Queensland Coastal Cruise
Mooloolaba to Whitsundays

Be part of the crew for an unforgettable adventure along some of Australia’s most remarkable coastline.  You will enjoy plenty of fishing, snorkelling and swimming along the way as we island hop up the Queensland coast. Take a turn on the helm, navigate through some challenging waters and build your experience and sea miles.

Typically this time of year offers perfect conditions, with SE trade winds, and the reef protecting us from swell. The following itinerary, which is subject to the conditions, is for our northerly expedition, just read it in reverse for our southerly sojourn. 

After arriving and provisioning on day 1 (7 July) we depart Mooloolabah early on day 2 and head north to cross the Wide Bay Bar, picking the tide and conditions carefully as we cross this challenging stretch on the rising tide. Once inside we head for Garry’s Anchorage (see header photo above taken there in 2021). Next day we cruise the Great Sandy Straight picking the high tide to cross the shallow middle section. Afternoon opportunity to share the cost of a 4WD and visit Lake Mackenzie and other sites on Fraser Island. Overnight near Kingfisher Resort. Next morning sail across Hervey Bay, entering the Mary River and staying at the Port of Bundaberg.

On day 5 we head due north for Lady Musgrave Island – one of the Reef’s most southern coral islands, signalling the start of the Great Barrier Reef. We have some time ashore, walking the island and snorkelling close in. 

Next day enjoy some more sorkelling before we follow the reefs trying our luck trolling for Spanish Mackerel as we head to Fitzroy Reef, entering the narrow passage into this magnificent lagoon. Regarded as Australia’s best ‘get-away-from-it-all reef anchorage’ the short hop gives us plenty of time to swim, snorkel and relax on arrival. 

Day 7 takes us back to the mainland to the marina of Roslyn Bay (near Yepoon) where we have a two night stop, giving us time to do our laundry, refuel, restock and undertake any repairs. On day 9 we sail for the beautiful Pearl Bay, a 7 hour sail away.  Day 10 is a 55 mile hop to Middle Island which offers remote and relaxed anchorage, and the opportunity for a fire on the beach. We start early the next day to sail for Scawfell Island, just south of the Whitsundays.  From here we make our final leg on day 12 up the famed Whitsunday Passage to Airlie Beach for our final night. 

We will sail with just 4-5 crew plus the instructor, so we are not too crowded. You have the choice of a cabin to yourself (extra cost), a shared cabin with a lee cloth divider, double cabin for a couple or single saloon berth.