook Island offer excellent all-weather anchorages.These inlets penetrate the island for a distance of over four kilometres and are flankedboth sides by hills that rise over 250 metres. Aboriginal cave shelters can be foundat a number of locations in these hills and a track to one shelter in Nara Inlet withrock paintings on its walls has been constructed for the convenience of visitors.

APPROACHES

Maconna InletWhen entering keep to the port sideto avoid Proud Rock. A back transitmay be used to check your progress;hold Hill Rock to the east of Pine Island.

Nara InletKeep to starboard side on entering toavoid the reef area that extends overmuch of the entrance.

ANCHORAGE

Maconna InletDepth: 4.5 - 6 metresBottom: MudAllow sufficient swinging room.

Nara InletDepth: 6 - 9 metresBottom: MudGreat anchorage in most weatherconditions.Allow sufficient swinging room.

AMENITIES

Nil.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Waterfalls

Bush walks

Aboriginal caves

Hook Island Nara & Maconna Inlets

DISTANCE FROM BASE: 12 NM

Nara Inlet right / Maconna Inlet left

Nara Inlet



Langford Island is two nautical miles south of Hayman Island and west of Hook Island.It is a relatively small (about 10 hectares), rocky, wooded island 56 metres high.

It is unique in some respects, being a cross between a continental island and acoral cay. An extensive sand spit spreads out to its south and southeast. This is agreat place for picking up a mooring and snorkelling its northern shelf, or havinglunch on its beautiful sandy spit.

APPROACHES

If approaching from the west, keepwell outside Bird Island.

Reef protection buoys have beeninstalled along Langford’s eastern reef.

Anchor outside an imaginary linestraight between these buoys if youcannot find a public mooring.

ANCHORAGE

Depth: 9 - 14 metresBottom: Sand and coral

Anchor outside an imaginary linebetween the white triangle reefmarker buoys if you cannot find apublic mooring to pick up. Watch outfor the scattered bommies lying alongthe reef margin.

AMENITIES

Nil.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

White sandy beach

Snorkelling

Langford IslandDISTANCE FROM BASE: 17NM

Langford Island in background, Black Island (Bali Hai) in foreground

Langford Island, foreground, Black Island(Bali Hai) in background and StonehavenAnchorage, Hook Island in distance



Butterfly Bay is located on the north eastern side of Hook Island and is tucked inbehind the precipitous northeast face of Mt Sydney.

This bay and others (Luncheon Bay, Mantaray Bay, Maureen’s Cove) along thisnorth eastern shore offer some of the best snorkelling the region has to offer.Butterfly Bay is shaped somewhat like a butterfly with one underdeveloped wing.Colonies of butterflies may be found at times in the moist shade of trees alongthe creek beds.

APPROACHES

If approaching from the west, (ie. from Hayman Island andStonehaven) use caution negotiatingthe passage between Hook andHayman as the reef extends a longway off Hayman. If approaching fromthe east side of Hook Island, beprepared for strong currents and overfalls around Pinnacle Point.

ANCHORAGE

Depth: 6 - 9 metresBottom: Mud and coralThe western bay gives the bestprotection particularly from swell innorth-easterlies. The bottom is strewnwith coral, which has suffered damageover the years. Reef protection buoyshave now been installed. There areseven public moorings inshore of these.Pick your way along the left side of thereef which is steep-to and have alookout posted at all times.

AMENITIES

Nil.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Snorkelling

Beach fossicking

Butterfly Bay DISTANCE FROM BASE: 20NM

Butterfly Bay

Butterfly Bay moorings



Border is a somewhat Y-shaped, rocky island (about 390 hectares) deeplyembayed on its northern side by Cataran Bay and with plunging cliffs along itseast side.

Moss-Trooper Peak - its highest point - rises 228 metres. Border Island is largelycovered in eucalypt forest and woodland with emergent hoop pines andgrassland on the eastern side. This is a great place for picking up a mooring andsnorkelling its northern shelf or having lunch on its beautiful sandy spit.

APPROACHES

Border Island is one of the outlyingisland that will truly reward yourefforts for going there!

ANCHORAGE

Depth: 6 - 9 metresBottom: Sand and coralCataran Bay is subject to bulletswhen the wind is over 20 knots.Border Island can be a delightfulanchorage if the wind isn’t too brisk.

