Palm Bay

Palm Bay is a small, palm-fringed cove on Long Island, just a short run from Airlie Beach. It is home to Palm Bay Resort, the only resort on Long Island that welcomes visiting boats. Pick up one of the two resort moorings, then head ashore for dinner, a drink at sunset and a swim in the pool. Behind the resort, national park tracks lead through rainforest to lookouts and quiet beaches. It is an easy, rewarding first or last night on your charter.

Palm Bay Resort

Palm Bay Resort is a relaxed boutique resort set right on the beach. Charter guests who book a mooring can enjoy the restaurant, bar and pool. It is a 16+ resort, so children under 16 are not allowed ashore. If you are sailing with children, anchor around the corner at Happy Bay instead.

Palm Bay has resort moorings only, so anchoring is not an option here. Book before you arrive.

• Moorings: use one of the two outer moorings only. The inner moorings are not available to charter boats.
• Fees: about $100 a night for 2 people, plus $15 per extra person.
• How to book: phone Palm Bay Resort on 1300 655 126.

Fees are an indication only and can change. Confirm with the resort when you book.

Long Island Resorts

Walks from Palm Bay

Long Island is part of the Molle Islands National Park, and tracks start right behind the resort. All tracks are rough and sometimes steep. Wear sturdy shoes and take water, a hat and sunscreen.

• Sandy Bay: head south through rainforest to a quiet beach on the island’s south coast.
• Long Island circuit: head north towards Happy Bay for views across to the other islands.

Bushwalking in the Whitsundays

Wildlife

Look for sulphur-crested cockatoos, wallabies and curlews around the resort grounds, especially in the late afternoon.

Going ashore

Take the dinghy to the resort beach. Approach slowly, then stop the outboard, raise it and paddle the last part. Check the tide before you leave the boat, so you are not left with a long drag across the sand on your return.

Nearby

• • Happy Bay, Long Island: just around the corner, a sheltered overnight anchorage with no resort age limit.
  • Bauer Bay, South Molle Island: bushwalks to Spion Kop and Mount Jeffreys.
  • Airlie Beach: a short run back to Coral Sea Marina on the last day.

Best time to visit Palm Bay

Palm Bay is a good stop all year. It is approved in south and south-east winds, and is also suitable in north and north-east winds up to 20 knots, which makes it a useful option when the north-easterly is too strong for Happy Bay. Its position close to the mainland makes it a natural last night before returning to Coral Sea Marina. Stinger season runs from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit in the water. Arrive around midday, and be on your mooring by 4pm.

How to get to Palm 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: about 1.5 hours by power boat, or 2 hours by sailing catamaran under motor.
• Route: Beware of navigating Pioneer Rocks, before veering south, past Daydream Island to the east and Shute Habour to the west, onto Long Island.

Where to moor at Palm Bay

Resort moorings only. Use one of the two outer moorings, booked with Palm Bay Resort. The inner moorings cannot be used, and there is no approved anchorage in the bay.

Private moorings. Never pick up unapproved private moorings, as they are not maintained and can break free.

Overnight. Approved in south and south-east winds, and suitable in north and north-east winds up to 20 knots. Confirm your plans at the morning radio schedule and be on your mooring by 4pm.

No mooring available? Anchor overnight in Happy Bay, just around the corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Palm Bay Resort on my charter boat? Yes. Book one of the two outer moorings directly with the resort, and you can use the restaurant, bar and pool. All guests must be 16 or over.

Can I anchor at Palm Bay? No. Palm Bay has resort moorings only. If no mooring is available, anchor in Happy Bay just around the corner.

How much is a mooring at Palm Bay? About $100 a night for 2 people, plus $15 per extra person. Fees can change, so confirm with the resort when you book.

Can I bring children to Palm Bay? No. Palm Bay Resort is 16+ only. Families can anchor at Happy Bay instead and still enjoy Long Island’s walks.

What winds suit Palm Bay? Palm Bay is approved in south and south-east winds, and is suitable in north and north-east winds up to 20 knots.

Is Palm Bay a good last-night stop? Yes. It is close to Airlie Beach, so it is an easy run back to Coral Sea Marina on your final morning.