Cid Harbour

Cid Harbour is a large, calm anchorage on the west side of Whitsunday Island, and one of the most popular first-night stops in the Whitsundays. Forested hills run down to sandy beaches, with walking tracks to Dugong Beach and the summit of Whitsunday Peak. The harbour also has a rich history, as Allied navy ships anchored here during World War II before the Battle of the Coral Sea. It is an easy, sheltered place to settle in on the first night of a self-skippered charter.

Important: there is no swimming in Cid Harbour at any time. Cid Harbour is a known site for shark attacks. Enjoy the harbour from the boat and the shore, and save your swimming and snorkelling for other anchorages.

Whitsunday Peak

The Whitsunday Peak track starts at Sawmill Beach and climbs to the highest point on Whitsunday Island. Go right to the top, as the views over the islands are worth every step.

• The walk: 5 km return, graded difficult. Allow about 4 hours.
• Who it suits: experienced, fit walkers only.
• Be prepared: wear sturdy shoes, take plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen, and start early to avoid the midday heat.

Dugong to Sawmill track

This easier walk follows the coast between Dugong Beach and Sawmill Beach, through shady rainforest and tall hoop pines, with glimpses of the water through the trees.

• The walk: 3 km return, graded easy to moderate. Allow about 1 hour.
• Sawmill Creek: if you start from Sawmill Beach at high tide, you will need to wade across Sawmill Creek to reach the track.

Wartime history

During World War II, Allied navy ships anchored in Cid Harbour before the Battle of the Coral Sea. Take a moment on Sawmill Beach to picture the fleet that once filled the harbour.

Wildlife

Sea eagles nest around the harbour, so look up as you walk the beaches. Turtles and dugongs are also often seen in the anchorage. Dugongs feed close to shore and near inlets, so keep your speed down and watch for them to avoid boat strikes.

Going ashore

Anchor the dinghy on sand, never on coral, and wear shoes on rocky shores, as oysters and barnacles are razor sharp. Take all rubbish back to the boat.

Nearby

• • Mays Bay, Whitsunday Island: a quiet, seldom-visited anchorage on the same side of the island.
  • Hook Passage: Cairn Beach snorkelling and the Whitsunday Cairn track at the north of Whitsunday Island.
  • Nara Inlet, Hook Island: a sheltered anchorage in all winds and the Ngaro Cultural Site.
  • Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island: the famous white silica beach, on the other side of the island.

Best time to visit Cid Harbour

Cid Harbour is a good stop all year in south and south-east winds, and is well placed as a first night out from Airlie Beach. For Whitsunday Peak, start early in the day, especially in the warmer months from about November to March. Arrive at the anchorage around midday for the best light, and be anchored by 4pm.

How to get to Cid Harbour

• 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: About 1 hour 50 minutes by power boat, or 2 hours by sailing catamaran under motor.

Where to anchor in Cid Harbour

Anchoring. There are no public moorings, so you will need to anchor. 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.

Shark smart: never throw food scraps, bait or fish waste overboard, especially in the anchorage.

Anchoring tip: Cid Harbour is popular on the first night of many charters, so arrive in good time and leave plenty of room between you and other boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in Cid Harbour? No. There is no swimming in Cid Harbour at any time, as it is a known site for shark attacks.

How long is the Whitsunday Peak walk? The track is 5 km return from Sawmill Beach and graded difficult. Allow about 4 hours, and take plenty of water.

Is Cid Harbour a good first-night anchorage? Yes. It is calm, close to Airlie Beach and approved overnight in south and south-east winds.

Are there moorings in Cid Harbour? No. There are no public moorings, so you will anchor.

What is the history of Cid Harbour? During World War II, Allied navy ships anchored in Cid Harbour before the Battle of the Coral Sea.