AMENITIES

Nil.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

The fringing reef in Cataran Bay iswell developed and good forsnorkelling and scuba diving. A nicemoderate bush walk to the highestpeak provides awesome views ofWhitsunday Island, Haslewood Island,Hook Island and Whitehaven Beach.

Border IslandDISTANCE FROM BASE: 22NM

Border Island - Looking north to Hook Island

Border Island - Cataran Bay anchorage.Looking south - Whitsunday Island inbackground



Haslewood Island is located just east of Whitsunday Island and is separated bythe sometimes turbulent Solway Passage. Haslewood is approximately 777hectares of wooded island with many patches of grassland and some sizableacacia forest.

APPROACHES

Stay outside Martin Islets if comingfrom the south; approach from thesouthern end of the anchorageclosing gradually to pick up thefringing reef.

ANCHORAGE

Depth: 6 - 9 metresBottom: Sand and coralAnchor north of the gap in the reef;further south is deeper water. This anchorage has a magnificentbeach. If Whitehaven Beach isovercrowded it is a good alternativeand also has great snorkelling.

AMENITIES

Nil.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

On the western side is the whitesilica sand of Chalkies Beach, whichis great for snorkelling, diving andreef fossicking.

Haslewood Island DISTANCE FROM BASE: 12NM

Haslewood Island -Chalkies Beach in background,Whitehaven Beach in foreground



Voted one the world’s top three beaches, Whitehaven Beach is located onWhitsunday Island and boasts a six-kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand.This all-tidal beach is very popular for yachts and cruise boats. The vegetation onand behind the dunes of Whitehaven is unusual for the islands. At the northernend of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, which is lined with mangroves andpenetrates the island profoundly. Hill Inlet is an important area from migratorybirds passing on their way south from Siberia and Alaska to their wintering sites inAustralia. Some 30 species have been recorded at various times such as EasternCurlew, Bar Tailed Godwit and Ruddy Turnstone.

APPROACHES

If coming from Solway Passage watchout for the reef area, which is alwayscovered at the south-east end ofWhitehaven Beach. It is marked witha north cardinal mark. Proceed northuntil you are well clear of the passagebefore turning to port and headingfor the beach.

ANCHORAGE

Depth: 5 - 10 metresBottom: Sand A picturesque anchorage. Whitehaven is an incredible expanseof pure white sand, the legacy of ageological era when the sea levelwas lower. It is a magnificent beachand one that is understandablypopular with yachts.

AMENITIES

Toilet block.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Beach

Bush walks

Lookout at Hill Inlet

Spotting turtles, mantarays, sting rays and dolphins

Whitehaven Beach DISTANCE FROM BASE: 10NM

Whitehaven Beach southern end

Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet - northern end



Located on the southern side of Whitsunday Island, this special bay can only beaccessed in winds from a general north, north-east or north-west direction. TurtleBay consists of a series of beautiful bays just east of Fitzalan Passage. It is acommon first or last night anchorage due to its close proximity to Hamilton Island.

APPROACHES

There are no major hazards whenentering this bay - just leave aboutequal distance on both sides. Ofones close to shore the left hand baytends to offer the best protection.

ANCHORAGE

Depth: 3 - 6 metresBottom: Sand and coral A beautiful anchorage with a waterfallto the left that runs after heavy rains.A lovely white sandy beach and somegreat snorkelling or scuba divingopportunities with lots of soft corals.

AMENITIES

Nil.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Beach

Bush walk

Snorkelling

Turtle BayDISTANCE FROM BASE: 5NM

Turtle Bay anchorage - southern end,Whitsunday Island - suitable in northerlyconditions only



Lindeman Island is a large 790 hectare island that is mostly covered by eucalyptforests with patches of rainforest on the northern half and large areas of grasslandon its southern half. Around its perimeter the island has numerous wide bays,many with pleasant sandy beaches.

Located on the southern side of Lindeman Island is a Club Med Resort. The attractive central resort complex is a large pavilion with a swimming pool, 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, archery, bars, dining room,boutique stores, watersports on the beach and an entertainment centre.

As this is an “all inclusive” resort, the fees to go ashore include all meals and activities.

APPROACHES

Tidal currents may reach 2 knots inthe passage between Seaforth andLindeman Islands.

If anchoring in Plantation Bay, staynorth of Orion Shoal if coming fromthe resort side of the island.Anchorages are available on eitherside of the reef.

