Lady Musgrave Island

Wednesday 30^th September 2015

After a bit of a bumpy night anchored off North West Island, we set out at 7 am for Lady Musgrave. The plan was to go through the passage that separates Heron Island from Wistari Reef, to check out the Heron Island Resort. One of the very few resorts actually located in the Great Barrier Reef.

Leaving North West Island

It was a great decision, the resort is tucked away on a small Island with an extensive reef of its own, but the Wistari Reef is spectacular ( at least the colour of the water and sheer size of it are). The resort is apparently quite exclusive and visiting yachties are not welcome.

Approaching Heron Island

A wreck off Heron Island

Heron Island wharf

Looking out over Wistari Reef

Once through the passage it was a straight sail to Lady Musgrave in light conditions. We motor sailed most of the way to keep up with Wilparina who with big genoa loved the conditions. We had the code zero up for an hour or so, but could not sail close enough to the wind, and whilst making good speed would taken us an hour or 2 longer to get to Lady Musgrave. With the self tacker and a few revs we managed 7-8 knots up on Wilparina’s course.

A large fishing boat on Lamont Reef

Hoskin Islands

Fairfax Island

We passed lots of reefs, a few islands, saw plenty of flying fish, a few whales and dolphins and arrived at the entrance to the lagoon at 3 pm, about half an hour before low tide. The tidal flow through the entrance was 2-3 knots and require a bit of concentration from Carole on the helm, (Mike on the bow looking for hazards), and a lot of engine revs.

Lady Musgrave ahead

Once inside the lagoon, you can see why people rave about this place. There are lots of boats in here, and the anchorage is huge. The water is so clear, I watched the anchor go down 5.5 m and rest in the white sandy bottom  (it took us a while to pick the spot, as there are a few coral heads and other rocky patches around).

Great Sunset in a huge lagoon

Steve and Kim came over for sundowners and  a BBQ Dinner. An impressive sunset with some evidence of thunderstorms on the coast. During sundowners we saw an impressive display by 2 whales on the outside of the reef. They performed for about 15 minutes leaping out of the water.