This is Curlew Beach. There are many of these lovely, small, sandy beaches in the Whitsundays. They all have a fringing reef which means access is only possible for about two or three hours either side of the high tide. Several of them are also National Parks campsites, as this one is. It has a long-drop toilet, and sturdy picnic tables – no other amenities. But what a fantastic place to camp!

Spent a lovely few hours pulled in to shore here. This is Curlew Beach, just at the beginning of Macona Inlet.

Tranquility, at Curlew Beach, Macona Inlet

On Curlew Beach, Macona Inlet

A 1-litre milk bottle makes for a very efficient shower. Our ‘bath’ is the ocean and the fresh water just for rinsing off the salt water. It’s heated in the solar shower and feels like a million dollars, despite the look of anguish on my face!

Do you see the Sea Eagles nest on the top of the starboard beacon? This is at the entry to Macona Inlet.

A sea eagle and her nest on the starboard beacon coming in to Macona. We could see at least 2 chicks.

South Molle Island – our destination. Look at those choppy seas!

Storm brewing over Shute Harbour. Actually we only got a little rain, it passed around us.

Shute Harbour is a huge anchorage. It’s shallow – we were anchored in 2.5m at low tide – and very well protected from swell and winds from all directions.

Approaching Airlie Beach. Can you see the marina – look for all the masts about 1/3 from the right.

Airlie Beach from the walkway at Abell Point.

Just a small part of the huge swimming lagoon on the foreshore at Airlie Beach. An excellent feature that is well patronised.

We de-rigged on the water this time. So much easier than doing it on the trailer.