Goldsmith, Thomas and Shaw Islands 21st, 22nd & 23rd June

We spent a night each at these beautiful islands in the southern Whitsundays and could easily have spent more time in this area, but it is not long before we fly to Perth. Time is limited so we must not drag our feet too much.

 Isabelle Rose Mitchell

 

 During the night of the 22^nd we received a text message from Karin, our daughter, with the exciting news that she and Paul now have a baby girl, Isabelle Rose, 7lb 1 oz who is the spitting image of her father. Both are well so we are relieved and looking forward to seeing them next week. We received this news in such a magnificent spot – Thomas Island. Every time I think of this delightful place I will remember the birth of our second little granddaughter.

 Goldsmith Island

 

A 10nm motor/sail to Goldsmith Island was very pleasant after all the sailing we have done in cloudy, rainy, blustery weather recently. Bright sunshine brought out all the colours of this beautiful landscape, the aqua sea, golden beaches and dark green of the vegetation. Plenty of recent rain has ensured that the plants look crisp and refreshed and are shooting out new growth. As far as we can see into the distant north are islands, rugged, mountainous and dramatic. Of the two recommended anchorages on Goldsmith Island we chose the eastern bay. Ric and Val took their BBQ ashore and with us and Judy and Ray from Noosa, we sizzled the sausages and steak and sat gazing at the beauty surrounding us as the sun slowly sank below the horizon. There was little interference from the current in the bay and we had a comfortable night.

Barby on the beach

 



 

Thomas Island

 

 

 

Rock orchids on Thomas Island

I can’t believe it! The scenery just keeps getting better. Thomas is a rugged, rocky island and on approach from the south east appears to be predominantly bare, rocky, high hills sparsely covered with pine trees and bush. As we rounded the eastern end a series of superb beaches and rocky points greeted us. The north side of the island is densely wooded, with many large pine trees covering the hillsides. As usual several boats were anchored before us, so we chose a suitable spot between Young Tom’s Island and Thomas itself. It is such a pretty place and I would have to say one of my favourites. Only a few nautical miles to the north is the long, mountainous Shaw Island with its rocky, southern satellites which adds even more drama to this spectacular place. Beautiful! We have had perfect weather for the last couple of days and what a difference that makes. We now feel we have reached paradise.

 

Rene at anchor - Thomas Island

 

 

 

Shaw Island

Shaw Island is not as spectacular as Goldsmith and Thomas Islands, but it is larger and has a couple of good anchorages. We rounded Burning Point on the western end and anchored in a large shallow bay a long way from the shore. Peter and I took the dinghy ashore and enjoyed a walk around a long beach before retiring to Rene for our evening meal. The evening was cloudless, with no moon, so a million stars lit the night sky. Next morning we headed off early for Whitsunday Island via the eastern end of Kennedy Sound, around Lindeman Island and past the steep, craggy Pentecost Island. There was no wind so we motored in glassy conditions and enjoyed the magnificent scenery along the way. Our destination was south facing Turtle Bay on Whitsunday Island.

Pentecost Island