Our Dreamtime’s Five Most Romantic Great Barrier Reef Anchorages

While all people have very different ideas as to what qualifies as a ‘Romantic’ location, cruising sailors can be even more extremely varied in their opinions. You will often hear one couple describing an anchorage as atrocious while another will be adamant the same spot is paradise on earth. Of course it all depends on the individuals’ own experience at the spot which can be affected by weather, other boats around and even if the bugs are biting or not.
 

Here we list five anchorages located off the Queensland coast where we had our own fantastic romantic experiences on Our Dreamtime. We’d also love to hear your nominations in the comments section below.

 

 1: Glassed out at Fitzroy Reef

 

Our Dreamtime anchored in Fitzroy Reef with Sea Whiskers at sundown.

We negotiated the narrow channels to exit Pancake Creek in the pre-dawn light by closely following our own GPS track. If we didn’t run aground coming in we were not likely to hit bottom going out exactly the same way. The full moon was yet to set in the West and the sun made an appearance over the opposite horizon as we cleared the rocks of Clews Point and pointed our bow North East. Our destination was an anchorage inside the coral lagoon at Fitzroy Reef, 35 Nautical Miles off the coast. Once clear of Bustard Head we silenced the motor and let our sails push us along at a comfortable five and a half to six knots. The ten knot wind was square on the beam while the swell was reasonably mild and the sun was shining. What more could anyone ask?

The entrance to the lagoon is very narrow and curves through with the menacing coral coming up near vertical to protrude above water level except at high tide.  We timed our arrival for just after midday so the sun would be high in the sky providing the clearest view of the coral below the water. 

 

Just after 13.00 hours Karen positioned herself on the bow for our passage through. With one of our small radios she was able to communicate exactly what she was seeing directly back to Rob on the helm as he followed the electronic chart. Once the boat was actually into the entrance itself the coral walls lining the edges were very clearly visible in the sunlight making steering through a lot easier.

 

We edged our way around a couple of bombies (coral outcrops that rise from the seabed) into a wide, clear area of sand in seven metres of water and dropped our anchor.  The water was so clear, we could see every link of the chain laying on the lagoon floor. This place was simply amazing. 

 

 By now the water inside the lagoon had totally glassed out and in very short order we were heading off to the reef to snorkel. The fish life was abundant and though the reef has suffered from some bleaching there were plenty of healthy colourful specimens to view. We spent a few hours in the gloriously clear turquoise waters transfixed with the world below the surface.

 

Snorkelling inside the lagoon at Fitzroy Reef

After hot showers we settled on deck with a bottle of bubbles and a fine selection of cheeses and experienced one of THE most amazing sunsets we have ever seen. It seemed to last for hours with the sky altering its spectacular display constantly. Nothing could be more romantic or could it?

 

Enjoying sundowners we had no idea of the magic Fitroy Reef was about to weave.

 

Once the sun’s glow disappeared completely, the clear but moonless sky turned ink black apart from the billions of stars glimmering above. The still water inside the lagoon was so glassy that the heavenly constellations were perfectly reflected on its surface. We had extinguished all lights below decks and now even turned off our anchor light for a short time to take in nature’s incredible treat. It became impossible to discern an horizon as the universe above merged with its reflection below. In every direction we looked, the star filled sky appeared to reach from high all the way to the waterline of our ketch. It was as if we were floating in a star filled sphere. We were in such awe we could only speak in whispers for fear of disturbing the moment.

 

 It was one of the most incredible experiences we had ever shared in our lives.

 

 

2: Naked Nirvana- Hummocky Island 

 

Karen sketching in the shade on the beach at Hummocky Island

Imagine strolling naked in the warm sun, hand in hand across a golden sand beach, slipping beneath  the surface of crystal clear, azure blue water to cool off as small waves lap the shore of your own uninhabited tropical island miles from any other human being. That, and so much more was what we delighted in experiencing at the amazing Hummocky Island, the first of our romantic anchorages north of the Tropic of Capricorn. 

 

 After dropping anchor in the small bay and freshening up with nice hot showers it was time to celebrate reaching the tropics. Right on cue, a near full moon appeared over the trees to welcome us and we popped a special bottle of champagne given to us by a good friend before we left to save for the right occasion. Thanks John, the Bollinger was outstanding. It went down very nicely in our new found serenity. Not to be out done by the moon, the sun then put on a dazzling display setting behind the western point to put a lovely full stop on our day.

