Planning your cruise to the Kimberley in 2024?
Post a brief outline of your sailing plans on the KCCYC forum to meet up with other vessels, ask questions, get info etc. https://kccyc.org.au/topic/boats-sailing-to-the-kimberley-in-2024/
Also get onto our forum pages if you have any questions, or search the existing forum posts, as your question may already be answered
KCCYC 2024 Annual Beach Party.
If you are lucky enough to be around the Swift Bay Palm Island area around 4th July 2024, make sure you get to the KCCYC Annual Beach Party at Caves Beach.
All the details are at https://kccyc.org.au/beach-party-2024/
Sail the Kimberley Rally 2024.
Latest Edition of the West Australian Cruising Guide now in a Free Download Version.
Western Australian Cruising Guide, published by The Fremantle Sailing Club. This is regarded as the coastal cruising bible for WA. It includes many anchorages, routes, both in charted and uncharted waters, plus a brief history of many of the places you are likely to visit. It covers the whole of the WA coast, but is particularly relevant for the Kimberley coast.
Now in it’s fifth edition, I recommend using only the latest edition, as the editors have updated information obtained from recent trips to the Kimberley and other areas. This is a definite “Must Have” in the Kimberley. Previous editions were in a book form, but the latest edition is downloadable in two electronic formats, without charge:
- A pdf file, for reading on any computer, tablet or smartphone with Acrobat Reader installed.
- An ePub file, for use with e-readers such as Kobo, and any platform with software such as Adobe Digital Editions, or iBooks (Apple devices only).
This will enable the guide to be read on almost any platform, including desktops (PC and Mac), laptops, tablets (ipad etc.), android phones and iphones.
Available as a free download form http://wacg.medimorphosis.com.au
Fuel at Paspaley Pearls, Kuri Bay Not Available.
Note!! (Updated 4/12/21). Due to Covid travel restrictions into Western Australia, Paspaley Pearls Kuri Bay operation can have no direct interaction between their staff, and crew/passengers on board vessels sailing through the area. This means that fuel is not available, and going ashore at Kuri Bay is prohibited, except in an emergency.
They are also basing a smaller mother ship at their Vansittart Bay and Osborne Islands pearl farms, which means that their capacity to supply fuel from the mother ship will be reduced. If you are planning on getting fuel from their Vansittart/Osborne Islands pearl farms for the remainder of 2021 and into 2022, you should contact their Darwin Office well in advance to ensure they are able to supply your needs.
The situation may change if the WA Government relaxes Covid restrictions in 2022. KCCYC will post an update here if things change.
Gremlin Box Stolen From King George River?
A KCCYC Member told me recently that the famous King George River Gremlin Box wasn’t in its little cave when he climbed to the top of twin falls this year (2019). Can anyone else confirm this?? If you’ve climbed up the rock track to the top of twin falls late in the 2019 dry season and couldn’t find the Gremlin Box about two thirds of the way up in a shallow rock overhang, please let me know via the contact page. The original Gremlin Box. If it has been stolen, we should all feel sorry for the poor bugger who took it, because he or she now owns the Gremlin, along with all the bad luck and hard times this nasty little Gremlin can inflict. He is particularly bad news if he gets on board a vessel at sea. The latest steel Gremlin box with the remains of the old burnt box inside. If it has been stolen, and you are the culprit, or you know who the culprit is, they need to know that the only way they can save them self from the Gremlin, is to replace the Gremlin Box as quickly as possible. Alternatively, give it to me, and I’ll put it back next year. I’m the only friend the Gremlin has, and with any luck he will leave me alone if I can get him back to his cave. If you have the box, send it to me, and save yourself a life of misery. No questions asked. Looking up the rocky “track” to the top of Twin Falls, King George River. For people who aren’t familiar with the story of the King George River Gremlin box, the history, is that it was left there several years ago by a yachtie with a sense of humour and a quick wit. It contained a note pad with a story about how he suffered serious boat problems in the King George River. He realised there was a Gremlin on board, so he went to great trouble to catch the Gremlin and locked him in a small box he found on board. He left the box in the cave (better described as a rock overhang) near the steep track to the top of Twin Falls. Other travellers have since left small gifts to keep the gremlin in the box. It’s a fact that anyone who removes or damages the box will inherit the gremlin, along with its troubles and bad luck. Unfortunately, in 2013, Ros and I noticed the box had gone, but with a close search we found few remaining scraps of the original box. It appeared to have been burnt in a bush fire. I replaced the box in 2014 with an upgraded, “fire rated” steel version. The Gremlin was happy to get a new home. That’s why I’m his mate. Looking down the “track” Its not well known to most travellers who walk past the box, but if someone opens the box, they will immediately inherit the Gremlin, along with all its problems. I wrote a short story (some have kindly called it poetry) about the Gremlin and left a copy in the box to warn walkers about the Gremlin. Since then, the box has overflowed with small, mostly worthless gifts left by travellers who opened the box. This is the story I left in the box. There was once a troubled yacht. Two hours of stripping the toilet down. Dripping with sweat, seething with anger. By now the panic was starting to appear. Dark was coming. Eave was close. With Iridium next morn, they phoned a friend. Where in the George could they leave the chest? It’s a well-known fact, that by leaving a nic nak, button, coin or thread in this chest, it will entice the Gremlin back into the box, where he will be happy to stay until the next walker comes along. It’s also a well-known fact among regular Kimberley Coast Cruising folk, that anyone stealing from, damaging or moving this box will inherit the Gremlin forever.Read more ....Read less....
