Sail & Fish Adventure
Yeppoon to Mackay — Port Clinton & the Swains Reefs
From $3,590 pp · Max 5 guests
Book Your Place →This is a genuine adventure — visiting remote places, adapting to conditions, and fishing some of the most productive and least-pressured grounds on the Queensland coast. Port Clinton for inshore species, then an 80-nautical-mile offshore passage to the Swains Reefs, one of Australia's most remote coral reef systems.
Two big sailing days bracket five days of serious fishing. Tim Foster skippers this trip personally, and fishing gear is provided — though you are very welcome to bring your own.
Exact routes and days at each location depend entirely on the weather. This time of year usually offers calm conditions at the Swains, but we need a good window over a few days to venture out. If it isn't safe, we find great alternatives closer to the coast.
Swains Reefs, 2025
Humpback season
Offshore passage
Choose Your Berth
All berths include 8 nights aboard, all meals on board, fishing equipment, fuel, and marina fees.
Master Cabin
1 or 2 people
Fully private cabin with queen-sized bed. Best comfort and space on board — ideal for couples or solo travellers who want their own sanctuary.
V-Berth Cabin
1 or 2 people
Private cabin in the bow with door, hatch, and storage. Bed tapers from full-size aft to narrower forward — suits a solo traveller or two smaller people.
Semi-Private Sea Berth
1 person
Cosy bunk with privacy curtain, tucked starboard-aft. About the size of a single bed — comfortable and secure at sea. A proper sailor's berth.
Saloon Berth
1 person
Single berth in the communal saloon with shelf storage. The most economical option — well suited to easy sleepers who spend most of their time on deck.
Not included: Flights and transfers (Yeppoon arrival / Mackay departure), meals ashore, alcohol, and personal items. Alcohol orders can be arranged ahead of your arrival — Tim will be in touch.
The Adventure
Generally 2 big sailing days and 5 days devoted to fishing — split between Port Clinton and the Swains Reefs. Exact timing depends on weather.
Arrive Yeppoon — Head for Port Clinton
Keppel Bay Marina, Rosslyn Bay
Arrive at Keppel Bay Marina by 3pm on Monday 24 August. After provisioning and a safety briefing, we head north for Port Clinton — 40 nautical miles up the coast — arriving in the evening for our first night at anchor.
Rockhampton Airport is the closest airport. The bus to Keppel Bay Marina costs 50 cents (cash only) and takes around 90 minutes; Uber is around $120. Aim to fly in around midday.
Port Clinton
40 NM north of Rosslyn Bay
Two days fishing this incredible sheltered inlet. Port Clinton consistently produces great inshore species in calm, protected waters.
Offshore Passage to the Swains Reefs
80 NM offshore · Predawn departure
We leave before dawn for the 80-nautical-mile passage to the Swains Reefs. Running with the southeast trades, this is a genuine offshore sail — trolling lines out as we go, with Spanish mackerel and yellowfin often striking on the way.
Swains Reefs
Great Barrier Reef · 80 NM offshore
Three full days on one of Australia's most remote and productive fishing grounds. The Swains see minimal pressure — the fish are bigger and less wary. We troll the reef edges and drop for deep-water species between drifts.
Overnight Passage to Mackay
85 NM · Early departure
An early start and a big day covering 85 nautical miles back to the coast. We arrive at Mackay on the evening of 31 August, stay on board overnight, and depart the marina by 9:00 am on Tuesday 1 September. Uber to Mackay Airport.
Please book flexible return flights from Mackay on 1 September — Tim takes the Qantas 10:35am flight. Book closer to departure once progress is clear.
If conditions don't allow us to reach the outer reef, we have excellent alternatives in the beautiful coastal waters and islands — including a stop at Middle Percy Island. Note: Port Clinton is occasionally closed for live firing exercises; we monitor this in advance.
What to Bring
We provide lifejackets and all fishing tackle — one rod and reel per person, spare braid and line, and plenty of lures. Bring your own gear if you prefer.
Clothing & Gear
- Closed-toe shoes (required on deck)
- Shorts and long pants
- Swimmers
- Light waterproof jacket
- Sailing gloves (optional but useful)
- Sun hat with a chin strap
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Sunscreen
For Your Cabin
- Sleeping bag
- Sheet and pillow slip
- Bath and beach towels
- Toiletries and personal items
Fishing Gear
- One rod and reel per person supplied — BYO gear very welcome. Contact Tim if you'd like to stow gear on Persephone beforehand.
There are plenty of videos and blogs about fishing the Swains Reefs and Port Clinton — well worth watching before the trip to get a feel for what's ahead.
Book Your Place
Limited to 5 guests — select your preferred departure and berth below. Questions first? Get in touch.