can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Firefly - Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands



Firefly was anchored east of Burning Point, Shaw Island for 2 nights while we waited for some strong trade winds to calm down following a boisterous sail down from Mackay. The holding was excellent in water that was about 6 meters deep at low water and with a bottom that was a sandy mud. This was good as there were 'bullets' of wind coming down off the mountain on Shaw Island - probably at 40 knots or maybe more. We know them as 'Katabatic down drafts' from our days sailing in the Greek Islands. They happen when its windy on the windward side of a high island or headland and on the leeward side, where it may be expected to be sheltered - the gusts thunder down the steep sides somewhat sporadically. A few times Firefly was practically laid flat as they hit.

Following the extra day at Shaw Island, completing a multitude of outstanding jobs we finally left for our intended destination, Whitehaven Beach. The beach is on the south of Whitsunday Island, about 15 miles north from Shaw Island. The sail was quite 'sporting' as the wind was still 25 knots and the swell very steep, caused because the water in the Whitsundays is quite shallow in most places. For about 6 miles we rocked, rolled and hung on until Firefly was safely in the Solway Passage with a favourable wind with tide situation. Whitehaven is a world famous spot and all credit must go to the Aussie National Parks Organisation - it is absolutely pristine and there are no buildings or permanent signs of civilisation at all. Being so special it does attract a good number of day trippers who arrive either by boat, helicopter or float plane - apparently its a wedding hot spot too.

Overnight some swell entered the anchorage and Firefly was rolling a lot at times. We seem to have grown accustomed to this and it rarely affects our sleep. Over breakfast in the cockpit we spotted whales in the distance and saw a huge turtle close up to the boat. Ashore in the scrub by the beach there was a sizeable iguana and on a trail leading away from the beach we walked through an area thick with 'Blue Tiger' butterflies - both in the air and hanging from the trees and bushes.

We set sail from Whitehaven early afternoon and sailed with the headsail only all the way to Nara Inlet on the south of Hook Island. With about 20 knots of wind from behind, flat water, a favorable current and blues skies it was glorious sailing north along the beach. At the north end of Whitsunday Island we turned hard to port and entered the Hook Passage with an unexpected current pulling us through the narrows. Nara is a long fiord like inlet - it is high sided with thick vegetation and is clearly a favorite for 'boaters' as this is the busiest place we have so far seen, although its not overcrowded. We are anchored in Refuge Bay and despite a few strong gusts its really peaceful and we anticipate that no swell should make it into here tonight.

Paul and Susie

Previous | Next