The Cod Hole

A few of us wanted to go out to the cod hole for a dive but the weather was still a bit rough and we would have to beat into it for a few hours to get there. We decided it was worth it and made a plan for Eric and Yvonne from Morning Star V11 and Seth and Ellen from Heretic to join us. The bumpy ride out was well worth it and we arrived just before low ensuring the reef would protect us from the full brunt of the swell for a good few hours. We could dive straight off the boat on the reef and wasted no time getting in.




It wasn’t called the Cod Hole for nothing – these cod could eat a small man! They were really friendly coming right up close and eyeballing us. Although a little intimidating they were very gently and curious. Simon, fearless as ever took them on first and if I could read minds, I’d be sure he’s saying, “do you want a piece of me?"



The diving was excellent. While the reef colours were not as spectacular as Hook and Bait reef off the Whitsundays the marine life and variety of corals was way better.

We left on the full force of the flood tide and had some fun with wind against tide getting away from the reef before enjoying a lovely down wind sail back to Lizard. The trip was a real highlight and not one to missed. Thankfully although our camera broke we were able to get photos of the day from Seth.

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is commonly known as Blizzard Lizard due to the strong trade winds that blow endlessly from April to October and we weren’t disappointed. There was heaps to do and we got stuck straight into action with drinks at the resort staff bar to watch the State of Origin match. The locals got a little excited much to the amusement of the foreign sailors who were inexperienced in Australian league etiquette.



We took the walk up to Cook’s Look. This is the lookout from which Captain Cook found a way out of the Great Barrier Reef and from here we spied the Cod Hole, a famed dive site and a spot we were keen to get out to.

Unfortunately we have more ruined pictures…
The rest of the time at Lizard we spent exploring and snorkeling on the reef near the boat. We also made good use of the well where we had to hand pump water to do our washing – fresh sheets mmm.

The TurnAround Point - Dunk Island

After the brown waters of Hinchinbrook, we were keen to make it to our planned turnaround point of Dunk Island and were dreaming of clear tropical waters, white sand and lush rainforests. We weren't disappointed! We might of only spent a few days here but made the most of it, swimming, visiting the resort, fishing, walking and socialising.




We met some lovely people here including Kirsten and Doug from 'Hula Mahal' (means Temple of the Wind) and Carol and Steven from Red Sky - hopefully we will catch up with them again! Of all the islands we have visited, as far as resorts go I think this would have to be my favourite. There are heaps of activities in an absolutely gorgeous location. Simon and I were busy from dawn to dusk and still couldn't fit everything in. Hopefully we will stop here next year.

Movin' On

With the last of our guests on their way home, Simon and I were keen to try and make it as far north as we could this season so it was adios Whitsundays, farewell Whitehaven Beach for us.

First stop was Cape Gloucester where was visited the Eco resort for dinner only to be served Basa (Vietnamese Cat Fish). We ate this while watching the local fisherman cruise past heavily loaded down with fresh local catches. When asked as to how our meal was and we mentioned how disappointed we to get Cat fish at the Eco Resort the waitress replied the Chef was to busy to go fishing each day. Good one. However we did enjoy the fabulous sunset.

Next stop was Bowen where we enjoyed a good mix of socialising and stocking up. Even found a wallet and Simon made a point of returning it to the owner at the Pub as he was cashed up and the chances of being rewarded for his kindness in beer was good. He wasn’t disappointed.

Racing along, next stop Cape Upstart for a night, followed by Cape Bowling Green the following day. Simon was desperate to catch a Marlin as all the fisherman had been talking about their great catches… but it wasn’t to be. We instead only caught black tip reef Sharks and Grunter. Lunch was a 3kg Grunter. We used our new drag net for fresh bait which was in abundance. This might have had something to do with the fact that no else was collecting due to crocodiles in the vicinity. Thanks Simon for assuring me that it was OK for me to go on the deep end. I almost crapped myself when a large Turtle swam into the net, but it managed to execute a nice U turn and made off unharmed.

The Outer Barrier Reef

My good friend Amanda arrived and knowing how game she is, with a good weather forecast coming we sailed the 25nm to the outer reef. Everyone kept telling us, “the outer reef is what it’s all about!”, so off we headed. We were not disappointed! The snorkeling has to be the best I’ve seen in my life.

No sooner had we picked up a mooring at bait reef and jumped in the water, when a Hump Headed Maori Wrasse the size of us swam over for a pat. Yes, this fish was very friendly, maybe a little overly friendly causing me and Amanda to shove each other of the boarding ladder in a hurry to avoid his affections.




