Whitehaven
Beach
Whitehaven Beach is known around the world
for its unparalleled beauty. Most people
will tell you that a trip to the Whitsundays
is not complete without a stop over at our
most famous destination. Almost every charter
boat in the area will offer its guests some
time on Whitehaven Beach, as it is over
5km long there is still plenty of room for
everyone.
Not surprisingly,
Whitehaven Beach gets its name from the
stunningly white silica sand, which is not
overly common around the Whitsundays. At
the northern end of the beach you will find
the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. Hill Inlet
is spectacular from the beach but the walking
trail accessible from Whitehaven Beach or
from Tongue Bay leads to a look out which
many consider the top of the world.
Located on the South
eastern side of Whitsunday Island accessible
by sailing to the west of Esk Island if
heading from the north or through Solway
Passage if sailing up from the south. If
coming through Solway Passage, be sure to
sail well north of the reef at the southern
end of Whitehaven before turning to port.
The reef is marked with a north cardinal
mark.
Chalkie's
Beach
Chalkie's Beach is a great alternative to
Whitehaven Beach as, like Whitehaven, it
is a silica sand beach. The anchorage is
a bit tough as there is a shelf that drops
off sharply and it is subject to strong
currents, so you may want to let out some
extra chain. You can find some nice snorkeling
at the northern end of the beach and if
your bringing a picnic, keep an eye on the
seagulls as they can be particularly cheeky
at Chalkie's.
Facing Whitehaven Beach, Chalkie's Beach
is located on the western side of Hazlewood
Island. If sailing up from the south, be
sure to sail port of Martin Islet and anchor
north of the gap in the reef.
Cid Harbour
Dugong
Beach
This is a shallow anchorage but one with
a soft mud bottom so not much damage can
be done if you find yourself settling on
a low tide. This is a fantastic spot for
a picnic or even to camp with an established
campsite including tables and restrooms.
The beach itself is lovely and there is
also a good bushwalk to Dugong Inlet.
The slope of the Beach is fairly gradual
so be mindful of low tides and show caution
when approaching.
Nari's
Beach
Also located in Cid Harbour, Nari's is a
great spot for a lunch stop over but strong
currents make it an uncomfortable overnight
anchorage. Snorkeling again is affected
by the currents as visibility is usually
not great.
Sawmill Bay/Beach
There are several sand beaches and campsites
located in Sawmill Bay with toilets and
the possibility of tank water. Ross Islet
is sometimes a nesting place for Sea Eagles
so please stay away in Augsut & September.
If these birds are disturbed they can take
fright and abandon their eggs.
Watch out for strong currents and gusts
of wind when entering from the South.
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