Recently, I was told that local boating gets boring. So when I asked where they go, I was amazed to hear how Tipplers and the Pin are the only places they knew. Why rush to the same spots to spend the weekend and rush back, I thought. Maybe safety in numbers and crowded anchorages must be the best ones?
Some locals are amazed when you explain how to go through Whalleys Gutter, and turn east into Tiger Mullet Channel to fish around Green Bank along the huts on Crusoe Island, or turn west and anchor along Kangaroo Island. These are both great all-weather deep anchorages. Many boaties do not know to go west at the Brisbane turn and venture up to Calypso Bay and into Harrigan’s Pub for a meal, or just walk up to the shops at Jacobs Well, or into Horizon Shores for a meal and supplies.
Using a chart, I show others how Perry’s Hole is a great all-weather fishing overnight spot or the eastern tip of Short Island (formerly Rat Island) where the north cardinal is, to catch a feed of tailor off the yellow buoy on the east tip off Crusoe island. If the breeze was up, I have spent many winter nights in Mosquito Creek, now called Cobby Passage, fishing and crabbing the rocks on the bends of Cobby Cobby Island. And more familiar is the Slipping Sands and the huts that used to be called the Stock Yards, which is another great anchorage close to the sand hills.
Southern Moreton Bay Islands
If you’re heading north, go with the rising tide along Cobby Cobby Island as the channel shifts once you pass Koureyabba on North Stradbroke Island and Oak Island. There are some great anchorages along Russell Island up to Canaipa Passage, which is a favourite in summer as shade from the island hills gives you a sleep-in and you can go ashore at low tide, dig a fresh water pool in the streams coming out of the island and have lots of fun. As a family, we have spent many nights in Krummel Passage with a walk up high street for exercise. Karragarra Island has lots of all-weather anchorages with three islands to explore even to just get an ice cream. But while the ferries can get a bit annoying, they can be useful for visitors to join your trip.
Peel Island
Peel Island on Horseshoe Bay is always a favourite—but not in a southerly. It can be crowded on a weekend. But mid-week, you can take the dingy over southwest rocks. There are corals, clear water, good fishing, and also along the spit from the old jetty out to the reef half way to Cleveland Point. If the breeze is from the west, fish from The Bluff to Douglas Light.
North Stradbroke Island
On North Stradbroke Island, my wife likes to go ashore at One Mile Beach in Dunwich and walk up through the cemetery. It is always moving and educational, to see what our forefathers went through, and a chance to remember them. Then we walk up to visit the bakery and take back some fresh supplies. We also get a decent cup of coffee there and grab some of the local produce from the organic fruit shop. My wife and I like to support local businesses everywhere we go and this applies to when we are out on the water. If you have time, catch the bus over to Point Lookout. You’ll find good surf, glorious views, great modern pub and lots of walking trails.
In a southerly, I usually go to Deanbilla Bay or my favourite Myora Reef where the water is clean and fishing the Rainbow Channel always gets results. I only go north to Amity in winter to cross to Kooringal on Moreton Island because of the tide rip. In summer, a storm across the Pelican Banks and getting through the Rous Channel will give you grief, but easy on a clear winter’s day.
Raby Bay
If the breeze is anything west, head over to Raby Bay public jetty near the train station. They have all the shops you could need and lots of restaurants. If you’re staying west, anchor around Green Island, St Helena Island or Mud Island. We even go into Manly for more shops and restaurants before heading west up the Brisbane river where there is lots to see that way. Otherwise, head north from Peel Island, fish the Hope Banks or the Chain banks and the Harry Atkinson artificial reef on your way to the sand hills.
Moreton Island
While I have never taken my yacht into the Blue Hole, I have seen others boats in there. I do take the dingy through Frazer’s Gutter to Mays for a cold beer and oysters at Kooringal. If you still have time and no westerly due, spend a few days at the big Sand Hills or go north to Shark Spit. (Note: I swim there so don’t believe the name!)
On to Lucinda Bay, south of Tangalooma roads, you do not get the wash from the ships that can roll into Tangalooma. I do not often spend the night behind the popular wrecks as it is often crowded. But anywhere along Tangalooma Resort is great for a day stop. For us, it is a minimum two hours back across the Bay if the weather turns.
All these options and still only forty miles from the Gold Coast. And the best part is not a jet ski safari around after passing Tipplers. You can go to any of these places in a runabout from the coast in a day trip. But I could spend a month getting north to the Bay. There are so many rivers and islands to explore. Take your time and try a new spot test yourself. Grab the chart out. Work out which way the tide and wind will be heading and find a new sunset to watch. Use your boat for its purpose and truly enjoy our own backyard: Moreton Bay Marine Park. We love it!
Editor’s note: While every due care was taken to ensure the accuracy of the names of places and the activities mentioned in this article, the reader is advised to refer to Marine Safety Queensland’s (MSQ) Beacon to Beacon and the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing’s (NPSR) Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Map when planning the trip to Moreton Bay.
By David Willmington, skipper and owner of Papillon