It made its way into Kalooma Bay.
The intention was to sail the King George,
for at least a week long stay.
Their misfortune started inside the river,
when the heads did start to quiver.
The skipper went below to take a dump.
But found a gremlin in the dunny pump.
Then putting it back together.
Still the gremlin could not be found.
The skipper reached the end of his tether.
“Pull up the pick,” he yelled at his wife.
That was the start of the rest of his strife.
She pushed the button on the anchor winch.
The gremlin had moved. It wouldn’t budge an inch.
The skipper went forward to pull the anchor.
Bare hands to the chain, his back in pain.
The pick came aboard. He showed the strain.
By now the air was flush with tension.
Aft he rushed to start the engine.
He turned the key, but to no avail.
The gremlin had moved. They’d have to sail.
His wife was scared. Showing signs of a tear.
Pulling hard on the halliard to lift the main.
She used the winch to take the strain.
“It’s up she yelled. Sail to the middle where the water’s deep!”
She tied off the halliard to the mast foot cleat.
He lurched at the tiller to bring her round.
The gremlin had moved. Crunch went the keels, as they ran aground.
Fun had vanished. The feeling morose.
Bilge keels stuck fast, as tide did ebb.
The skipper and his wife took stock. “Let’s think ahead.”
They planned to hunt the gremlin down.
They would need a plot to catch this clown.
He went below. Nature called about an earlier job.
The gremlin had moved. He was back in the bog.
Dr Google was consulted. “Gremlin on board – how to apprehend?”
There was only one solution. Build a gremlin nest.
From under a bunk, they found an old chest.
Nic naks and buttons, coins and thread.
Carefully placed to form a bed.
Lid held open with a scrap of foam.
The Gremlin moved in. He found a new home.
To stay in his crib, things must be added to his nest.
They placed the box, here in this grotto.
Walkers passing by, will think they’ve won lotto.
Open the chest to see what it hides.
Read this yarn, which they’ll find inside.
So if you’ve walked this far, and spoken this ditty.
The gremlin has moved. You own him. What a pity.
2019 Was the Driest Dry Season We Have Seen.
Freshwater Bay creek had stopped running in August. Very unusual. We have never seen the Kimberley coast this dry before. Even early in the season, boats were reporting that normally reliable fresh water creeks and springs had dried up, making life difficult for those on cruising boats without a water maker. This unusually dry season, combined with a similar season last year, is having a very visual effect on the coast’s flora, with large areas of dry undergrowth and many trees that appear to be dead and dry. A wet cyclone season may revive the green landscape for next year, but reports from vessels still out there now (Dec 2019), are that rain is yet to be seen. BOM is forecasting a late start to the wet season and a 61% chance of fewer cyclones than average in the Kimberley coast region. They also predict a higher than average rainfall from January to March along the Kimberley cruising grounds. Good news for those of us who visit the Kimberley early in the season to see the rivers in flood. Many of you will have visited Freshwater Bay in the east Kimberley and experienced a relaxing dip in the creek’s waterfalls and rock pools. The photo above, taken early August, of the rock bar where the fresh meets salt, shows there’s not a drop of fresh water running in the creek.Read more ....Read less....
