Hi, we are a family of 4 on a 38 ft cat. We have 5 weeks to sail from Keppel Bay Marina to Townsville, leaving mid September. Any suggestions re where to stop/itinerary would be appreciated. Thanks
Get your self a copy of "Cruising The Curtis Coast" and "100 Magic Mile Whitsundeys" They will give you all the information you need.
Thanks for the reply. Weve got both of those. Just Keen to make sure we go to all the best spots in that period of time. Havent been before so would love to hear everyone's favourite spots. Cheers
Keppel, port Clinton, pearl bay,island head creek , south Percy ,middle Percy , st bees / keswick , Brampton , and then the choice is endless.
just make note of the tidal currents when north of island head creek.
A lot of anchorages are dependant on the wind direction except if they are up a creek
Port Clinton is okay for a stop over. But check with local coast guard (Keppel area) regarding current military exercise. Sometimes it is out of bounds
Island head creek is very sheltered
The Percy's are worth a stop if the wind is down
Maybe Curlew
Mackay Harbour if you need fuel. Food will require a Taxi ride
Brampton is worth a look to see the abandoned resort
Shaw Island is nice and protected
Take your pick around the Whitsundays and maybe a peek at Airlie Beach. Easy shopping plus fuel. Plenty of places with mooring bouys and Whitehaven is worth a look.
Maybe head to Bait Reef out past the back of Hook Island. It has moorings plus good snorkelling. gets a bit of swell at hight tide but fairly safe.
Then head straight West to Gloschester Passage and round to Monties. Nice spot for a beer and yachties are most welcome.
I don't think there is much in the way of marina/berth spaces at Bowen so probably head straight for Cape Upstart. There is a fresh water swimming about 500m up one of the dry river beds
Then off to Cape Bowling green
Then to Magnetic Island and back into Townsville
There's lots of other place depending on the weather. Enjoy yourself
Most of the spots have been mentioned above. If you are going as far as Townsville it is worth going the rest of the way to Cairns and you will find some magic places between them.
But if you only have five weeks there is plenty to see between Keppel Bay and Townsville.
A leisurely day sail north from Keppel is Port Clinton, well worth a stop for a beach BBQ. You will find plenty of firewood in the rocks just up from the beach. Just around the corner from there is Delcomyn Bay. Small but beautiful and it has a fresh water creek that runs down the beach after rain.
As advised above Noel Patrick's "Cruising the Curtis Coast" is an invaluable guide.
If you look at Lucas [cruising the coral coast] he takes you on the direct route up the coast via each anchorage.
Its your decision if you do them all or skip as you feel.
But also use the other guides for more detailed information.
Don't forget Hexham and Thomas Is and get the bus into town at Mackay, no need for a taxi!
And if your after fuel ,
Mackay during office hours,
Hamilton island 24hr fuel and water same with Able Point marina , we usually go in after 6pm when all the charter boats have finished.
* download marina maps before you go
Select to expand quoteDAMA said..
* download marina maps before you go
Get Rob's Passage Planner, it has all the marina plans, berth nos and contact details.
You will need it anyway for planning.
Thanks for all the great info. Weve just enjoyed a couple of beautiful days at Great Keppel and now heading for Pearl Bay.
We've had a great trip so far enjoying Great Keppel Island, Pearl Bay, middle percy, Keswick and Brampton. Weather has been superb.
Any suggestions for "must sees" between Brampton and Townsville appreciated!
Cheers
Sounds like a great trip so far Eventide.
What was it like around the Keswick Island area? Did you go onto the island, are there any facilities there, etc?
Do you have any photos of the area around Keswick Island?
Keswick and St Bees looking toward the passage between. Nice island with a few land owners building their dream homes in the Cumberland Group of Islands I have been there lots of times what would you like to know?
Select to expand quotewhiteout said..
I have been there lots of times what would you like to know?
I saw a news report a few weeks ago that said the lease on the island was being sold by the current developer. I was curious about how easy it was to build a house and live on the island. Seems like a great place to have as a base to cruise the Whitsundays.
