Cape Capricorn to Island Head Creek (31 May 2008)

After a quick sail past the lighthouse at Cape Capricorn Erica sailed on to Hummocky Island to shelter from a developing southeast front moving up the Queensland coast. Hummocky may not be the choice of anchorages but we were entertained by thousands of small (4” to 6”) fish constantly swimming under Erica. After a day’s swimming and walking we sailed onto Great Keppel Island which was a popular tourist destination before the resort closed. The island has well established walking tracks and some of the best Island beaches on this part of the coast. In the shelter of Svendsen’s Beach we anchored for two days enjoying the walks and swimming from the beach which was almost deserted even though there were up to seven boats in the anchorage (see photo). Being three weeks since we had restocked it was time to head for Woollies at Rosslyn Bay/Yeppoon where there is a peaceful but spectacular marina behind the rocky headland.
Not wanting to stay ashore too long we headed off in what we thought would be good weather bound for Port Clinton. However after a wet and windy night we relocated 16nm up the coast at Island Head Creek. As the name implies there is an Island at the head of this creek (in SA this would be regarded as a river!) which makes entering interesting among the sand shoals and rocky islands. This is a beautiful place and great to explore but we are currently anchored well up the mangrove to escape the 40kt gale blowing in the ocean outside the entrance (see photo). Yacht cruising isn’t all sun, reefs and deserted islands but even the bad weather brings its own spectacular scenery. All the crew are eating and drinking well and longing for a walk on a long sandy beach!