Final leg home (better late than never!)

Urangan to Raby Bay

Monday, 26 September to Wednesday, 5 October 2022

On Monday morning we rode our bikes to Point Vernon - a beautiful ride around the bay before departing the marina at noon for Bookar Island which offers great protection in the northerly winds.

Point Vernon

On Tuesday we crossed the Wide Bay Bar and headed to the Double Island Point Lagoon for the night. The next morning it was off early for the run to Mooloolaba, a place we always enjoy. No wind early saw us motoring until 11 when the northerly strengthened enough for us to sail under main and genoa. A week in the marina gave us a chance to catch up with family and friends, enjoy the surf and fresh prawns and get ready for our return home.  

No surf this morning

We walked most days and rode our bikes 4 days including a trip out to the Department of Transport at Buderim to arrange a new Drivers Licence for Warren who was caught up in the Optus data breach. 

Plenty of paths around the Sunshine Coast lakes

Mooloolaba light from land ...

... and sea

Finally the trip was over and we departed Mooloolaba for home on Wednesday, 5 October. We saw more whales also making their way south including one just 5nm from Raby Bay. We are so lucky to have such beautiful and diverse cruising grounds in our state. 

In total we had covered 1425nm in the 81 days we were away.

Having a Whale of a Time with Family

Saturday, 17 September to Sunday, 25 September 2022

We had a day and a half to get the boat ready before the arrival on Sunday afternoon of our son Josh, Joanne and our granddaughter Charlotte. We emptied the third cabin (our storage room) to give Charlotte her own cabin which she decorated with some stickers of sea life we hoped to see.

Room for Charlotte, Doug the polar bear and several dolls

On Monday, we left the marina and headed out in search of whales. No sightings, but we had a nice swim at Moon Point where we anchored for the night. On Tuesday we had an early start and motored around to Coongul Creek then headed into the bay where we found a pod of 3 whales. We followed them for about an hour as they cruised along the beach before heading in for lunch and a swim at Arch Cliffs before returning to Coongul Creek for the night.

On Wednesday, we saw whales in the bay while having breakfast so headed out again. Josh is a keen photographer and was keen to snap that iconic photo of a whale breaching. We found another pod that we followed and watched people swimming off the back of a whale watch boat as the whales swam by. Sadly no whales breaching.

Back at Coongul Creek we found some soldier crabs to show Charlotte before a final night at Moon Point. 

Thursday was changeover day, with the departure of our guests and the arrival of  our eldest son, Ben. We headed out on Friday morning to Coongul Creek again and this time saw a whale breaching in the distance. We headed towards the mother and calf and stopped 100m away. A few breaths and then they dived down out of sight. As we waited to see if they were going to reappear, the calf suddenly breached about 50 m abeam of us. It then breached 3 more times in succession which we managed to get on film.

It was amazing to see and I was so sorry Josh and family had missed it. These 2 whales entertained us and a couple of whale boats that joined us for over an hour. Fin slaps from the mother and lots of breaches from the calf. By far the best whale experience we have had. Back to the marina on Sunday to drop Ben off and prepare for the last leg home.

Mother and calf enjoying Hervey Bay

South to Hervey Bay

Thursday, 8 September to Friday, 16 September 2022

We made an early start from Scawfell Island as we had 80 nm to cover to get to Hunter Island - our destination for the day. The moderate easterly breeze was perfect for our genoa and we made good time until 1615 when the breeze died and we started an engine. 

The white stone of Marble Is. seen from the passage with Hunter Is.

On Friday, our original plan was to try to get to Great Keppel Island a distance of 90 nm. Unfortunately the winds and tides weren't cooperating and after motor-sailing and then motoring in the light northerly, we put into Perforated Point at the northern end of Port Clinton. We knew we had good internet here, and we could watch the Lions have a memorable semi-final win over Melbourne at the MCG.

Perforated Point anchorage

With the wind going to the south on Sunday for several days, we decided to make for Pancake Creek on Saturday to sit out the blow. This meant a VERY long day - 111 nm and anchor down at 0030 on Sunday morning, motor sailing and motoring in the light northerly.

Pancake Creek

It was worth it however as Pancake Creek is a favourite of ours. Warren's small whiting that he caught on the way up had grown and we enjoyed exploring by kayak. We had 5 nights here waiting for the wind to go back to the E/NE.

Kayak across to Jenny Lind Creek

Jenny Lind Creek

Our 10km kayak route 

Finally after 5 days, we ventured out of the creek and headed for the Burnett River. Then on Friday we sailed under spinnaker into Hervey Bay and tied up at the Great Sandy Straits Marina. Good timing to watch the Lions/Geelong Preliminary final and get ready for the arrival of our family to hopefully see some whales with us. 