2019 Annual Beach Party a Great Success.
Like herding cats, we managed to get 21 of the 25 party goers in one place for a group selfie. The 4th of July KCCYC Annual Beach Party has a reputation as being one of the most difficult parties to get into anywhere in the world. Not because of it’s elite status, but because it is held at one of the most remote parts of the vast Kimberley coast, only accessible by boat, helicopter or sea plane. From the 15 vessels that RSVP’d and planned to arrive at the Beach Party, 6 of them made it. Another 5 boats who had heard about the party through Kimberley coast scuttlebutt were also welcomed to join in the fun. The final number was 25 crew off 11 boats. We have since learned that 2 boats heading over from Airlie Beach had mechanical issues, at least 3 vessels coming up from Perth were delayed by bad weather, another had rudder problems, 2 other boats we later met on the water just couldn’t make it on time, and we never learned why the other boat didn’t make it. Cave Beach – Another Idyllic Kimberley Anchorage. We unwittingly picked the day with the biggest spring tide in 2019, which would have left the dinghies high and dry on the beach at low water late in the afternoon. So a dinghy run around the bay to all the boats changed the start time to 11 AM. New friends were made and old friendships refreshed. Most crews stayed in the Cave Beach/Palm Island area for a few days longer and explored the local attractions before we all headed off in various directions, some sailing in company with other crews they met at the party.Read more ....Read less....
Talk Fest Prompts New Private Forum for KCCYC Members Sailing in 2019.
A common factor was that most were first time Kimberley sailors and were eager to share information and talk about their pending adventure. Many wanted the contact details of the others to keep in touch and to share information and experiences on their trip. Unfortunately, privacy concerns prevent the KCCYC sharing Members email addresses. Hence the reason for starting a private Google Group called 2019 Kimberley Sailors. For more information and become part of the 2019 Kimberley Sailors Google Group, go to https://kccyc.org.au/google-groups/ Read more ....Read less....
The 2019 KCCYC Perth Talk Fest was a great success, with over 40 Members and friends from about 20 vessels planning to leave Perth or nearby ports for the Kimberley Coast in the next few months.
It’s been a Very Dry Wet Season.
Rivers flowing like this old pic of Twin Falls in the King George River are unfortunately something you wont see in the 2019 cruising season unless there is some significant rain in the last few weeks of the wet. But weather forecasts for the remainder of April show low winds and blue skies. Fantastic power boat weather. I’ve had 4 recent reports from KCCYC Members who are currently in the Kimberley on their boats. All say that the rivers and creeks are only just flowing. It’s likely that many normally reliable fresh water sources will be dry by mid dry season or earlier. Perhaps a water maker would be a good investment if you don’t already have one on board.Read more ....Read less....
If you’re relying on collecting water from flowing springs, rivers and creeks for your only fresh water source this year, be prepared to find it hard work.
The KCCYC Has Over 500 Members.
During 2019, we cracked the 500 members milestone. The current total is 540, with 194 Kimberley Members, who have actually sailed to the Kimberley and 346 Members, who are still planning to sail there. You might be eligible to take advantage of the free The upgrade includes a new polo shirt with our exclusive “Kimberley Member” logo and a KCCYC Burgee to fly on your vessel. To upgrade, email me a few photos of you and your boat in an iconic Kimberley location as proof you have sailed to the Kimberley coast. Contact me here.Read more ....Read less....
upgrade from an ordinary Member to a Kimberley Member after sailing to the Kimberley.
Lalang-garram Marine Parks
Frequently Asked Questions
The Lalang-garram parks include many popular places visited by cruising yachts, such as Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls, Deception Bay, Prince Regent River, Raft Point, Sampson Inlet, Kuri Bay, plus many more. This area also has the best whale watching area in the Kimberley – Camden Sound. Similar to Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks, the new Kimberley coast parks will include special zones where restrictions apply,, including no fishing zones. The West Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife have produced a FAQ brochure, including a zoning map for the Lalang-garram parks. A pdf version of the brochure is available here. The Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park zones have been gazetted and the fishing prohibitions that resulted from this zoning are currently in a transition period. The fishing prohibitions (exclusion areas) will take full effect from 6th October 2018. For more information on how these changes may affect your next visit to Eighty Mile Beach, please refer to this article.Read more ....Read less....Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park.
Many KCCYC members sail past Eighty Mile Beach en route between Perth and the Kimberley coast. Some may anchor off the beach, which, at 220 kilometers, is the longest uninterrupted beach in WA.
Rivers are Running, But More Rain Needed.
The Amphitheatre, Berkeley River. Twin Falls, King George River. Thanks to Steve, one of our Kimberley Members, for the pictures in his forum update of the Berkeley and King George Rivers at the end of January 2020. Both rivers are running well, but not yet near their raging and thunderous best. Hopefully we’ll get more rain to finish off what has been a promising wet season to date. Vessels heading there early in the dry season should be in for a treat.Read more ....Read less....
