Whitsunday Island Trail

Map References:

• Whitsunday Island

Purpose:

The aim of this trail description is to help plan extended sea kayaking trips in the Whitsunday Island region. The information is based on the planning and conduct of an 9-day kayak camp in July 2005.

General Description:

• Good kayak opportunities are excellent around Whitsunday Island and Hook Island. (However, daily forecasts are a must /wind and tide effects at Whitsunday Passage, Fitzalan, Solway Pass and Hook passage can be an issue)
• Wind prevailing trade winds from the S/SE make sails ideal when heading north in month of July - August
• July - August are generally the best time - Whale watching, lowest rainfall and average temperature around 23C. Not too hot.
• Tides - Flood tide travels from the North to South and ebb from South to north. Tidal range varies from 1 to 4+ meters this determines carry distance at campsites. Portage above the high tide mark can range from easy 10m (at Henning Island) to 100 m+ at Peter Bay. Flow rate varies but can be up to 6 knots across most passages. Selecting camping sites should be based on attempting to arrive at each camp at no less than Mid tide in the afternoon if heading north. Consult a good book 100 Magic miles around the Whitsunday Islands for more detailed information..
• Carry around 10 meters of venetian blind cord with stainless clip at each end in PFD. Use for anchor when snorkeling or packing Kayaks due to rugged rocky beaches. Just tie it on a decent rock. (Not Coral)
• Be prepared to sleep with your food, leave no food in tents. Store in Kayak bulk head when not in camp. (Rats and other creatures will eat through your dry bag.
• Sand flies can eat visitors alive. (Tropical strength protection is a good choice) Sand flies do not like windy conditions.
• Whitsunday Island is well known for its coral reefs. Good diving can be had at many locations from the South to the North of Hook Island.
• Things to do: Fishing, Snorkeling, swimming* (Note that the sea wasp is around during the summer season. You can hire a stinger suit if swimming around this time of the year. Look out for the warning signs)
• Car parking at the time of writing is $8.00 per day open park or $14.00 per day under cover. The $8.00 is the better option as it is right opposite the boat ramp.
• Addition kayak equipment can be hired from Salting Dog Sea Kayaking - next to the boat ramp.

Planning:

Daily distances. Suggested route (can be varied depending on tide and wind):

• Day 1: Shute harbour boat ramp to Henning Island via Long Island. The last two hours of the flood tide should be used to get you to Long Island and the ebb back up to Henning Island. (If weather conditions - wind 20+knots against tide, then Scamper boat charter can be used to cross the Whitsunday passage. Note seas of 3 to 4 meters is not unusual with these conditions. Note that Scamper will do a water drop on some beaches for a price.
• Day 2: Henning Island (all tide landing) to Chance Bay (all tide landing).
• Day 3: Chance bay to Peter Bay (High tide landing). On route, Solway passage should be attempted on the ebb tide. Peter bay is best to arrive at High tide, with the approach on the right side of the bay. More rocky but less distance to carry when the tide is low. A visit to Tongue bay for morning tea is suggested.
• Day 4: Peter Bay to Hook Island resort (pick up water supply) Camping at Hook Island Resort is around $25 has basic facilities.
• Day 5: Hook Island resort to Crayfish beach (Mid to High tide). Due to weather conditions we diverted to Curlew beach in Macona inlet. Although the preferred route would be to Crayfish beach on North east Hook Island. If the top of Hook is not your choice, then a very nice area Nara inlet and Macona inlet can be explored. A waterfall and some aboriginal paintings can be found at the top of Nara inlet. (Swimming is not suggested in this area breeding ground for some species of shark)
• Day 6: Crayfish beach to Maureens cove. (Top end of Hook is good for snorkeling)
• Day 7: Maureens cove to Curlew beach.
• Day 8: Curlew beach to Dugong beach near Cid Island.
• Day 9: Dugong beach to South Molle Island and onto Shute Harbour. Note there is a strong tidal flow when crossing from Whitsunday to Molle Island.
  
  
  An overnight rehearsal paddle with as many group members as possible is strongly recommended a few weeks prior to departure.

Logistics

• Tide: When traveling North use the ebb tide to assist. Tides can be extreme in this area. If wind is involved then seas can be 3+ meters. Tides can be reversed in some areas due to eddys.
• Navigation: Compass and maps as a minimum. GPS is easier.
• Transport: Can either drive up to Shute or fly into Hamilton Island and take a boat to Shute Harbour. All Kayaking equipment can be hired at Shute.
• Camping: Whitsunday Island camping permit is $4 per night. Collect permit from local office at Airlie Beach. Most sites we visited has one or more tables. Some have bush toilets, some covered and some just a hole in the ground.
• Hydration: As a rough guide a (180cm 76kg male requires around 30lts of water total for 8 days. These figures will vary based on temperature and other factors). At least 10-15lt per person recommended with regular refill stops. Water is unavailable at all campsites. Water can be purchased at Hook Island resort but it is suggested to buy it from Airlie beach supermarket in collapsible containers.
• Insects: Insect repellent - bring enough for constant application when out of boat, mortein to clear tent before bed time, Telfast antihistamines may be required if sensitive to bites taken before you go and during the trip, mozzie coils/candle may work but the issue is sandflies. Sandflies do not like windy conditions.
• Food: Bring cooking gear, food, brew gear, fuel and washing up gear (or use sand). Keep in mind dehydrated foods use water and fuel to cook. Partially cooked rice/Pasta only uses 1 teaspoon of water and quick to warm up.
• Lighting: A torch or headlamp (preferable).
• Rubbish: Take out what you take in. Compression bags are good for storing plastic and paper waste.
• Comfort: Four-legged stool is essential. Kayak seat cushion, make or buy one if you need to e.g. the Sealine cushion.
• Hygiene: Biodegradable or Tilley's hardwater soap is recommended for personal hygiene.
  Back Care:. Loaded boats should be carried using a 4-person lift. A rope underslung at the middle of the kayak with shoulder padding is recommended.
• Safety gear: Goes without saying e.g. PFD, skirt, towropes, flares, spare paddle, VHF/27Mhz radio, GPS, medical kit and cag.

Communications:
VHF radio is essential for weather and emergencies.

Forecasts can be heard on VHF channel 86 each day at 08:00 and 16:00 from bare boat charter groups.

No phone reception on western side of both Whitsunday and Hook Island. (a public phone is available at Hook resort)

End