Shoalwater Inlets Sailing
Guide for Yachts
Shoalwater Inlets Sailing Guide. The Shoalwater Inlets form the most remote, sheltered and least‑visited section of the Shoalwater Bay region, offering deep, mangrove‑lined waterways with exceptional protection from all wind directions. These inlets extend far inland and branch into multiple arms, each providing calm water, reliable depths and complete isolation. For skippers seeking absolute shelter or a secure anchorage during unsettled weather, the Shoalwater Inlets offer some of the most protected waters on the entire Queensland coast. The inlets are tidal, narrow in places and surrounded by mangroves, but the navigation is straightforward in good visibility and the holding is consistently strong.
Although the inlets are extremely sheltered, the skipper must remain alert to tidal flow, shallow margins and the remoteness of the area. The region is part of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, and access may be restricted during Defence exercises. The inlets have no facilities, services or landing infrastructure, and the surrounding coastline is undeveloped and isolated. The Shoalwater Inlets are not difficult to navigate, but they reward a deliberate approach and an understanding of how tide and wind interact within the narrow channels.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - Location
The Shoalwater Inlets lie north‑east of Port Clinton and east of Freshwater Bay, forming a complex network of tidal waterways that extend deep into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. The entrances are low and mangrove‑lined, with multiple channels leading into East Arm, West Arm and South Arm. Approximate centre position: 22°18.0’S 150°42.0’E
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - Approach
The approach to the Shoalwater Inlets is clear, with 12–20 m of water outside the entrance and a wide, unobstructed line toward the mangrove‑lined shoreline. The skipper can shape a direct approach from Freshwater Bay, Pearl Bay or offshore routes, with depths remaining consistent at 10–15 m until nearing the entrance. The coastline is low and featureless, and the entrances can be difficult to identify in poor visibility. In strong south‑easterlies, the sea state outside the inlets remains manageable due to the shelter provided by the mainland, but in northerlies the outer bay becomes exposed and can develop short, steep chop.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - Entrance and
Channel
The entrances to the Shoalwater Inlets are wide and forgiving, with 5–8 m of depth across the openings. Once inside, the channels deepen to 6–12 m, with calm water and minimal swell. The tidal stream is moderate, commonly 1–2 knots, and increases near the bends and constrictions in the channels. The shoreline shelves quickly near the mangroves, and the skipper must maintain adequate distance from the edges. The channels remain calm in all wind directions, and the vessel will lie mostly to the tide rather than the breeze.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - East Arm
East Arm is the longest and most sheltered of the Shoalwater Inlets, offering 6–12 m of depth over mud and sand. The arm extends several miles inland and provides complete protection from all wind directions. The holding is excellent, and the inlet remains calm even in gale‑force south‑easterlies. The channel narrows in the upper reaches, and the skipper must maintain situational awareness, but the navigation is straightforward in good visibility. East Arm is one of the most secure anchorages in the entire Shoalwater Bay region.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - West Arm
West Arm is shorter and slightly wider than East Arm, offering 6–10 m of depth over mud and sand. The arm provides excellent shelter from all wind directions and remains calm in all conditions. The shoreline is dominated by mangroves, and the channel shelves quickly near the edges. The holding is strong, and the anchorage is predictable and secure. West Arm is a practical alternative to East Arm when seeking complete shelter.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - South Arm
South Arm is the smallest of the three major inlets, offering 5–9 m of depth over mud and sand. The arm provides excellent shelter but is narrower than the other channels, and the skipper must maintain adequate distance from the mangroves. The holding is reliable, and the inlet remains calm in all conditions. South Arm is suitable for smaller vessels or skippers seeking complete isolation.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - Wind, Weather
and Tide
The Shoalwater Inlets are among the most sheltered waters on the Queensland coast. The inlets remain calm in all wind directions, and the surrounding mangroves eliminate fetch entirely. Tidal flow is moderate, and the vessel will lie to the tide rather than the breeze in most conditions. The inlets are 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.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - Navigation
Hazards
The primary hazards in the Shoalwater Inlets are the shallow margins near the mangroves, the narrowing of the channels in the upper reaches and the potential for Defence closures. The inlets are remote, and the skipper must be prepared for isolation. There are no significant underwater obstructions, and navigation is straightforward in good visibility. The channels are tidal, and the skipper must allow for swing and maintain adequate distance from the shoreline.
Mechanical and Electrical Repairs
Resource
If you are headed somewhere remote consider the need to expand your knowledge base or have an information resource on board. Why not get a copy of my book The Marine and Electrical and Electronics Bible 4th Edition. By and for yachties, with everything from batteries and charging, solar and wind, diesel engines and marine electronics and so much more. Your complete systems guide. 650 pages of practical advice. Go to Boat Books for a copy or order through Amazon. By an Australian yachtsman for Australian Yachtsmen and Yachtswomen. Marine systems are my profession so let me help you.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - Provisioning,
Fuel and Water
The Shoalwater Inlets have 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 inlets, 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.
Shoalwater Inlets
Sailing Guide - Summary
The Shoalwater Inlets are the most sheltered and isolated anchorages in the Shoalwater Bay region, offering deep, protected water, excellent holding and complete protection from all wind directions. The approach is straightforward, the entrances are wide and the channels provide multiple anchorage options. For skippers transiting the Capricorn Coast, the Shoalwater Inlets are an essential refuge and a reliable stop in all conditions. The Shoalwater Inlets Sailing Guide is here to assist.