A Slow Start to the Trip South

Airlie Beach to Scawfell Island

Friday, 13 October to Saturday, 21 October 2023

We started our trip south with a short sail to South Molle Island. We picked up a mooring in Sandy Bay which was a good anchorage in the SE winds. On Saturday we hiked 8.7km to the top of Mt Jeffreys for a fabulous 360 degree view of the Whitsundays. 

View south from the summit at 195m

During our hike, we watched the Australian warship, HMAS Warramunga do laps of the Molle group and Daydream Island. Interesting except when they were still steaming past at 20 knots at 10pm giving off a sizable wash!

Track of HMAS Warramunga

HMAS Warramunga

On Sunday, we sailed to Plantation Bay on Lindeman Island. On Monday, another walk this time to the top of Mt Oldfield - 7.7km. We met the caretaker on the return trip and he told us the resort had been sold again to a Singaporean company who have big plans and hope to start work by the end of the year. Of course, we have heard this before but hopefully this time will see this resort back in business.

Phase2 in Plantation Bay

On Tuesday we sailed to Goldsmith Island to sit out the big SE blow expected. On the way we were pleased to catch our first spotted mackerel of the trip. 

Roylen Bay, Goldsmith Island

We had 3 nights at Goldsmith before the wind eased enough to tack down to Brampton Island. No cruiser likes sailing to windward but we were ready for a change of scenery and with slight seas it was a very pleasant sail. 

Inquisitive Moray Eel checking us out at Brampton Island

On Saturday, we sailed east to Scawfell Island to improve our sailing angle for the expected NE winds on Sunday. So far the forecast northerlies have not appeared and our progress south has been very slow. Let's hope they have it right this time.

Lots of boats waiting at Scawfell for a northerly

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