Hervey Bay to Arch Cliff (FI)

After restocking in Hervey Bay Erica set sail with a refreshed crew for the trip north. To get back our sea legs we decided to spend a few more days in Platypus Bay, Fraser Island but this time further out in this glorious bay at a spot called Arch Cliff where we spent several days – walking, swimming and yes, fishing at last. The composition of Fraser Island never ceases to amaze us with the different layers of sand over thousands of years (see photo). One of the highlights was bathing in the freshwater creek that runs out across the beach after the water has filtered through the island’s sand (see photo).

Platypus to Yankee Jack's

You could say we are stuck at Fraser Island but 'stuck' isn't quite the right word as we think this is close to paradise! Out in Hervey Bay the beach at Platypus stretches for miles and miles to the northern end of Fraser Island - perfect for long walks and refreshing dips in the crystal clear waters. After a brisk sail, we were back in the forest and wilderness of the island, up Yankee Jack Creek experiencing its pure water, naturally filtered through the Island's sand, and surrounded by calls of the numerous birds in the majestic eucalypts and drooping casurinas.

Moon Point Bank - Hervey Bay

Erica and the crew have had a busy 10 days sailing north through the Great Sandy Strait (GSS) to Hervey Bay. Boats and crews from all around the world are adding to the colour of our experiences. The weather has been fantastic and we’ve had some great sails in the relatively protected waters of GSS, past numerous sand banks, the Kingfisher Resort and Big Woody Island. During the last few days we have explored the holiday town of Hervey Bay, entertained friends and sailed out to Moon Point Bank/Island (photo)where we swam in crystal clear water before enjoying a superb lunch overlooking the azure blue backdrop framed by white sands and the occasional pod of dolphins frolicking by. Weather is predicted to be excellent for more island exploring and so we’re now setting off to spend time in Platypus Bay on the north western shores of Fraser Island before proceeding to explore more of the GSS with our first guest crew.

Garry's Anchorage - Fraser Island

Anzac Day, and Erica’s First Anniversary under our ownership, saw us wake to Bacon & Eggs and a much more relaxed crew now we were in sheltered watwers. However, weather again dictated and we moved further up the Strait to one of its popular mooring spots, “Garry’s Anchorage”, where we wined & dined and relaxed with 16 other boats. This is Queensland and Erica’s adventure has now really begun!

Wide Bay Bar & Inskip Point - Southern end of Fraser

Thursday 24 April at 6.00am we departed for the notorious Wide Bay Bar which marks the entrance to the Great Sandy Strait and Fraser Island. The Bar lived up to its reputation for raising apprehension, and looked like the inside of a washing machine, but Erica happily surfed in at 11 knots and we anchored at the beautifully calm Inskip Point.

Waves at Mooloolaba Entrance & Light House at Double Island Point (North of Noosa)

Leaving Royal Queensland Yacht Club - 22 April 2008

It’s happened; after two weeks preparation in Brisbane with lots of help and support of family and friends, Erica and her crew departed on 22 April 2008 destined for the holiday town of Mooloolaba. After a long day’s sail we arrived to breaking waves at the harbour entrance. Once negotiated, we were relieved to tie up at the Mooloolaba Yacht Club marina. Unanimously we decided to spend a day in the sun at Mooloolaba before moving onto Fraser Island.