Cape Gloucester
Sailing Guide for Yachts
Cape Gloucester sailing guide. Cape Gloucester sits on the western edge of the Whitsundays and provides a mix of semi‑protected anchorages, a small marina and reliable access in settled conditions. The coastline is open to the north‑west but protected from the south‑east by the mainland, giving skippers a useful stop when moving between Bowen, Gloucester Passage and the northern Whitsunday islands. The approach is uncomplicated, the depths are generous and the anchorages are straightforward when the weather is favourable. For vessels transiting between Bowen and Airlie Beach, Cape Gloucester functions as a convenient rest point with access to basic marina services and nearby provisioning.
Although the area is generally forgiving, the skipper must remain alert to wind‑driven sea state, tidal flow through Gloucester Passage and the limited shelter from northerly winds. The anchorages are comfortable in south‑easterlies but can become exposed and uncomfortable when the wind shifts north or north‑west. The marina provides secure berthing, but the approach requires attention to tidal set and the shallow margins near the shoreline. Cape Gloucester is not a difficult destination, but it rewards a deliberate approach and an understanding of how wind and tide interact along this section of the coast.
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide Location
Cape Gloucester lies west of the Whitsunday islands and north of Airlie Beach, positioned at the entrance to Gloucester Passage and opposite the northern end of the Molle Channel. The coastline is a mix of sandy beaches and rocky headlands, with the resort and marina structures providing clear visual references from seaward. The cape marks the transition between the open waters of Edgecumbe Bay and the more sheltered waters of the Whitsunday group. Approximate position: 20°04.0’S 148°26.0’E
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide Approach
The approach is clear, with 10–20 m of water outside the bay and a wide, unobstructed line toward the anchorage and marina. The skipper can shape a direct approach from Bowen, Gloucester Passage or the Whitsunday islands, with depths remaining consistent at 8–12 m in the approach. In strong south‑easterlies, the sea state remains manageable due to the shelter provided by the mainland, but in northerlies the bay becomes exposed and can develop short, steep chop. The shoreline shelves gradually, and the skipper must avoid edging too close to the beaches where depths decrease quickly.
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide Entrance
and Anchorage
Cape Gloucester is not a formal harbour, and the anchorage behaviour is dictated by wind direction and tidal flow. Depths in the anchorage area range from 5–10 m, with sand and patches of weed providing variable holding. The anchorage is comfortable in south‑easterlies, with the mainland providing good protection, but becomes exposed in northerly winds, and the skipper should avoid overnighting in these conditions. Tidal flow through Gloucester Passage can influence the vessel’s swing, and the skipper must allow adequate room when anchoring. The seabed is generally reliable, but setting the anchor firmly is essential due to occasional weed patches.
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide Wind,
Weather and Tide
Cape Gloucester is well protected from south‑easterly trade winds, and the anchorage remains comfortable in these conditions. Northerlies expose the bay and can create short, steep chop that makes the anchorage uncomfortable or untenable. Tidal flow through Gloucester Passage can influence the vessel’s swing and create cross‑set near the marina entrance. Inside the marina, wind has more influence than tide, and the vessel will lie mostly to the breeze rather than the current. The surrounding terrain can create gusts in strong south‑easterlies, but the overall protection remains good.
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide Navigation
Hazards
The primary hazards at Cape Gloucester are the exposure to northerly winds, the variable holding in the anchorage, the tidal flow through Gloucester Passage and the tight marina fairways in strong winds. The coastline shelves gradually, and the skipper must avoid edging too close to the beaches. The anchorage is not suitable in northerly conditions, and the skipper should seek shelter elsewhere if the wind shifts. Inside the marina, the main considerations are windage and limited manoeuvring space.
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide - Marina
The marina provides 3–5 m of depth at LAT and offers secure berthing in most conditions. The fairways are tight, and strong crosswinds can make manoeuvring challenging for high‑windage vessels. The approach to the marina requires attention to tidal set, particularly when entering from the south via Gloucester Passage. The marina is compact, and the skipper must maintain situational awareness when manoeuvring near the fuel berth and the resort structures. Despite its small size, the marina provides a secure alternative to the anchorage when the weather is unsettled.
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide Provisioning
Supermarkets: Full provisioning is available in nearby Bowen or Airlie Beach. Woolworths Bowen, Coles Bowen, Woolworths Airlie Beach and Coles Airlie Beach provide complete supermarket supplies including fresh produce, dry goods, bakery items and general essentials. These stores are a short drive from Cape Gloucester and serve as the primary provisioning points for vessels operating in the northern Whitsundays.
Markets: Fresh produce can be sourced from the Bowen Community Markets and the Airlie Beach Lions Community Markets, both offering fruit, vegetables and local goods from regional growers. Additional specialty produce is available at the Whitsunday Farmers Market, giving skippers access to higher‑quality local produce than standard supermarket stock.
Fish Markets: Bowen Fishermen’s Seafood and Fisho’s Airlie Beach supply fresh local seafood including reef fish, prawns and seasonal catch landed from the regional fleet. These are the most reliable seafood provisioning points for vessels preparing for extended cruising among the islands.
Mechanical and Electrical Repairs
Resource
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Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide -Marina
Services
Cape Gloucester Resort Marina provides berthing, potable water and limited services for yachts, with shore power available at designated berths. Fuel is not available directly at Cape Gloucester, and skippers typically refuel at Bowen Marina, Port of Airlie or Coral Sea Marina. The marina functions primarily as a sheltered berthing and resort‑based stop rather than a full‑service facility, but its protection and proximity to Gloucester Passage make it a useful operational base.
Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide Summary
Cape Gloucester is a semi‑protected mainland anchorage with a small marina, a straightforward approach and reliable shelter in south‑easterlies. The anchorage becomes exposed in northerly winds, and the skipper must choose conditions carefully. The marina provides secure berthing and basic services, and nearby Bowen and Airlie Beach offer full provisioning. For vessels moving between Bowen, Gloucester Passage and the Whitsunday islands, Cape Gloucester is a practical and well‑positioned stop that offers comfort in the right conditions. The Cape Gloucester Sailing Guide has a lot of useful information.