Bauer Bay

Bauer Bay is a sheltered, north-facing bay on South Molle Island, one of the closest islands to Airlie Beach. Its sandy beach is the starting point for some of the best bushwalks in the Whitsundays, with tracks through rainforest, grassland and eucalypt forest to lookouts over the islands. The island’s resort has been closed since 2017, so the bay is quiet, with the national park walks as the main attraction. Its location makes it an easy last-night stop before the short run back to Coral Sea Marina.

Walks from Bauer Bay

South Molle Island is part of the Molle Islands National Park and has about 15 km of walking tracks, all starting from the beach at Bauer Bay. Take water, a hat and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes.

• Spion Kop: about 2.35 km one way, allow about 1 hour. The track climbs to lookouts over Whitsunday Passage, with great views and photo opportunities.
• Mount Jeffreys: about 3 km one way, allow 1 to 1.5 hours. A gradual climb to the highest point on the island.
• Lamond Hill: about 3.3 km one way, allow 1 to 1.5 hours. Climbs through open eucalypt forest with views to the mainland ranges.
• Paddle Bay: about 2.2 km return, allow about 1 hour. The easiest walk, on a hard-surfaced track.
• Sandy Bay: about 4.2 km one way, allow about 2 hours, crossing the island to the bay on the south-west side.

Most tracks are rough and sometimes steep, with some steps. For the long walks, allow about 4 hours return.

Cultural history

South Molle Island is part of the Sea Country of the Ngaro people, and is home to a stone quarry of international significance, where Ngaro people made stone tools. Please leave all stone and artefacts where you find them.

Paddleboarding and photography

The calm water in Bauer Bay is good for paddleboarding in light winds. Use paddleboards only in daylight and in winds under 10 knots, and stay close to the boat. Bring your camera on the walks, as the views from Spion Kop and Mount Jeffreys are some of the best in the islands.

Going ashore

Take the dinghy to the beach rather than the jetty. Approach slowly, then stop the outboard, raise it and paddle the last part. Wear shoes on rocky shores, as oysters and barnacles are razor sharp, and take all rubbish back to the boat.

Fishing

The current page lists fishing as a highlight. Check the zoning map on board before you put a line in, and never throw bait or fish scraps into the anchorage. For zones, species, limits and closure dates, see Fishing in the Whitsundays.

Nearby

• • Sandy Bay, South Molle Island: on the south-west side of the island, with 4 moorings, approved in north and north-east winds.
  • Daydream Island: a short hop away.
  • Airlie Beach: a short run back to Coral Sea Marina on the last day.

Best time to visit Bauer Bay

Bauer Bay is a good stop all year in south and south-east winds. In north or north-east winds, move around to Sandy Bay on the other side of the island, which is approved in those conditions. Start the longer walks early to avoid the midday heat, especially from about November to March. Arrive at the anchorage around midday, and be anchored by 4pm.

How to get to Bauer Bay

• Sail yourself: Whitsunday Escape is based at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, and you get a full briefing on the boat, navigation, tides and anchorages before you leave.
• Travel time from Airlie Beach: Being one of the closest islands to the mainland, Bauer bay will take about 1-1.5 hours to travel to by catamaran. 
• Route: From Airlie Beach, the most direct route is through Unsafe Passage. (Despite its name, it is a safe passage).

Where to anchor in Bauer Bay

Moorings. Do not use the moorings in Bauer Bay, as they are not safe. Never pick up unapproved private moorings, as they are not maintained and can break free.

Anchoring. Anchor in sand, never on coral, in water between 2 m at low tide and 15 m at high tide. In 10 m or less at high tide, lay out at least 40 m of chain. In deeper water, lay out four times the depth. In winds over 25 knots, lay out all your chain.

Overnight. Approved in south and south-east winds. Confirm your plans at the morning radio schedule and be anchored by 4pm.

Anchoring tip: approach at under 3 knots, and anchor well clear of the jetty and other boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the South Molle Island resort open? No. The resort has been closed since 2017, and there are no facilities ashore. The national park walking tracks are open.

Can you use the moorings in Bauer Bay? No. The moorings in Bauer Bay are not safe, so you will need to anchor.

What is the best walk on South Molle Island? Spion Kop is a favourite for its views over Whitsunday Passage. Allow about 1 hour each way from Bauer Bay. Mount Jeffreys, the highest point on the island, is a little longer.

Is Bauer Bay a good last-night anchorage? Yes. It is close to Airlie Beach and approved overnight in south and south-east winds.

Where should I anchor in north-east winds? Move around to Sandy Bay on the south-west side of South Molle Island, which has 4 moorings and is approved in north and north-east winds.