Karen pouring the Bolly at Hummocky Island

 Next morning we were engrossed by the sight of a number of humpback whales putting on a display of aerial acrobatics for us just beyond the island’s western point. We witnessed synchronised breaches with two and three whales leaping high out of the water at the same time before falling back generating huge splashes. Tail waving was also a popular trick as was slapping the water repeatedly with their huge fins. The show lasted almost an hour before the pod submerged and swam on.

 

There were no lack of succulent oysters on the rocks on the point.

 

We then loaded the tender with food and drinks for the day and ventured ashore to the beach setting up our little camp in the shade of an overhanging tree. Being totally alone, clothing seemed totally redundant in the circumstances but we made sure we were well protected wearing our reef shoes, hats, sunglasses and liberal applications of sunscreen, particularly on those usually covered white bits. Then it was off to the rocks to gather some fresh oysters in the sunshine while the tide was low. Despite not being able to resist eating quite a few right on the spot, it really didn’t take long to collect a few dozen to enjoy with our cheese and crackers under a shady tree on the squeaky clean sand. Very decadent.

 

Fresh oysters, cheese, crackers and bubbles of course.

 

We were undisturbed by man or beast for the entire day with not even a bug interrupting our solitude. There’s little that can be more romantic than sharing your own special tropical island with your own special person.

 

Karen loves to sketch beautiful places we visit.

 

3: Hexham Island - Another uninhabited tropical paradise all to ourselves.

 

Our Dreamtime in the tranquillity of Hexham Island

After a peaceful night at anchor, we awoke shortly after sunrise to the sound of chicks squawking loudly in their nest high on a rock outcrop directly behind Our Dreamtime’s stern. The brood was raucously letting their mother know they were hungry and ready for more food. Once more we had a private tropical paradise all to ourselves and we were going to make the most of it. The coffee was soon brewing and a quick breakfast prepared and enjoyed in the sunshine on the aft deck as we planned our day in paradise.

 

Nesting birds were our only neighbours at Hexham Island.

 

We were soon on our way into Hexham’s golden sand beach in the tender. Karen set up camp under a shady tree ready for a morning of sketching and relaxation. The first order of business was a hike to the hill top above the anchorage to take in the breathtaking views. 

 

 

The climb above the beach was well worth the effort for the views.

 

On returning to the beach all the hiking gear was quickly shed for a refreshing soak in the bay’s crystal turquoise waters. We then dried off in the shade of our little campsite with a nice bottle of bubbles and some appropriate snacks.

 

Time to cool off after our hike.

 

Decadence on the beach

Karen with the sketch pad out again on Hexham Island

 

 

The pattern was then set for the day with cooling dips interspersed by shade time with more delicious nibbles and vino while Karen sketched and Rob buried himself in a book. This private island business has a lot going for it.

 When we finally ventured back on board we were treated to another spectacular sunset and agreed, our magical day had firmly put Hexham Island well up on our favourite romantic anchorage list.

4: Marcona Inlet - Special Occasions can be very special when cruising 

 

Our private beach in Marcona Inlet on Hook Island in the Whitsundays.

We had been holed up in the Whitsunday’s Cid Harbour for a week while a strong south easterly wind blew and rain fell. Although intermittent showers were persisting, at last the wind was settling down. Naturally we were keen to move on but Rob was especially so. The following day was our Anniversary and surrounded by dozens and dozens of charter boats in Cid Harbour was not where he wanted us to be.

 

The Whitsunday Islands are world class cruising grounds so finding somewhere truly secluded during charter season is not easy but there are some spots less travelled than others. We upped anchor a had a short but pleasant sail north to Marcona Inlet on Hook Island. It’s a secure anchorage and very beautiful spot but doesn’t have the high profile of nearby and usually crowded Nara Inlet. Most people anchor in a bay half way up the inlet but we made our way all the way to the end and were delighted to find the three little beach coves at this end deserted. 

 

 We have always tried to make birthdays and particularly our anniversary special events in our lives. We started a tradition on our 10^th anniversary when Rob organised a three day break as surprise for Karen. Each year after that it became Rob’s mission to organise surprise anniversary celebrations for Karen.