Kimberley Tag-along Cruise in Company in 2020.
A KCCYC Kimberley Member and professional skipper who has done this trip before, is organising a tag-along, cruise in company trip to the Kimberley coast in 2020. The Kimberley coast part of the cruise will involve hiring an experienced guide, (or guides, depending on the number of boats involved), who will travel with the group of boats. First time Kimberley explorers can get the best out of their trip by visiting places with the help of an experienced skipper and guide who knows the area, weather conditions, best anchorages, entry into uncharted waters, where to fish, permit requirements etc. This sort of local knowledge in the Kimberley is invaluable and will allow you to visit remote and spectacular places in your boat, that you would otherwise be unlikely to get to. There are limited opportunities for owners and crew of suitable cruising power boats to join the group at any point from Melbourne, up the east coast or, across to top to Darwin. You will have the peace of mind and security of tagging along with other long range vessels, plus the friendly and social aspect of travelling with like-minded people. You will be responsible for all your own costs for the trip, plus a contribution towards the Kimberley guide/s. Your vessel will need to be capable of cruising at 10 knots to keep up with the other vessels, with a minimum fuel range of around 1000 nautical miles. The longest leg between fuel stops is about 600 NM, which is in the Kimberley, but fuel availability is not always reliable, so a safety factor needs to be allowed for. You will need a suitable tender on board, or towed. Small RIBs are not recommended as tenders in crocodile country. Obviously, for a trip of this scale, your vessel will need to be very well maintained, carry enough spares and tools to make minor repairs and be crewed by competent people with extended cruising experience. If you are interested in joining the group and want more information, please email us via the KCCYC contact page, and we will forward your details to the group coordinator. The KCCYC is not involved in organising the trip, other than to pass on the above information to interested sailors. It is your responsibility to make all the arrangements directly with the trip organisers.Read more ....Read less....
They plan to leave Melbourne in April, cruise up the east coast, across the top to Darwin, then into the Kimberley for about a month, before returning east via Darwin to arrive back in Melbourne around late October. Total time commitment is about 7 months for the full Melbourne – Kimberley – Melbourne cruise.
2020 Beach Party Place, Time and Date Announced
Read more ....Read less.... For all the incredible details on this magnificent extravaganza, click here.
Sailing the Kimberley Coast Talk Fest 2020
Sailing to the Kimberley? Want to meet other skippers and crewsRead more ....Read less....
Whether you’re planning your first trip, or an experienced Kimberley cruiser, come along and share your plans, pick up ideas & advice and meet like minded people. Contact Ross for Details.
Kimberley Coast Opens to WA Based Vessels. Corona Virus Update.
From today, 5 June 2020, Kimberley coastal waters are accessible by private vesselsRead more ....Read less.... Unfortunately, private vessels sailing from outside West Australian waters still cannot sail across the WA border into WA waters until the relevant State Governments open the state borders to non-essential travel. There is no official word on when the state borders will open, but it’s rumoured to be mid-July. The writer is the owner of one of several KCCYC member’s boats waiting in Darwin or exploring NT waters in anticipation of the WA border opening and we can all get to the Kimberley for the remainder of the dry season. Even though the Kimberley coast waters are open to WA vessels, going ashore around the Kimberley coast cruising grounds will have limitations. Permits to go ashore throughout most of the Kimberley cruising area are required and the locations where visitors can venture ashore are restricted under the permit systems. Some of the permits are still under Corona Virus suspension, as explained below. Permits are only required for going ashore and are not required if you don’t intend going ashore. The Dambimangari paid permit system, which includes the Kimberley coast mainland and islands from the east coast of King Sound to the Prince Regent River, are now available. The Dambimangari website will have an online portal to purchase the permits up and running shortly. Until then, you can purchase the permits by contacting them (08) 9191 2383 visitorspass@dambi.org.au The Uunguu paid permit system, which includes the Kimberley coast mainland and islands from the Prince Regent River to Vansittart Bay, was suspended due to Corona Virus and not yet open to visitors. However, the community managers are scheduled to meet in the second week of June and make the decision whether to open the coastal mainland and islands to visitors. The KCCYC will post a news item here when the community has notified us of their decision. When the permit system returns, the permits can be purchased on line at https://www.wunambalgaambera.org.au/uvp-landing-page In addition to the above 2 permits, you also require permits to go ashore in Aboriginal Lands Trust reserves, which is essentially most of the land bordering the Kimberley coast cruising waters between King Sound and