Time to go Island hopping
The flights have just been booked, accommodation is sorted, barge and kayaks hired, all is ready for our sea kayaking trip to the Whitsundays – only 1 more sleep away!
Myself, Chris and 2 other couples (Fe, Guy, Karen & John) are venturing off to Whitsunday, Hook and South Molle Islands for 7 days paddling around the coasts of some of the most amazing islands in Australia. Here is a sneak peak of our itinerary:
Friday 16th July
Make our way from Melbourne to Airlie Beach.
Saturday 17th July
Day of Leisure in Airlie Beach
Sunday 18th July
Catch barge over to Whitsunday Island (this saves the paddle onto the trade winds) and set up camp on Whitehaven Beach. Day of leisure to snorkel some of the most spectacular reef systems found among the islands.
Monday 19th July
We pack a picnic and paddle over to the Haselwood Group of islands. Spend the day on deserted beach only accessible to small craft. After a relaxing day snorkelling, beach combing or reading that book you have wanted to, we head back to Whitehaven.
Tuesday 20th July
We will paddle the eastern stretch of Whitsunday Islands, stopping to venture up Hill Inlet. We take the Tongue Pt boardwalk up to Hill Inlet lookout which offers great views of the surrounding islands and spectacular photo opportunities. After our walk we continue north to Peter Bay.
Wednesday 21st July
We paddle on toward the northern tip and cross the neck between Whitsunday & Hook Islands. Possibility of stopping at the Underwater Observatory. Continue paddling north up to Crayfish Beach – apparently one of the most amazing places in the Whitsundays.
Thursday 22nd July
Paddle north around the top of Hook Island and pass by Hayman Island whilst we continue south on the west coast. Stop off at the majestic Stonehaven Bay for some good snorkelling. Venture into Macona Inlet and camp at Curlew Beach on the south west corner.
Friday 23rd July
A 10km open water crossing awaits as we paddle to the north western tip of South Molle Island and our camp at Paddle Bay. This campsite has excellent walking tracks that let you explore around the island with prominent lookouts along the way. This is our last night’s camp.
Saturday 24th July
Only a short paddle between Daydream and South Molle islands before crossing the Molle Channel to take us back to our departure point at Shute Harbour. Drop off hired gear at Salty Dog and catch bus back into Airlie Beach. Check into hostel and rest of afternoon is free.
Sunday 25th July
Fly home (well, Chris and I are going to Townsville first, but the rest of the crew are going home)
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How to climb into this adventure:
The flights have just been booked, accommodation is sorted, barge and kayaks hired, all is ready for our sea kayaking trip to the Whitsundays – only 1 more sleep away!Myself, Chris and 2 other couples (Fe, Guy, Karen & John) are venturing off to Whitsunday, Hook and South Molle Islands for 7 days paddling around the coasts of some of the most amazing islands in Australia. Here is a sneak peak of our itinerary:
Friday 16th July
Make our way from Melbourne to Airlie Beach.
Saturday 17th July
Day of Leisure in Airlie Beach
Sunday 18th JulyCatch barge over to Whitsunday Island (this saves the paddle onto the trade winds) and set up camp on Whitehaven Beach. Day of leisure to snorkel some of the most spectacular reef systems found among the islands.
Monday 19th July
We pack a picnic and paddle over to the Haselwood Group of islands. Spend the day on deserted beach only accessible to small craft. After a relaxing day snorkelling, beach combing or reading that book you have wanted to, we head back to Whitehaven.
Tuesday 20th July
We will paddle the eastern stretch of Whitsunday Islands, stopping to venture up Hill Inlet. We take the Tongue Pt boardwalk up to Hill Inlet lookout which offers great views of the surrounding islands and spectacular photo opportunities. After our walk we continue north to Peter Bay.
Wednesday 21st July
We paddle on toward the northern tip and cross the neck between Whitsunday & Hook Islands. Possibility of stopping at the Underwater Observatory. Continue paddling north up to Crayfish Beach – apparently one of the most amazing places in the Whitsundays.
Thursday 22nd JulyPaddle north around the top of Hook Island and pass by Hayman Island whilst we continue south on the west coast. Stop off at the majestic Stonehaven Bay for some good snorkelling. Venture into Macona Inlet and camp at Curlew Beach on the south west corner.
Friday 23rd July
A 10km open water crossing awaits as we paddle to the north western tip of South Molle Island and our camp at Paddle Bay. This campsite has excellent walking tracks that let you explore around the island with prominent lookouts along the way. This is our last night’s camp.
Saturday 24th July
Only a short paddle between Daydream and South Molle islands before crossing the Molle Channel to take us back to our departure point at Shute Harbour. Drop off hired gear at Salty Dog and catch bus back into Airlie Beach. Check into hostel and rest of afternoon is free.
Sunday 25th July
Fly home (well, Chris and I are going to Townsville first, but the rest of the crew are going home)
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How to climb into this adventure:
- contact Neill & Hayley at Salty Dog Sea Kayaking for all your kayaking needs (and itinerary help if you need it)
- book flights to either Proserpine (Qantas), Hamilton Island (Jetstar/Virgin) or Mackay (Tiger)
- do some research on the tides to help you plan your trip (http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/tides/MAPS/shute.shtml#map)
- staying at Backpackers by the Bay is a good alternative to a nice hostel, just out of town
- if you want to save yourself the long paddle on day one, book a spot on the barge from Shute Harbour to Whitehaven Beach (call (07) 49469222)
- if you are doing this trip on your own (i.e. no kayaking guide) budget around $1000
Hi Kim,
I stumbled across your blog a while ago. The photo of you rock climbing gave it away. We really enjoy your photographs and are keen to see the ones from the Whitsundays. With Google Earth I could follow your itinerary and it made me jealous. btw the linked photo of Shute Harbour is actually of Airlie Beach harbour - I informed the author via Panoramia.
Please keep in touch via email.
Regards,
Henry & Karen