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