Fitzroy Reef entry.

[Teeto]

We have been into Lady Musgrave lagoon a couple of times and are currently waiting for a window to get out and explore more of the Bunker Group Queensland. Would like to go into Fitzroy lagoon but a bit wary of the entrance described in the books as narrow and not straight. We are 7.6 metres wide. Would like to hear from cats that have been there. Is full high tide the go?

[Wotname]

Sorry not a cat and it was a long time ago since I was inside the lagoon at Fitzroy but as I recall it was no more difficult than Lady Musgrave, maybe easier. Of course I wasn't so worried about width with only a 3 metre beam!

I would suggest trying about 2 hours before top of tide assuming the sun is in the right position for visibility.

[Factor]

Fitzroy is on a par with LMI and like all these coral cays, half a rising tide with the sun overhead is always good, but if you have been in Lady Musgrave, you should do okay at Fitzroy.

Its a very pretty spot.

[cat man do]

Same as Factor.
It's a pretty easy spot to get in but pick your anchoring spot well as there is no reference points whatsoever if you have to shift for any reason.

[44'cruisingcat]

Yep, no problem getting in. We were there a few months ago, and the entrance was quite well marked by bouys. Should still be, there haven't been any cyclones this year. There is a kink in the channel, but it's easy to see. Go on a sunny day, arrive on half tide or better.

[Teeto]

Thanks heaps everyone, now we just wait.

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by cat man do

Same as Factor.
It's a pretty easy spot to get in but pick your anchoring spot well as there is no reference points whatsoever if you have to shift for any reason.

Oh yes, I had forgotten that aspect. I now recall how weird it felt to be anchored without any reference to any landmark just a seascape for 360 degrees, especially when the tide is high enough to cover the fringing reef. This was before GPS and the only real way of knowing if you were dragging was the feel / sound of the chain moving across the bottom. Didn't sleep too soundly the first couple of nights!

[44'cruisingcat]

Recently heard there was a whale shark inside Fitsroy lagoon. Chance of a lifetime if it's still there!

[Teeto]

Thanks for that, we were planning to go out there tomorrow for a few days.

[Wotname]

Enjoy and let us know how it was when you return!

[Teeto]

Fitzroy was great. Clear blue water, wind below 15 knots and more clown fish than I've ever seen. The coral trout tasted pretty good too. The entrance was not difficult. I'd be happy to do it on the top half of either tide or low water slack assuming good visibility. Big area to anchor in. 4 nights there and will definitely return.

[Wotname]

Glad it worked out well and you enjoyed it, thanks for taking the time to give us some feedback . We have just had the first winter front though here

[D&D]

Anyone care to volunteer your beams, entering Fitzroy Reef?

We're greatly encouraged by the comments of fellow cat sailors here, but still a bit anxious with a 7.7M beam...and, from what we can see in Patrick's Cruising the Coral Coast, a bit of a dog-leg in the entrance...mmm.

Probably will at least need slack tide??

[Teeto]

We are 7.6 metres wide and had no problems going in. The current is quite strong until it covers the top of the reef, so wait until at least half tide. It's a bit hairy but fine.


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[D&D]

Originally Posted by Teeto

We are 7.6 metres wide and had no problems going in. The current is quite strong until it covers the top of the reef, so wait until at least half tide. It's a bit hairy but fine.

Thanks Teeto!

We just noticed your beam in the OP as well...oops ...so we'll be out there tomorrow morning. We were also in Lady Musgrave before and loved it there. So v much looking forward to Fitzroy.

Thanks again for your info.