Neck Bay

Neck Bay sits on the north-west side of Shaw Island, at the southern edge of the Whitsunday Escape cruising area. It’s one of the most remote anchorages you can reach on a bareboat charter, and it’s seldom visited, so you’ll often have the bay to yourselves overnight. The bay takes its name from the narrow sandy spit that forms it. From the beach, a bush track crosses to the other side of the island, where a rugged rocky coastline contrasts with the calm sand of Neck Bay. On a self-skippered charter, it’s the perfect place to find real peace and quiet.

Things to do at Neck Bay

Relax on the beach

Neck Bay has a long, quiet beach that’s accessible from mid tide. Take the dinghy in and enjoy the sand and shallows.

Walk across the island

A bush track leads from Neck Bay to the far side of Shaw Island. The track is unmarked and needs a moderate level of fitness, so wear sturdy shoes, take water and allow plenty of time before the tide drops.

Go birdwatching

Shaw Island is excellent for birdwatching. Look for sea eagles over the water and shorebirds along the beach and spit.

Try your luck fishing

Neck Bay offers good fishing. Check the zoning map on Eye on the Reef app before you put a line in

Fishing in the Whitsundays

Paddle the shallows

On calm days, explore the shoreline by stand up paddle board

Rental Equipment

Best time to visit Neck Bay

Neck Bay is protected from the south-east trade winds, which blow for most of the year, so it’s a reliable overnight stop in the usual conditions. Because of the strong tidal stream in the area, talk with your briefer before you plan a night here, and check in during your daily radio call. Our team is on the radio if conditions change.

Stinger season runs from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit when you swim.

Where to anchor at Neck Bay

Neck Bay. Protected from north-east, east, south-east and south winds. Anchor in sand, close in to the bay, to stay out of the strong tidal stream.

In a northerly. Head for Plantation Bay on Lindeman Island instead.

Tide tip: the beach is accessible from mid tide. Plan dinghy trips ashore around the tide, and pull the dinghy well up the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Neck Bay? On the north-west side of Shaw Island, in the southern Whitsundays. It’s one of the most southerly anchorages in the Whitsunday Escape cruising area.

Is Neck Bay a good overnight anchorage? Yes, in north-east to south winds. Anchor close in to the bay to avoid the strong tidal stream.

Are there moorings at Neck Bay? No. Anchor in sand, close in to the bay.

Can I walk across Shaw Island? Yes. An unmarked bush track leads from Neck Bay to the other side of the island. It suits walkers with a moderate level of fitness.

When can I get to the beach? The beach is accessible from mid tide.