 

 In the nearly two decades since, we have popped the champagne cork to celebrate another year of marriage in Paris, Bali, the ski fields of New Zealand, Hawaii, Ibiza, Rome and many fantastic places in between. Once we began our cruising life we wondered if we would have to forego this annual indulgence. Fortunately it’s only taken a bit of imagination and planning for us to continue to celebrate each year of our union in style.

 

 After days of miserable weather, magically the special day dawned clear and calm. We loaded the dinghy with everything needed to make our 31^st Anniversary as memorable as any and made our way to one of the small beaches in the inlet. Tree lined with beautiful sand lapped by crystal clear warm waters, the setting was perfect. There was even a rope swing seat hanging from one of the trees.  It was our own private tropical paradise.

 

31 years on and going strong.

We soon had our chairs and improvised table set in the shade overhanging trees complete with linen cloth, Moet Champagne and a cheese platter. The rocks at one end of the beach became the location for our bush kitchen where we prepared the rest of our three course celebration lunch.

 

One of our most romantic anniversary settings ever.

 

Sitting in the sunshine on our own private tropical beach, eating delicious Crispy Skin Duck Breast in Raspberry and Chocolate Jus with French Champagne we were entertained by turtles surfacing nearby and a sea eagle soaring above. Then there was desert, Apple and Almond Tort with Passionfruit and Chocolate Sauce. Both the setting and our self prepared treat easily equalled any of our previous anniversary celebratory meal experiences including the one we had on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

 

Crispy skin duck breast on the beach

and Almond Tort with Passionfruit and Chocolate Sauce was a nice way to follow the duck.

 

 Special days are very special in the Whitsundays.

 

 

5: North East Herald Cay - amongst our most remote and romantic destinations ever.

 

North East Herald Cay - far, far away in the Coral Sea.

Anchored in the shelter of remote North East Herald Cay far out in the Coral Sea, 200 nautical miles (360 kilometres) from the Australian coastline, we arose to find only a gentle breeze blowing over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. Taking in our amazing, unspoilt surrounds, we could only speculate on how few people have visited this idyllic setting before us. No doubt it would number in at least the hundreds, maybe even thousands over the years, but we seriously doubt if the all time total would reach five figures. The cays are a totally protected ‘green’ conservation zone with no fishing of any sort permitted. They are also a very important hatchery for a range of migratory bird species and sea turtles.

 

 As eager as we all were to get ashore and explore this unspoilt coral atoll there was a more important item on the schedule first. After two days of eating on the go during our rough passage from Townsville, Karen had prepared an awesome breakfast and we were not going to rush it one little bit. It was fantastic sitting on the stern in the sunshine, encircled by crystal clear turquoise water, listening to the waves washing ashore on the gleaming white sand beach of the island. Yep this place is paradise.

 

Most of the birds on the Herald Cays have more than likely never seen humans.

After breakfast we headed ashore in the dinghy and landed on the pristine beach. It was amazing. There were thousands of birds either circling overhead or nesting in the low trees which covered the entire island. The birds themselves displayed no fear of us at all. If anything they were more curious as to what the hell we were. Not wanting to disturb them, we kept a reasonable distance from the nesting birds but frankly they didn’t look as if they would care if we went right up to them. 

 

Oh the serenity!

 

The sense of solitude on this speck in the middle of the Coral Sea far, far from human habitation was overwhelming. It was impossible to feel anything other than at peace with the world.

 

 

 

Sipping chilled champagne on the beach and taking in this amazing destination we contemplated what a fantastic lifestyle we lead as cruisers. We toasted our good health and the choices we have made in life. Together we have made this dream come true.

 

 Romance is still well and truly alive and well on Our Dreamtime. 

 

 

 Please leave us a comment and tell us some of the most romantic anchorages you've discovered.

 Thank you to all who support us through watching our videos, reading our blogs or who step up and support us though Patreon and Ko-Fi. You inspire us everyday to be creative 🙌

You can help us out and support our creative work for FREE. 

By watching, 👍, 🔔, Subscribing, Commenting and best of all Sharing this video or blog with your friends 

If you would like to make a donation towards our creative work, you can by heading over to Ko-Fi they take no fees so the support goes directly into helping us buy and upgrade equipment 

Do you want more? 

Patreon gives you that … you get behind the scenes updates, 

Patreon only photos and posts, you can watch our 

episodes ad free and before they go public … you get it first!

Another way of support is through buying from our store.

