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