Favourite Anchorages
Anchorage Inspirations: Refuge Bay, Scawfell Island
At around 110 hectares, Scawfell Island is the largest island in the Cumberland Group off the central Queensland coast. Located around 60 kilometres northeast of Mackay, the island has a magnificent rocky and indented coastline with towering granite cliffs and hoop pine forests.
The island is an important turtle nesting area with beautiful bays where you can snorkel straight off the beach and take in the many delicate coral formations and tropical fish. You can also enjoy fun in the sun and total relaxation on the islands pristine sandy beaches.
Refuge Bay is on the northern side of Scawfell Island and contains a popular and safe anchorage. Fishing is allowed only within this area, you can fly cast to fish in the shallows and bring is such fish as Queenfish, Trevally, Giant Herring and Flathead to serve for dinner. Even the elusive Bonefish has been caught while fly fishing in Refuge Bay, with the perfect reef flats and ideal environment for them.
The islands and surrounding waters are part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and during the peak season from June to the end of August, whales can be heard and seen underwater around the islands. Accessed only by private boat you might even be the only ones there.
The island is also known for its bird-watching and bushwalking, there are some facilities on the island including restrooms hot water and a fuel barbeque, but those wishing to camp on the island must be self-sufficient.
