Sailing Yeppoon to Hamilton Island

24th May 2009 - Mike and I stepped aboard Sandstone in Yeppoon where we had left her the previous month and sailed north bound for Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef Queensland.

Our first night we dined at the Keppel Bay Marina Restaurant which was sensational as always. We had a nice sleep onboard after a hectic Sanctuary Cove Boat Show.

25th May - Set sail out of Yeppoon bound for Pearl Bay a mainland anchorage which is usually good in all weather. We experience an extremely rolly night with a big swell entering the bay. Thank goodness for our large anchor we fitted a few years ago.

26th May - Departed early and sail about 2 hours into Island Head Creek. After an interesting entrance in tonnes of swell and wind we wound our way up this glorious anchorage and found some comfort in one of the estauries. No swimming unfortunatley as it is crocodile country but we had a pleasnt day onboard relaxing and catching up on work emails etc. Although no internet service we could still sort out our inbox's! We touched the muddy bottom a low tide and had a slight heel over but nothing too dramatic at least we were out of the roll.

27th May - We sailed out of Island Head Creek in far more moderate conditions and spent the day under sail and headed for The Marble Group of Islands, finally anchoring down at Hunter Island. An anchoarge that does not look fantastic on the charters gave us great protection. We blew up the newly purchased inflatable Kayak and gave it a test run. A one man Kayak fit the 2 of us nicely!

28th May - Up anchored and sailed for our favourite destination in this region, Scawfell Island! Experience awesome conditions and didn't want to leave.

29th May - Sailed to Hamilton Island in time for drinks and dinner with our good friends.

30th May - Lunch at Toucan Tango's, sailing afternoon and Dinner at James's place with the Fitzgerald family.

31 May - We delivered the boat back to her mooring at Shute Harbour and ferried back to Hamilton Island in time to celebrate Joey Griggs 40th birthday at Mariners Inn. BIG day!

1 June - Flew to Melbourne good bye paradise!

Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Rottnest Island is located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia. The island is home to some quirky and cute, unique flora and fauna that is not found anywhere else in the world (check out the quokka and australian mountain duck photos). 

Surrounded by crystal clear water the island boasts some of the most spectacular bays and beaches you will ever see. 

Awesome for surfing, swimming and watersports we took eight, 17-19 year olds for an 18th birthday celebration. They surfed most of the day with food and drinks taking second priority.

With the main form of transport being bicycles, the island has a very casual atmosphere, and is treasured by Western Australians. It is also becoming increasingly popular for interstate and international visitors. The Mediterranean-style climate and indigenous flora and fauna of this Island provide the backdrop to a special holiday experience!

Many tours and activities operate throughout the day, including the popular Island Discovery Coach Tour, the historic Oliver Hill Train Tour onboard the 'Captain Hussey', the Underwater Explorer, Rottnest Express Eco Tour, joy flights on the Rottnest Air Taxi, Brett Heady's Family Fun Park, guided walking tours conducted by the Rottnest Voluntary Guides, the Rottnest Museum and more.

Journeys by ferry take 30 minutes from Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys, 90 minutes from Perth, you can also get to the Island in 15 minutes by aeroplane from Jandakot Airport.

 

Facts and Figures

• More than 500,000 people visit Rottnest Island each year. 
  
• The Island is 11 kilometres long, 4.5 kilometres at its widest point, and the land area measures 1,900 hectares. 
  
• It is a 24km ride around the Island. Allow at least 2.5 hours for a leisurely cycle.
  
• The Island is an 'A' Class reserve managed by the Rottnest Island Authority. 
• Each visitor to the Island pays an entry fee to the Island ($12.50 for adults and $1.00 for children), which is included in the ferry fare, or as part of an annual admission fee for boat owners.