Anyone here have much experience around Lady Musgrave Island?
Can anyone tell me approximately how much depth there is over the reef at mid to high tide (obviously depends on tide heights) but a basic idea would be good.
Would it be possible to land/launch a small beach craft (kayak/small multihull sailboat) over the reef at mid tide or higher? Depending on sea/weather conditions.
Thanks for any help
Yep and don't.
Really overrated, plenty deep enough but unless a north westerly you will quickly get sick of the swell coming over the reef at high tide.
No problem launching a smallboat but like a lot of reef spots the reality does not meet the picture.
Fitzroy Reef would be my preference.
Just to clarify, a few of us are planning on camping on the island and we are wondering how much water there is over the reef at mid to high tide for launching and landing our small beach catamarans (which are pulled up on the beach at night, not anchored in the lagoon)
Also, is the beach sandy like the Keppels or crushed coral similar to the Whitsundays?
Been there quite a few times. The wildlife is fantastic. Beach is all broken coral but you shouldn't have any trouble pulling boats ashore. The Lady Musgrave ferry service from 1770 takes tourists ashore for island walks. We anchored in the lagoon on a number of occasions without any discomfort.
You are aware I take it that the camp site is regulated? I'm not sure how it works but it would probably be wise to check to see if you need to book if you haven't already.
Select to expand quotejapie said..
The Lady Musgrave ferry service from 1770 takes tourists ashore for island walks.
There has never been a regular LMI "ferry service". There has been a Lady Musgrave Island "day tour" operation running out of 1770 for some years but the operator is a "cowboy" in my opinion which is exampled by the burning and sinking of his vessel "The Spirit of 1770" recently. The circumstances are highly suspicious.
The Island and lagoon are National Park and require booking and fees to be paid for camping on the island.
The island itself is a low coral cay with fairly low trees and vegetation, stinks of bird dung and in my opinion is not a very interesting place. The tour operator out of 1770 has a history of stranding people on the island.
Anchoring in the lagoon can be quite uncomfortable verging on unsafe with high winds and high tides.
Pancake Creek is a much better place for cruising yachts to go to in passage north or south.
Yes you are right regarding the tour operator. One of my lady friends was employed on it when it went down. She since scored a top job on an upmarket private boat and headed out to Vanuatu on her first trip two days ago. French chef on board and classy passengers.
It will make a change from cleaning up Chinese spew as she described her principle work function.
The island has a really interesting and unique ecology which relies quite heavily on guano to operate! Last summer the Pisonia trees were completely denuded by the caterpillars which thrive on them. This happens quite frequently. I know this because Diane used to lead the tours on the island after she had cleaned up the outward bound spew.
But you're right with that regard as well. There is a lot of bird ****!
There are sand beaches on the West and North west side and you could easily sail a beach cat over the reef in this area at mid to high tide. Not sure how you would get a beach cat our there unless your as silly as I am and sail it out.
Enjoy your stay if you get there. Like most places, it what you make of it yourself. 
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the beach and reef info Crusoe, that's just what I was looking for. I am indeed as silly as you are as the plan is to sail out. Weather forecast depending of course. I've already done the Keppels and the Whitsundays on the beach cat so looking for the next big adventure.
Dave, you wont be the first to do this. I know of 2 groups of small cats that have done it. Launched at Round Hill creek and sailed over. Both lots had a speedboat/mothership with them. Bear in mind you will have to carry all the safety gear with you (fun police cant tell the difference between you and a 40' yacht) and have the neccessary permits to land.
Peter
