Sandy Straits and Mooloolaba

Wednesday, 8 October to Sunday, 26 October 2025

We had planned to spend a week with friends Lois and Kel on Elevation after the family left. Our plans to head back into Hervey Bay were thwarted by the persistent northerlies that had arrived. So we headed south and rendezvoused with them at Bookar Island. On Thursday we decided to head over to Yankee Jack Creek so we could investigate the creek itself.

We went about a mile up the creek

I think this is as far as we go!

After heading back to Phase2, we decided to try the anchorage at Turkey Island which was out of the tide, more protected and comfortable. You could also get ashore here for a walk on the beach although there were lots of midgies.

On Saturday, we took the boats over to South White Cliffs and took the dinghies to explore Deep Creek. We could only get about half a mile up the creek but there is an old timber logging wharf  and sand beach to venture ashore.

Deep Creek

Remains of the logging barge SS Palmer

The intrepid explorers

We had a quick trip up to Kingfisher Bay Resort on Tuesday before starting to head south, overnighting at Garry's and Pelican Bay before crossing the Wide Bay Bar on Friday morning with lots of other yachts. We sailed for an hour before the wind dropped and it was after lunch before an easterly arrived to take us to Mooloolaba.

We had a week in the marina to catch up with friends, swim and do some bike riding.

Lots of walks to check the bar

Local cycling buddies Helen and Scott

Morning tea with Nanette who we met at Lizard Is in 2011

On Sunday, after lots of socialising, it was time to head home. Motoring to start until a strong northerly came in to get us back to Cleveland. We had been away 6 weeks and had covered 560 nm.

Family Time

Sunday, 28 September to Tuesday, 7 October 2025

On Sunday, Josh, Jo and the grandkids arrived for a few days sailing and hopefully whale watching. We had dinner at the Boat Club then headed out on Monday morning. We were going to the sand island off Moon Point for lunch and so Charlotte could try her hand at kayaking. As a keen photographer, Josh was hoping to see some whales a bit more active than their last trip up here in 2022. We were lucky to have a whale put on a great display about 15 minutes after leaving the marina.

After lunch we went ashore on the sandy island and Charlotte had her first go on the kayak. She quickly got the hang of it and I could remove the rope I had attached to make sure she didn't drift off!

I got this Nanna!

We spent Tuesday watching the whales off Hawk Nest and Arch Cliffs. A bit windy so we headed back to Moon Point for a quiet night. We stayed here on Wednesday, swimming, kayaking and fishing. 

Moon Point

Josh had his drone up and Charlotte and I counted the number of jellyfish washed ashore. Oliver enjoyed the sand but thought the water was a bit colder than the heated pool where he has his swimming lessons.

On Thursday, we headed back to the marina happy to have had some good weather for the family to enjoy this part of Queensland. 

Friday was changeover day with Josh and his family leaving and Ben arriving. Another dinner at the Boat Club before heading off again up to Wathumba Creek on Saturday morning. Saw more whales on the way and walked along the beach once there. 

Lots of water in the creek at High Tide

Next morning, Ben and I kayaked up the creek before we sailed back to Hawk Nest for the night. Saw lots more whales on the way.

On Monday, we stopped at Moon Point for a swim before heading back to the marina.

Latest version of my shade shelter

Cruise to Hervey Bay to see some Whales

Saturday, 13 September to Saturday, 27 September, 2025

After our trip to Canada, we had a short window to head north. We waited for good winds to sail first to Mooloolaba then onto Pelican Bay in the Great Sandy Straits. Lots of whales sighted both days. 

Cruising past the Sunshine Coast

We spent 2 nights here before moving up to Garry's Anchorage for 3 nights.We did a 5 km walk south from the anchorage one day but otherwise relaxed while waiting for a later high tide to cross Sheridan Flats. 

Track in good condition

This came on Friday when we headed up to Great Sandy Straits marina for 2 nights. 

Great Sandy Straits marina

On Saturday, we rode the bikes up the excellent Mary to the Bay Rail Trail to Bunnings and Woolworths. Nearly 20 kms and no magpies which was a bonus at this time of year.

We then watched the Lions beat Collingwood in the Preliminary Final at the MCG.

We left the marina on Sunday morning in light winds and spent the week enjoying the clear waters and sandy beaches of Moon Point, Hawks Nest, Coongul and Wathumba Creeks. We saw lots of whales including cruising past all the boats at anchor outside Wathumba Creek. Magical!

Never get tired of seeing this!

Coongul Creek

It was then back to the marina to watch the AFL Grand Final between the mighty Lions and Geelong. There was no reception at our marina berth but we went to the nearby Boat Club where it was on the big scrren. There were a few concerns initially when the club had some technical issues but we ended up watching a great game with a good crowd. Geelong had beaten us comprehensively in in our first final game against them so we were happy to have a very close game in the first half. In the last 5 minutes of the third quarter Brisbane started to "Believe" and the Lions ended up winning by 47 points. 

Had to settle for a smaller screen