ANCHORAGE


Plantation BayA lovely anchorage with a delightfulbeach with excellent swimming in theright tide conditions. A track leadsinland from the centre of the beach.

Visiting the Resort Radio reception on VHF Channel 16or the Watersports Manager onChannel 60.

AMENITIES

Full resort amenities may only beused if paying to go ashore.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Beach

Bush walks

Resort

Lindeman Island DISTANCE FROM BASE: 16NM

Lindeman Island, Club Med Resort andlight aircraft strip

Lindeman Island, Plantation Bay anchorage



Shaw Island is a large (1659 hectares) volcanic, pink granite island with the thirdhighest hill in the Whitsundays (Shaw Peak is 408 metres). It has skeletal granitesoils and is covered with sparse open forest. The island is broken into five blocksseparated by narrow saddles. There are deep embayments all around the coast,many with mangroves and extensive sand flats. Many of the bays have well-developed fringing reefs.

APPROACHES

Billbob BayThe tide sweeps around BurningPoint at a rate of knots. In freshwinds from the south there may beoveralls and eddies. Approachingfrom Burning Point watch out forPlatypus Rock, which is now marked.Look out for bommies off the reef,particularly on the eastern side.

ANCHORAGE

Depth: 4 - 6 metresBottom: Sand

Billbob BayA nice and secluded anchorage withgreat beaches. As with all southerlyexposed anchorages in theWhitsundays, you are potentially on alee shore. Not recommended forovernight during trade winds season(from April to August).

AMENITIES

Full resort amenities may only beused if paying to go ashore.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

There are beautiful beachesparticularly on the southern shoreline, some of which are nesting sitesfor turtles.

Shaw Island Billbob Bay

DISTANCE FROM BASE: 20NM

Shaw Island, looking south

Shaw Island anchorage



Only four nautical miles from the mainland Long Island, as its name suggests, isan elongated (9km from top to bottom), relatively narrow island separated fromthe mainland by a deep, narrow channel. It is quite hilly, the east coast with rockybluffs, except for a few low, sandy saddles about a quarter of the way down whereadvantage of flat land has been taken to build holiday resorts. The vegetation isquite dense with vine forest and eucalypt forest.

APPROACHES

Happy BayThe reef from the southern end ofthe anchorage is deceptive; it extendsbeyond a line between Base Point atthe north of the bay and Humpy Pointat the south. Keep a safe distance fromthe reef to avoid several bommies.

Palm BayYou must be guided in by resort staff.You will be guided into a man-madelagoon and your yacht will pick up amooring and tie stern-to to a palm tree.Do not attempt to enter yourself asthe entrance is 0m at low tide.

ANCHORAGE


Visiting the resort at Happy BayRadio ahead on VHF 16 to theWatersports Manager to book amooring. Fees entitle you to useshowers and enjoy all resort facilitiesincluding tennis courts, swimmingpools and nightly entertainment.

Visiting the resort at Palm BayPalm Bay has a dredged channel andlagoon offering another good overnightanchorage. Radio ahead on Channel16 as it is essential to book.

AMENITIES

Two resorts. Outside of resort areas,there are no amenities.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Two resorts to experience.

Club Crocodile Long Island is a three-star resort with moorings out the front.They welcome visitors for a minimal fee.

Peppers Palm Bay Resort is about 1 kmsouth of Happy Bay and is an exclusivefive-star retreat. It has a great lagoonfor mooring and welcomes visitorsashore at certain times of year.

Long IslandDISTANCE FROM BASE: 6 NM

Long Island

Peppers Palm Bay Lagoon, Long Island



Daydream Island is a long narrow island (about one kilometre long and 300metres wide) that has a resort development on its northern and southern ends,with vine forest and hoop pines covering the hill in the middle.

APPROACHES

Approaching from the islands accessis via unsafe passage or in-betweenNorth and South Molle Islands.

ANCHORAGE

Daydream Island is not a particularlygood anchorage as it is subject toswift currents on both sides. There isan opportunity for picking up amooring or berth alongside theirsmall marina.

AMENITIES

Full spa resort

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Spa treatments

Leisure activities

Dining ashore

Daydream Island DISTANCE FROM BASE: 20NM

Spa treatment, Daydream Island

Daydream Island Resort and Spa