Island Head Creek Sailing Guide for
Yachts
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide. Island Head Creek is one of the most secure and weather‑proof anchorages on the entire Capricorn Coast, offering deep, protected water, excellent holding and complete shelter from all wind directions. The inlet lies between high, rugged headlands and extends several miles inland, forming a long, mangrove‑lined waterway with multiple anchorage zones. For skippers transiting between Pearl Bay and Cape Manifold, Island Head Creek is a dependable refuge, providing calm water, predictable depths and reliable protection even in strong south‑easterlies or unsettled weather.
Although Island Head Creek is extremely sheltered, the skipper must remain alert to tidal flow, shallow margins and the narrowing of the channel in the upper reaches. The inlet is part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, and access may be restricted during Defence exercises. The shoreline is undeveloped and remote, with no facilities or services of any kind. Island Head Creek is not a difficult anchorage, but it rewards a deliberate approach and an understanding of how tide and wind interact within the inlet.
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide - Location
Island Head Creek lies north of Pearl Bay and south of Cape Manifold, forming one of the key protected anchorages in the Shoalwater Bay region. The entrance is framed by high, rocky headlands and opens westward into a deep, calm inlet. The surrounding coastline is rugged and uninhabited, with mangroves dominating the inner shoreline. Approximate position: 22°16.0’S 150°37.0’E
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide - Approach
The approach to Island Head Creek is clear, with 15–25 m of water outside the entrance and a wide, unobstructed line toward the inlet. The skipper can shape a direct approach from Pearl Bay, Cape Manifold or offshore routes, with depths remaining consistent at 12–18 m until nearing the headlands. In strong south‑easterlies, the sea state outside the entrance remains manageable due to the shelter provided by the mainland, but in northerlies the outer bay becomes exposed and can develop short, steep chop. The entrance is easy to identify in good visibility, with the high headlands providing strong visual references.
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide - Entrance and Inlet
The entrance to Island Head Creek is wide and forgiving, with 6–10 m of depth across the opening. Once inside, the inlet deepens to 8–15 m, with calm water and minimal swell. The tidal stream is moderate, commonly 1–2 knots, and increases near the bends in the inlet. The shoreline shelves quickly near the mangroves, and the skipper must maintain adequate distance from the edges. The inlet remains calm in all wind directions, and the vessel will lie mostly to the tide rather than the breeze.
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide - Anchorages
Island Head Creek offers several anchorage zones, each with reliable shelter and generous depths. The outer anchorage near the entrance provides 6–10 m of depth over sand and mud, with good holding and immediate shelter from swell. This area is suitable for short stops or when arriving late in the day.
Further inside, the central basin offers 8–12 m of depth with excellent protection from all wind directions. The holding is strong, and the inlet remains calm even in gale‑force south‑easterlies. This is the preferred anchorage for most skippers.
The upper reaches of the inlet provide 6–10 m of depth and complete protection, but the channel narrows and the skipper must maintain situational awareness. Tidal flow is more noticeable in this area, and the vessel will lie mostly to the tide rather than the wind.
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide - Wind, Weather and Tide
Island Head Creek is one of the most sheltered anchorages on the Capricorn Coast. The inlet remains calm in all wind directions, and the surrounding headlands and mangroves eliminate fetch entirely. Tidal flow is moderate, and the vessel will lie to the tide rather than the breeze in most conditions. The inlet is unaffected by swell, and the sea state remains flat even when the sea outside is steep. Weather selection is rarely critical once inside, but the skipper must remain aware of exposure in the outer bay during northerlies.
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide - Navigation Hazards
The primary hazards in Island Head Creek are the shallow margins near the mangroves, the narrowing of the channel in the upper reaches and the potential for Defence closures. The inlet is remote, and the skipper must be prepared for isolation. There are no significant underwater obstructions, and navigation is straightforward in good visibility. The inlet is tidal, and the skipper must allow for swing and maintain adequate distance from the shoreline.
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Island Head Creek Sailing Guide -Provisioning, Fuel and Water
Island Head Creek has no facilities of any kind, and the skipper must arrive fully self‑sufficient with all provisions, fuel, water and spares already onboard. There are no shops, fuel points, water access, marinas or landing services anywhere in the inlet, and the surrounding coastline is undeveloped and remote. Once inside the Shoalwater Bay region, there is no opportunity to resupply until returning to Rosslyn Bay, the Keppel Islands or other ports to the south.
Shore Access &
Creek Character
Shore access is possible via small beaches and mangrove edges, though the terrain is rugged and the tidal flats become exposed at low tide. The coastline is natural and undeveloped, with dense forest, open grassy areas, and steep ridges that rise sharply behind the mangroves. Walking ashore reveals shaded forest, rocky outcrops, and quiet clearings that offer views across the creek. The area feels wild and untouched, shaped entirely by tide, wind, and the natural rhythms of the Shoalwater region. The character of Island Head Creek is defined by its solitude. There are no facilities, no structures, and no signs of development, just mangroves, hills, and the steady movement of the tide. It is a place where crews rest, read, fish, and enjoy the deep calm of a true wilderness anchorage.
Fishing & Marine
Life
Island Head Creek is known for excellent fishing. The tidal creeks, mangrove edges, and deeper holes attract a wide range of species, and the sheltered water makes it easy to fish from dinghy or yacht. The marine life is abundant, with turtles, rays, and fish moving through the channels, and birdlife active along the mangrove edges. The water clarity varies with tide and weather, but the creek’s natural productivity makes it a rewarding stop for crews who enjoy fishing and wildlife.
Island Head Creek Sailing Guide - Summary
Island Head Creek is one of the most secure and sheltered anchorages in the Shoalwater Bay region, offering deep, protected water, excellent holding and complete protection from all wind directions. The approach is straightforward, the entrance is wide and the inlet provides multiple anchorage options. For skippers transiting the Capricorn Coast, Island Head Creek is an essential refuge and a reliable stop in all conditions. Island Head Creek Sailing Guide for useful information.