Checkout the range of books we have available 

https://payhip.com/Dreamtimesail

_____________________________________________________________________

 

The above are extracts from blogs published about our visits to these five amazing destinations. To read the full articles and see many more photos click through to your choice.

 

FITZROY REEF

HUMMOCKY ISLAND
HEXHAM ISLAND
MARCONA INLET
NORTH EAST HERALD CAY

 

________________________________________________________________________

We love to receive comments on our blog from readers. If you do leave a comment and you also have a blog, please leave a link as well. We'd like to click over for a visit and leave you a comment too.

To stay right up to date with what we’re up to  and see lots more photos check out and 'like' our Dreamtime Sail Facebook page at DreamtimeSail
 

 

If you have only recently discovered our blog and would like to read how it all started, or work through our previous adventures, click the link to go back to our first blog entry. Stuff it. Let's just go sailing anyway.

 

 

 

Cyclone Debbie does Disaster and it will cost all of us.

7 April 2017

Cyclone Debbie crossed the Australian coast on March 28 at Airlie Beach smack bang in the centre of the Whitsunday Islands as a Category 4 destructive storm. Peak winds recorded topped 140 knots (260kph). Located on the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are the country's most popular cruising area. It is Karen's hometown where she grew up, learned to love the sea and is certainly one of our favourite places on earth. It is also  home to three major marinas, Abell Point, Port of Airlie and Hammilton Island.  All three are 'cyclone rated'. As such most insurance companies provide cover for vessels moored within even in the event of cyclonic storm damage. This has made it a very popular place to leave boats during the storm season.

 

Very few boats survived Cyclone Debbie in Shute Harbour. - Image from the web.

When Cyclone Debbie struck the region, boats outside the marinas suffered most with over seventy reported lost in Shute Harbour alone. Almost all of those will be uninsured. However the marinas were not spared either as all three suffered dock failures with fingers breaking up, capsizing and even floating away with vessels attached. Scores of boats were sunk or blown aground and many hundreds more damaged. Debbie will prove to be very, very expensive for marine insurance companies. Unfortunately that expense will flow through to all of us who own boats in the form of more expensive premiums. Once they go up, they never come down.

 

Hamilton Island - Image from web

Hamilton Island - Image from web

 

 

What really is disappointing is that much of the damage was unnecessary. Thanks to the wonders of modern weather forecasting there were FIVE DAYS warning that Cyclone Debbie was on the way and likely to strike in the vicinity it did. Yet as we sat hundreds of miles away watching the whole drama unfold live on TV we were amazed at how many boats we were seeing that clearly had not been prepared in even the most basic ways for the onslaught of such a serious storm.

 

Surely step one is to take everything possible off the decks to reduce windage. All sails, canvas and anything possible should be removed and stowed below.Yet our television screen was filled with sails being shredded, biminis tearing and inflatable dinks taking flight from the decks they had been left on.  Much of the serious hull damage suffered was as a result of the docks breaking up. Who's to say how many of these would have held together if not for the additional loads generated by these unprepared boats. How about those owners who had done the right thing and fully prepped their pride and joy with extra lines and everything stowed away only to have their boats bashed to bits by  these unprepped loose canons.

 

Yes, many of the owners who leave their boats in the marinas for the cyclone season live far, far away but sorry, that's no justification. If you're leaving your boat for an extended period in a cyclone zone prepare it properly before you go home. If you had taken the risk and not prepped your boat, with five days warning, why not get on the phone to the marina or any of the numerous marine businesses in the area and find someone to pay to do the job for you. Sitting back with the "It's insured so I'm fine" attitude is both irresponsible and extremely selfish.

 

We really feel badly for anyone who lost or had a boat damaged by Cyclone Debbie but our greatest sympathy goes to those who did all they could to protect their vessel and suffered at the hands of those that didn't.

 

When our insurance renewal arrives you can be sure we will be thinking of those lax owners in not too kindly terms.

 

There's an absolutely excellent article on the subject by John Curnow published by Sail World with lots of photographic examples of unprepped boats and how Cyclone Debbie punished them. Have a look at it HERE

Hamilton Island - image from web

Fortunately Our Dreamtime was safely moored in Raby Bay in Brisbane and far from the Whitsundays.



Thank you to all who support us through watching our videos, reading our blogs or who step up and support us though Patreon and Ko-Fi. You inspire us everyday to be creative 🙌

You can help us out and support our creative work for FREE. 

