Favourite Anchorages
Anchorage Feature: Jumpinpin Channel
This month, we bring you some local knowledge on the popular Jumpinpin channel which lies between North and South Stradbroke Island, near the Gold Coast. The channel was formed in around 1896, when a bad storm separated the two islands to create this well renowned boating region.
Jumpinpin Channel has so much to offer and is a little over 45 minutes from the Gold Coast Seaway. It’s a deep water channel, which makes it perfect for larger models. For an inexperieced boatie, Jumpinpin Bar can be quite treacherous so observe the beacons and and make sure you plan your trip according to the conditions.
It is a great location however as you are able to get fairly close to the beach and successfully put down a stern anchor. Once secure in a suitable spot, you can tender over to the island to relax or explore.
Jumpinpin is fast moving current, deep water channel not appropriate for swimming. Swimming is fine off the beach but out in the channel it is wise to put out a Jesus line so you can hold onto it.
The area is very popular with beach anglers and boaters and on weekends, it is not uncommon to see boats of all sizes, moored up, in a patchwork of white and coloured hulls.
If you love fishing you won’t be disappointed, “the fishing is fantastic on both the eastern side and the broadwater side. Bream and flathead can be caught on the broadwater side, with whiting and tailor (when in season) on the eastern side both readily available!
Those with family will love the variety on ‘the Pin’. Besides the fishing, there are some beautiful areas to walk (not designated trails as such) and there is a camping site within walking distance too. There is a basin just south of ‘the Pin” which is great for families to play beach cricket or fly a kite at low tide. At high tide this area is under water. As the basin is shallow, larger boats do not moor in there but anything from about 34ft down would be fine. If northerlies are expected then you are not so protected, but you are safe from the easterlies and south-easterlies.
When approaching the area, you must observe the beacons, as it can get very shallow and you often hear of people running aground, particularly at low-tide. So ensure you plan your trip and be mindful of the designated route.
During the summer it’s a great place to stay for a few days or longer. There is a ‘ship-shop’ which comes round where you can buy virtually anything and everything and of course an ice-cream man frequents the area too.
Whilst ‘the Pin’ is easily accommodated for a day-trip, its real beauty can be observed at night as its removed from the city’s bright lights and its natural state provides a lovely, pretty, canvas.