After exploring Bait Reef, we sailed around to Line and Hardy reef for some more snorkeling.








The highlight of the trip to the outer reef was definitely the friendly marine life!




Oh, and catching a huge tuna was pretty cool too.

Whitsunday Peak

Circling around the Whitsunday’s we’ve got a little lazy and out of the routine of our long hikes. After so many lazy days eating and drinking we decided our bodies needed a challenging walk and had heard Whitsunday Peak would fit the bill. It started from Cid Harbour, Sawmill Bay – we were to follow the Dugong Beach walk until we saw a cut in a tree directing us to turn right, up a track that looked like a watercourse.

It was the steepest, hardest walk we’ve encountered yet and despite the backpack being incredibly heavy, we were grateful for the coffee, water, snacks and lunch within.


I think the biggest torment was rounding a corner believing you were at the top, only to face another steep climb. When we finally arrived at the peak 2 hours later, the view was magnificent – well worth the effort!









We have since recommended the walk to friends, who all agree it’s well worth the effort. In fact, some friends got an extra special view when they came across a French couple celebrating mounting the peak in their own special way. Even Morning Star VII, who climbed the peak on the hottest day of the season, cursing us all the way up were rewarded for their efforts with a cloud free day. The walk down we chose to descend via the river bed – although very steep at times, was a much shorter option taking only an hour to return.







Yes… that is Si wearing thongs yet again despite numerous feet injuries! It’s like water out of ducks arse (is that how it goes Amanda H?)

Swifty's Tale

James’ visit surprisingly? coincided with the Hamilton Island Race Week party at Whitehaven Beach. By the time we arrived the party was in full swing with hundreds of boats at anchor, thousands of backpackers and yachties lining the beach and The Roulettes – stunt planes flying over head.


After a late night, it took Si and James a while to work out how to fly the MPS but after a slow start we had a roaring sail to the top of Hook Island. The weather was still a little bit cool for snorkeling, but the next day a visit to Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island brought sunshine. Si, not to be left out in the cold with James wearing a full wetsuit, decided it was a good look to wear a neoprene hood. Unbeknown to him – it appeared his head had grown since he last wore it!

The snorkeling at Blue Peal was great – the best I had seen on the Whitsunday Islands to date! As it was a green zone and fishing was not allowed, we headed off to Stonehaven Anchorage to try our hand at crayfish, fishing and oystering.






Having seen enough of the marine life, we were off to check out the wildlife with visits to the Long Island and Daydream resorts. And wild it was, with a great night spent with other tourists at Long Island, followed by some serious recovery by the pool at Daydream. Despite James’ hopes of picking up some birds, it seems Simon had more luck. Even by the pool bar, James lucked out only having Si to share cocktails with.



It was great to catch up and we were sad to drop James back to Hamilton. We do have more than just memories of James’ visit – his homebrew which he named, “James.S.Squire Canadian Blonde”. We’ll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Hamilton Island Race Week

We were lucky enough to be invited aboard Ocean Safari (or did invite ourselves??) for Hamilton Island Race Week. Ocean Safari is a lovely 51” Farr, owned by our friends Marilyn and Robert who we met at Middle Percy. Like all good fast boats, she was designed by a Kiwi!




It was such an exciting experience, with the jostling at the start line causing everyone to hold their breaths. Si and I were secretly thinking – thank god it’s not our boat! I don’t know how Marilyn and Robert kept their cool.



The racing was equally exciting – sailing so close to other boats, tacking at the last minute to avoid collision, digging in as close to shore as possible and raising and dropping the spinnaker!



Despite all the excitement, I think we were the only boat who managed to fit in lunch during the course. All the crew were really lovely and even though it was a race, the good humour and friendship aboard was memorable!



In case the post doesn’t say it all, this photo does… we had a ball!

The Kiwi Connection

We were so excited when Sandra and Karen decided to visit, and what better place to be than in the Whitsunday’s. Unfortunately they brought the Kiwi weather with them and we had strong winds and the coolest days since winter. Looking on the bright side, at least they had to wear clothes on the beach.


I’m not sure if Sandra and Karen had images of sunbathing on white beaches sipping cocktails? Hopefully not, as the activities included clambering through the bush in search of pink ribbons, climbing mountains, playing archery and scaling coconut trees to name but a few. The milk from the coconut was lovely and sweet on the first hot day we had… the day after you got home!




Now I know where Simon gets his rebellious nature from! I thought I was going to have to bail Karen, Sandra and Simon out of gaol after they blatantly ignored the no access signs in an attempt to see the Hill Inlet lookout. We decided after their near escape from the law to visit Whitehaven instead, enjoying the only sunny day picnicing on the beach. So you don’t feel short changed, we went back and took a picture of the view for you.