Sadly the Lions run at the flag ended on Friday night!

Time to start heading home

Thursday, 1 September to Wednesday, 7 September 2022

We left Coral Seas Marina and had a quick sail in a strong SE wind to Happy Bay on Long Island. This anchorage has excellent TV reception - necessary to watch the knockout final of the Lions versus Richmond. 

Happy Bay

After dinner we settled down to watch the game, not expecting a power cat to suddenly appear 1m off the stern. It was a 20 knot wind against tide situation and boats were careening all over the bay. 

All those boats would create chaos later in the evening

We decided it was safer to move, so at 2045 we upped anchor and headed across to Cid Island. We knew there was plenty of room here and were confident to anchor at night. Unfortunately, we hadn't gone far when we lost the TV reception. It was the last quarter and the lead had been constantly changing. We eventually found a radio station with the game and a last minute goal gave the Lions a win by 2 points. 

Where are we??

On Friday morning we tacked down to Burning Point on Shaw Island, 3 groups of whales seen on the way. 

No going ashore October to March to let the curlews breed

On Saturday, we sailed to Roylen Bay on Goldsmith Island to sit out the strong SE winds due for the next 3 days. Where were the northerlies we needed to go south?

It's a wonder we are still smiling after the number of laps we did of this bay

Eventually on Tuesday, the wind had eased enough to sail to Brampton Island, still into a SE wind.

Lighter winds still on Wednesday so we tacked out to Scawfell Island. We haven't been here for several years and moorings are now in place close to the beach. I had forgotten what a beautiful island it is. We had headed out here to get a better angle for the winds expected for the next few days - winds that would finally let us cover more miles to the south (Hunter Island - 80nm).

Beautiful Scawfell Island

You can camp on the island

Shaggers and the bays north of Airlie Beach

Tuesday, 23 August to Wednesday, 31 August 2022

We had a pleasant sail out of Airlie, heading north for Double Bay East. On the way, Warren caught our first mackerel of the trip. We anchored deep into the bay and enjoyed fresh fish and chips for dinner. 

80cm Spotted Mackerel

The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (known affectionately as Shaggers) Rendezvous, was due to start on Thursday. With a S/SW blowing (not ideal for Shaggers), we decided to stay another night at Double Bay E and Warren tried to catch some whiting. Unfortunately only 1 bream to show for his efforts. 

Cruising is sometimes described as boat maintenance in exotic locations

Late on Thursday morning, we left the anchorage and no sooner were sails set, we had another mackerel on the line. The wind was a steady 20 knots and we were glad to finally drop anchor south of Cape Gloucester Resort. 

Friday is the traditional Shag Islet party. We caught up with lots of friends and enjoyed the entertainment on the island. 

We are the ones in the blue shirts

Saturday was at the resort with entertainment and fundraising for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  With an Aussie theme, there were lots of great costumes to admire. 

Dancing thongs!

We went as half of the Wiggles - a group we are very familiar with thanks to our granddaughter. If I was more creative we might have gone as Bluey and Bingo, something my Mum and Dad would have created with ease. Fancy dress parades were a highlight of every primary school year for my family.

1964 - I'm the telephone - note the winner's ribbon!

The wind was still not cooperating with a nasty side on swell making life more uncomfortable than we like. We decided to miss the pirate party on Sunday and motor the 6nm to Jonah Bay into a strong south easterly. A better night here and several large manta rays were seen. 

Beautiful Jonah Bay

On Monday we sailed to Woodwark Bay, despite the strong SE winds. With a double reef and self tacking jib, it was a surprising good sail once we had left the washing machine of waves off George Point. After several days of rolly anchorages with strong winds, this bay was fantastic. As we motored into the bay the 25 knots we were experiencing dropped to about 10 knots at the head of the bay.

Low tide at Woodwark Bay

On Tuesday, it was double reef again to get to Airlie beach and a couple of nights in the Coral Sea Marina. We had a final dinner with Jane and her friends and filled the fridges and cupboards with food as on Thursday we were to begin the trip home.

Enjoying dinner at Sorrento restaurant

Whitehaven and Airlie Beach

Monday, 15 August to Monday 22, August 2022

With perfect weather expected for the next few days we motored the 22 nm to Whitehaven Beach. On the way Warren decided to run the watermaker only to discover the feed pump had failed. As this is required to flush the watermaker every 5 days, a replacement was needed urgently. A few phone calls while we had reception and Warren had one on the way to Airlie Beach from Coomera.

