Zigzag-ing the Whitsundays

Posted on 10 October 2025

22 September to 9 October

Black Island

22 September

After leaving Hook Reef we sailed SW towards Hook Island and found a free mooring on the west side of Black Island, W of Hook. We had a quick walk on the island, but soon headed back to the boat after we got attacked by a bird who was protecting it’s youngsters we presume. A couple of curious Bat fish came up to the boat to see if we would feed them.

Airlie Beach – Coral Sea Marina

23 September, sailed from Black Island to the Marina in 17-22kn SE breeze

This marina is where RaRa spent the first years of her life, being a charter boat. It was interesting seeing all the current charter boats in the marina come and go, and having full clean and repairs done in between guests. The vast majority of them are catamarans these days, but a couple of monohulls are there too.

The boat was fairly empty on water, battery charge and food/drinks after a couple of weeks on anchor, so great to get all of those topped up. We have a broken solar panel, but unfortunately the replacement is still in transit from Western Australia, so was to be replaced next time we visit the marina.

Sanna found an art class to join, and enjoyed doing some water colour painting.

Nara Inlet

Friday 26 September, 15-20kn SE

With fresh supplies and good sailing weather we moved north east again to Hook Island and Nara Inlet, were we found some shelter over night. We went for a walk ashore to look at some cave paintings by the Ngaro sea people.

Macona Inlet

Saturday 27 September

Another beautiful inlet where we could hide from the strong SE winds. We visited a small beach and saw some Cowtail stingrays, so having a swim from the beach did not feel like an option, they are not easy to spot.

Hook passage, Cairn Beach

Sunday 28 September

This passage can be very tidal, there are also lots of boats passing through here – but we had a very nice stay. Snorkelled by swimming off the back of the boat in the morning before leaving.

Border Island, Cateran Bay

Monday 29 September

We had a lovely time at Border Island where we did snorkeling, and walked the trail up to the lookout point.

Haslewood Island, Windy Bay

Tuesday 30 September

We had a very nice sail to Windy Bay – perfect conditions. The bay is shallow with a sandy bottom and nice beach, and in spite of the name we had calm conditions and some fantastic snorkeling here.

Whitsunday Island, Turtle Bay

Wednesday 1 October, anchored.

No turtles were spotted, otherwise ok for an overnight stay in SE winds.

Gulnare Inlet – and passing Hamilton Island

Thursday 2 October, anchored.

From Turtle Bay we motored in light winds towards Hamilton Island and went into the southern part, called Driftwood Bay for a quick break, watching a couple of planes land on Hamilton Island. Then through the channel, watching the very fancy marina from the outside (we will visit it properly soon), we also watched the planes take off. In the afternoon the wind picked up again, and we continued north for shelter in Gulnare Inlet.

Gulnare is a shallow inlet which is very protected from most winds and waves as the entrance is very shallow.

Back to Coral Sea Marina

Friday 3 October

Finally, our replacement solar panel had arrived and we spent a few sweaty hours (around 35 degrees hot) replacing it before heading for a swim in the resort pool. New food and drink provisions, including a new camping fridge was purchased.

Double Bay

Sunday 5 October

After leaving Coral Sea Marina, we headed north towards Gloucester Island, and stopped for the night in Double Bay. It was fairly windy and we didn’t do much, but we did meet up with our friends on “Catch the Wind”. In the morning we woke up to this view with a Cormorant bird sitting on our spreader and having pooped all over our boat , much cleaning was done before we left the bay.

Cape Gloucester

6-7 October

We stayed here for two nights, outside the small resort which charges you $40 per night mooring fee, but in exchange you get access to their facilities, such as the beautiful pool, toilets, washing machine etc

It turned out Craig and Katrina on Popeye was here as well, and we much enjoyed having a meal and drinks with them. Popeye, a First 47.7, had been successfully racing all three regattas (Airlie, Hammo and Maggie) up here and was now on the way south.

Stonehaven North, Hook Island

9 October

In Stonehaven we caught up with Greg and Karen on their beautiful Gunfleet 58, Argenta. Greg, Niclas and Sanna went for a snorkel, not the best this time due to high tide and strong currents, but some nice corals to be seen. In the evening Sanctum arrived with Jeremy and Kristen omboard as guests.