We had a great night out at South Molle with our friend Des in company, went oystering, visited Aboriginal caves and spotted whales.




We had a great time and hope to see you back soon!

Shaw Island

We enjoyed a lovely sail to Shaw Island downwind with a mum and baby whale slowly swimming past us en route. I helmed most of the way ‘wing and wing’ (sailing talk for a sail out each side).



After looking at the chart we noticed the location of “Phantoms Cave” and a date with the Phantom was set. It was a dangerous and risky business, anchoring in swift currents, close to shore, in 15mtrs of water. We launched our trusty steed and flew to the shore, but alas, no sign of the masked man in purple could be found.

Brampton Island

Simon, despite complaining for the first few months of cruising is now looking for long hikes and Brampton Peak 219m above sea level was one walk not to miss. We packed a picnic and ate looking out over the Whitsunday Islands up ahead.



We discovered some great rock pools on an oystering expedition – the best we’ve seen yet. There was so much to see and explore that the dingy ended up jammed between two rocks when the tide went out. Oops!




We are still catching heaps of fish and collecting oysters with Simon out at 5am most mornings trawling for Queen fish. Here is one of his catches.

Awfull Scawfell

We carried on early the next morning to Scawfell Island to anchor and wait out an impending strong wind warning. After the safety of Curlew in a gale, Scawfell was a shock with powerful bullets (boating talk for very strong gusts of wind funnelling down steep hills) hitting us for 2 days. We lost an oar when the dinghy tied behind the boat started to fly before turning upside down. Luckily the anchor was tied on so we didn’t lose that.




Finally the wind eased and we were able to appreciate the clear tropical waters and gorgeous fringing reefs. The lush tropical rainforests made for some interesting walks. It’s a shame the temperature was so cold or we would have snorkeled.

The Cruising Mecca – West Bay, Middle Percy

Every cruiser dreams of visiting West Bay, with it’s beautiful beach, the A-Frame hut filled with yacht memorabilia and the endless stream of visiting cruisers for company. We arrived to a packed bay and an invite to the yacht ‘Imagine V’ to share in the huge Queen fish Des caught on the way across.



We suffered a few rolly, miserable days in West Bay, before the weather turned. Simon took full advantage of the professional fisherman who set up camp in West Bay, using their bait and tips and following them miles up the island in big seas and foul weather in our little dinghy in the hope of catching a 8 foot mackerel. Luckily he didn’t catch any as it might have sunk the boat, but he did become very skilled at catching the Queen fish.

Given Simon’s new found skill, Des from Valkyrie decided Simon should go out in the morning, catch a huge haul and invite every boat in the bay to a big BBQ on the beach. Always up for a party Simon willingly obliged and returned at 6am with a dinghy filled with fish and blood. All day was spent preparing and marinating the fish, collecting firewood and cleaning the BBQ area.


A great night was shared with over 30 cruisers and will always be remembered by Simon who received a loud “3 cheers Simon” for catching the fish. We still catch up with many of the boats who came that night and relish the friendships that were formed.


We lingered a while, enjoying the company, the beautiful walks filled with butterflys and birds, snorkelling on the reef, the great fishing, netting for bait and whiting and racing up and down sand dunes. We finally hung our boat memorabilia in the famous A-frame and headed off with a gale warning imminent.

Our first coral cay: Lady Musgrave

When the weather finally cleared we left Bundy re-stocked with goodies and headed for Lady Musgrave Island - our first coral cay. We left at midnight in no wind and motor sailed through the night arriving near lunch the following day. The entrance was a little hairy as the tide was rushing out the narrow entrance so fast it looked like a waterfall. This made steering hard for Simon on top of my confused and excited hand signals (still the windmill on steroids) from the bow pointing out the bommies to avoid.



Lady Musgrave is a coral cay with a narrow entrance allowing boats access to a gorgeous clear lagoon completely surrounded by reef. There is a small island at one end of the reef which birds and turtles use for nesting. We saw heaps of birds - one in particular gets wrapped up by the sticky leaves on the trees, eventually killing the bird. There was a sign asking us not to assist the birds as it provides vital organic matter for the island allowing future growth - urgh!




We spent our 3 days there diving and fishing. The water was so clear we could see our anchor in 10 metres of water. There was so much marine life we could have stayed here exploring for weeks. Unfortunately with a strong wind warning coming we didn't want to risk sleepless nights so headed to Pancake Creek.


Can't wait to come back here!