Mix of boats at Whitehaven

Whitehaven has recovered a lot from the last cyclone and was busy with cruisers, charterers, Hamilton Island race boats and day trippers. We had our first kayak for the trip and walked to Chance Bay and the lookout but are yet to venture in for a swim. Beautiful days at the moment but it gets cool when the sun goes down. 

Chance Bay all to ourselves

450 steps to get this view

On Wednesday afternoon we sailed around to Macona Inlet and then on to Airlie Beach on Thursday to pick up our new pump. All day Friday was spent removing and replacing the pump. It is never as straight forward as you think it should be and working upside down in a small locker makes it worse.  

We had lunch on Saturday at the sailing club with my friend Jane who had flown up from Melbourne with some friends for 12 days at Airlie. We organised a sail for Jane and Russell on Sunday. 

Nice day for a sail

There was a bit more breeze than we expected so we had a fast sail out to North Molle and back. Warren had told them he had ordered some whales and they thought he was joking when he said he thought he saw some. 

You're kidding right! 

A mother and calf breached and fin slapped on cue. We were glad to be able to share with Jane some of what we love about cruising.

Mother and calf

Monday was provisioning before heading to Shag Islet for the Shaggers Rendezvous later in the week. 

Nice bike ride to the Cannonvale shops

Cruising the southern Whitsundays

 Thursday, 11 August to Sunday, 14 August 2022

Nothing has happened at Brampton Island since our trip last year with the resort slowly deteriorating. I'm not sure what the answer is for these old resorts. Lots of people have fond memories of holidays here but this was before cheap flights and accommodation at places like Bali. 

Another beautiful day

The anchorage is still good in the strong SE winds we were experiencing and we were glad to sleep in and then stretch our legs climbing to the top of Brampton Peak. It was great to see a group of 8 trailerable yachts anchored here. They had trailed their boats from Victoria and launched at Mackay.  

Track was well maintained

Blue Tiger Butterfly

Morning tea view from Brampton Lookout

After lunch we sailed the short distance to Goldsmith Island and anchored in Roylen Bay. Another favourite spot with a dugong, several turtles and 2 whales sighted while having breakfast on Friday morning. 

Nice campsite behind the shrubs

Trust me - it's a dugong

On Saturday it was off to Thomas Island with several whales sighted. We walked up the creek bed following the trail of thongs and markers to the northern side. We climbed the hill for some photos and picked up what rubbish we could carry back with us. We shared the anchorage with 23 boats on Sunday night including the 8 trailer sailers and lots of yachts heading to Hamilton Island for Race Week.

This way!

Worth the scramble over rocks

Looking north

My love of sailing started in trailer sailers

Rosslyn Bay to Brampton Island

Friday, 5 August to Wednesday, 10 August 2022

We headed over to the Keppel Bay Marina where we had booked a berth for 3 nights. Normal jobs of re-provisioning, laundry and various boat jobs were inter spaced with bike rides into Yeppoon.  

Yeppoon lagoon

Council here has created great, safe cycling infrastructure and there are consequently lots of people out riding. 

That bump in the distance is where Phase2 is moored

One 35km ride included the Pineapple Rail Trail

We stayed in the marina on Sunday so that we could enjoy the Lions victory over Carlton, then headed off early Monday for Island Head Creek. We set the spinnaker immediately and headed north. As is often the case when sailing up or down the coast the wind was directly behind us which required a few gybes. Unfortunately on one of these we got a massive wrap in the spinnaker. This meant we couldn't use the sock to help get it down and had to drop it on the deck. This is not a difficult maneuver with a few crew but a bit more challenging with just the two of us. Eventually we got it all in the bag and I declared no more spinnaker for the day much to Warren's disappointment. We were anchored by 1530 after 55nm and Warren got in a couple of hours of fishing with lots of fish caught but none he wanted to keep. 

The start of another gorgeous day

Another early start with the aim of getting to Curlew Island, 71nm away. Spinnaker up and with the current with us we made good time until about 1500 when it eased and we motored the rest of the way.  No gybes so I was happy and we saw our first whales of the trip including one which surfaced right next to the boat, luckily going away from us.

Cruised along beside us for a while to check us out

An early start on Wednesday as we headed for Brampton Island, the start of the Whitsundays in our minds. More spinnaker, more whales and more gybes! When the wind got to 20 knots we dropped the spinnaker and goose winged the headsail. Boring said Warren - less stressful I thought.

Now it is time to slow down, sleep in and enjoy some of what these islands have to offer.