By watching, 👍, 🔔, Subscribing, Commenting and best of all Sharing this video or blog with your friends 

If you would like to make a donation towards our creative work, you can by heading over to Ko-Fi they take no fees so the support goes directly into helping us buy and upgrade equipment 

Do you want more? 

Patreon gives you that … you get behind the scenes updates, 

Patreon only photos and posts, you can watch our 

episodes ad free and before they go public … you get it first!

Another way of support is through buying from our store.

Checkout the range of books we have available 

https://payhip.com/Dreamtimesail

Star studded Women Who Sail - Australia Gathering on the Bay.

March 31 - April 2, 2017

 

Karen was one of a great line up of speakers at the recent Women Who Sail-Australia Gathering on the Bay. Held at Port Stevens, the event attracted over 100 women from all over Australia. A very impressive line up of inspirational women presenters spoke over the weekend headlined by cruising royalty in the form of Lin Pardy from New Zealand. The well known author of many books on various aspects of cruising has been sailing the world's oceans for almost fifty years and was extremely forthcoming with advice and encouragement right across the weekend. The emotional presentation by Sailing with Disabilities' Kristi Foster was also a real standout. The treasure trove of great tips and extremely useful information provided by all the speakers made it an invaluable weekend for all the ladies present. Rob and other male partners did get to attend the dinners on Friday and Saturday nights to join in the fun.

 

The event was supported by a number of generous sponsors including Deckee and Pantaenius Insurance. A big thank you to all.

 

Lin Pardey speaking on Storm Tactics at the WWSA Gathering on the Bay.

There was also plenty of opportunities for socialising

Karen's address, "Provisioning and Passage Food" was based on the information found in her e-book "Our Galley, Provision Your Boat in 6 Steps". Her presentation was very well received by the audience as were two tables of example snacks and dishes she had prepared for the attendees to sample. 

 

 



Karen speaking on Provisioning & Passage Food with a table full of tasty samples for her listeners

"All you need to know about Provisioning" is the first of four in a series of ebooks  Karen has published with more planned to be added soon. From the age of ten, Karen helped her family to provision their charter boat and has refined her skills provisioning a range of boats we have sailed extended passages on with crews varying from 2 to 7. Whether you are coastal cruising for the weekend or sailing off over the horizon for months, this book provides plenty of tips and ideas for stress free provisioning.

  



Here's some great feedback posted on our Facebook from Carolanne Clement who downloaded the ebook after seeing Karen's presentation. Thanks for the lovely words Carolanne.

"Having downloaded 'Our Galley - Provisioning' I'd like to say it is truly a valuable asset for anyone embarking on cruising mode. My husband and I have recently retired and will soon be taking delivery of our new Jeanneau so I was extremely interested in checking out Karen's book in the hope it would have some good guidance. It hasn't disappointed. I have been used to catering for short periods on our racer/cruiser for the last 20+ years so I understand many aspects of running a galley.

I enjoy cooking and often invent new recipes so it takes a bit to impress me but I can vouch for Karen's know-how and recipes. I understand Karen's entire life has been spent on boats so she is well qualified to give advice that can only come from many years of experience and wisdom. I am so pleased I've discovered this gem prior to setting up our new boat. Thank you Karen."

CLICK HERE https://payhip.com/Dreamtimesail  to order or see more about Karen's range of ebooks in the 'Our Galley' series.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you to all who support us through watching our videos, reading our blogs or who step up and support us though Patreon and Ko-Fi. You inspire us everyday to be creative 🙌

You can help us out and support our creative work for FREE. 

By watching, 👍, 🔔, Subscribing, Commenting and best of all Sharing this video or blog with your friends 

If you would like to make a donation towards our creative work, you can by heading over to Ko-Fi they take no fees so the support goes directly into helping us buy and upgrade equipment 

Do you want more? 

Patreon gives you that … you get behind the scenes updates, 

Patreon only photos and posts, you can watch our 

episodes ad free and before they go public … you get it first!

Another way of support is through buying from our store.

Checkout the range of books we have available 

https://payhip.com/Dreamtimesail

 We love to receive comments on our blog from readers. If you do leave a comment and you also have a blog, please leave a link as well. We'd like to click over for a visit and leave you a comment too.

To stay right up to date with what we’re up to  and see lots more photos check out and 'like' our Dreamtime Sail Facebook page at DreamtimeSail