Queensland

From SkipperGuide, the online cruising guide for sailing areas around the world

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The Queensland coast stretches from the Gold Coast in the south to Cape York in the north. For most of the coast you are sailing inside the barrier reef, which while not providing sheltered waters does temper the ocean swells.

Weather is tropical, with a wet and dry season. SE trades predominate with northerlies during November - January. Cyclone season runs from November - April.

The sailing is excellent with many and varied anchorages with rivers and inlets, island bays and coral lagoons. As far north as Cairns and Port Douglas the coast is well served with Marinas and marine facilities, these become almost non existent north of there.

The best single cruising guide for the area is "Cruising the Coral Coast" by Alan Lucas. The coast from Bundaberg to Mackay is well covered by "Cruising The Curtis Coast" by Noel Patrick and the Whitsunday Islands have their own dedicated guide called "100 Magic Miles". All 3 guides are readily available on the coast.

Tides vary greatly along the coast with tides of up to 7 metres in certain areas and almost negligible in others. Queensland Transport publish a detailed tide almanac each year available from chandleries, post offices and newsagents.