Island Hopping the Whitsundays

[Pacific]

Hi Guys,

Keen to hear from anyone who has been island hopping in the Whitsundays . Not in a cruiser but in a 5 metre or there abouts halfcab. Is it practical ? What about fuel ?

[krazyfisher]

yes you can do it and some of the island have fuel

[Noelm]

most of the islands are quite close to shore, and the ones that are not, afford good protection from any wind that may come up, a 5 metre boat is going to get very 'cosy" with any more than two people, some islands allow camping (with a permit) so at least you can get out of the boat for a night or two, but you will need some sort of a safe mooring setup for overnighting, leaving the boat at anchor.

[Brumby]

Hi Pacific

I am planning something similar for September/October although my boat is a bit bigger (and a lot heavier unfortunately!) than yours. I have found "100 Magic Miles" by David Colfeldt very useful for planning, even though it is biased more toward yachts. There is plenty of info re anchorages, camping spots, where fuel etc is available. There was also a pretty good article from a powerboat perspective about 2 issues ago in F & B magazine - give them a call, you may be able to get a back copy or it may even be available in their electronic library, www.seamedia.com.au. I think their next issue #133 is supposed to have something more.

I can't wait,

Cheers

Carl

[Ian1]

Pacifc

I did it for 2 weeks in a 7 meter half cab. The area is usually well protected inside the islands but as far as anchorages go I didn't think it was all that good for a boat that size. The biggest problem is most places have a fringing reef running along the shore so you have to anchor further out. It also makes it hard to get ashore on anything under half tide.
One spot I would recomend is Hill Inlet. Its the inlet at the northern end of whitehaven beach. Its deep enough for a boat that size, well protected and the plagues of yachts and motor cruisers can't get in there because its to shallow for them. Its probably the best spot in the whitsundays. There had been people camping there but I'm not sure if its legal.

Cheers

Ian

[Flex]

I Island hopped on my 4.5m tinny all across the whitsundays. As Ian said Without a doubt the nicest and most beautiful spot to anchor is Hill inlet. From there you have good access to awesome fishing spots. Only problem is getting in and out at low tide.

If your short of fuel just duck back to shute harbor and away you go.

The main issue around whitsundays is getting across the main channel in bad weather. It can get a bit nasty some days and you may get stuck over there for a day or so if it blows hard.so watch your weather

[Mr__Bean]

Keep the info coming guys, I too would like to do the Island hop.

Are there islands where you can book accomodation ad-hoc?

Would love to do a couple of days here, a couple of days there etc.

- Darren

[krazyfisher]

yep and you will even get a room cheap if you are on the spot

[madman1]

Drop in and see me Mr Bean on your way through.

I dont know if you heard but I sold Half Tanked a couple of weeks ago to a Bribie Island Buyer!!!


Its all for the best as it wasn't getting used and probably a bit small for up here.

Jane has given me the go ahead for a bigger toy in a year or so!!!

Cant wait.

Cheers


Mark

[Guido]

I've been camping the islands for a few years now so I'll second all of the above comments and add 2 cents. I could babble for hours so i'll keep it tight...

Be very careful crossing both Molle Passage and Whitsunday Passage in a 5m if the wind is up to 20 knots or higher. The SE wind against the incoming tide makes the waves stand up like nothing i've seen or been in before. The top of the tide comes and it flattens out (best time to pass), or at least cross when the wind and tide are in the same direction. I know at least one 30ft motor yacht (catamaran) has been swamped crossing the passage. Know your boats capabilities.

Again, if the winds are up, access around to Whitehaven and there-abouts can be sloppy. Land based camping is great and there is quite a few good spots. Check out the parks and wildlife website for all the info.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/p....cgi?parkid=11

Finally, if the winds are 10 knots, get in amongst it! That place is heaven during light winds, you can cruise forever! Without knowing your fuel consumption, you could get from Shute Harbour, around Whitsunday Island, poking around, and back at around 50 miles (roughly, & I suggest checking this). Hamilton Island is a great place to drop in for a shower, supplies, swim or even to stay the night! We make it a regular stop for a hot shower. Fuel is pricey though, as expected.

Hope this helps and if there's anything else let me know.

Guido