Wyndham. These permits are still under suspension due to Corona Virus, but the ALT management are meeting next week to review the suspension. It is expected they will reinstate the permit system shortly. Please contact them at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/entrypermits The ALT permits are free, but they will not normally issue permits until you have purchased the above Dambimangari and Uungu paid permits. Remote Kimberley communities will remain closed to non-essential travellers under the bio-security rules. We can’t find any definite rules as to what this means in relation to travel by vessel at sea. But its likely that entry to remote towns such as Kalumburu will remain banned to non-essential travellers due to Corona Virus concerns. If you are planning to fly supplies or crew/guests in or out of Kalumburu air strip, you should check with the Kalumburu Police to confirm this will be allowed. The charter aircraft operators are also likely to know what restrictions apply. Shopping for supplies or fuel at the Kalumburu Mission store or supermarket may not be available. Marine fuel is also likely to be in short supply for the remainder of the 2020 dry season along the Kimberley coast. Don’t assume you will get fuel out there – double check your fuel range and confirm with your intended fuel suppliers that they will have fuel available for you on the date you are expecting to arrive. The Dog Leg Creek fuel barge has been closed, but fuel can still be obtained from the Cockatoo Island Resort wharf, which is accessible near high tide only. Fuel will also be available in Yampi Sound off the 2 barges that regularly run between Derby and Koolan Island. For contact details, see https://kccyc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Fuel-in-the-Kimberley-Coast.pdf
Kimberley Coast Permits to go Ashore Now Available. Corona Virus Update
15 June 2020. Further to the news item below dated 5 June 2020,
Read more ....Read less.... we’ve had notification from all 3 permit issuers that permits are now available to travellers on vessels wishing to go ashore along the Kimberley Coast Cruising area. However, due to ongoing Corona Virus concerns, there are restrictions and no go areas applicable to the land permits. Information and the three different permits can be obtained from these web sites. Please note that depending on where you intend going ashore, you need to obtain permits from each of these organisations. Uunguu Visitor Pass https://www.wunambalgaambera.org.au/uvp-landing-page Welcome to Dambimangari Country https://www.dambimangari.com.au/welcome/# Entry permits for access to Aboriginal Lands https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/entrypermits
2021 Beach Party Place, Time and Date Announced
Read more ....Read less.... The fabulous and world famous Kimberley Coast Cruising Yacht Club Beach Party is on again in the 2021 cruising season. For all the incredible details on this magnificent extravaganza, click here. 
Wunambal Gaambera Country Newsletter.
Read more ....Read less.... Uunguu Rangers, Jeremy Kowan, Tabitha Evans and Ildephonse Cheinmora, at Aunauyu (Surveyor’s Pool), Ngauwudu. Our Rangers carried our Right Way Fire work in early 2020 to protect UVP Visitor Locations. The Wunambal Gaambera Community hold native title over a large part of the Kimberley coast and islands from Vansittart Bay to the Prince Regent River. The KCCYC has regular contact with the Community, allowing us to update our members on matters effecting private vessels cruising Kimberley waters. See their latest newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/d3e380bf1588/uunguu-tour-operator-newsletter-dec-4506106?e=73a09c176a
Visitor Permit System will now be Enforced.
I reported earlier this year in an article on this page headedRead more ....Read less.... Details of of the DAC Visitor Permit System are available from the DAC website http://www.dambimangari.com.au/ They include a map, a schedule of permitted landing places with Lat/Long coordinates, a Code of Conduct and details about the Act covering the permit system including possible penalties for breaching the Act. Please be aware that DAC people are employed as rangers by WA Department of Parks and Wildlife, and will be aboard the DPaW vessels that regularly visit the Lalanggarram / Camden Sound Marine Park, which borders the coastline around much of DAC country. Another important fact is that the visitors permit does not give you the right to visit anywhere you like in DAC country. The schedule of permitted landing places published in the DAC web site details the locations the permit covers. All other places, which is the vast majority of DAC country, are no go ashore areas. Its unclear if the inter-tidal zone is covered by the permits, but my understanding is that tidal creeks and beaches up to the high water mark are currently OK to visit, but not above high water mark. There are many other areas of the Kimberley coastline that require a visitors permit to go ashore, but at this time DAC country is the only part of the coastline where visiting ashore is restricted to certain locations. This is likely to change over coming years. I urge visitors to be respectful of the rights of Native Title ownership over the land. Failure to obtain a visitors permit can be likened to stopping your car on a country road, jumping a farmers fence and going for a walk to explore his farm without the farmers knowledge or permission. How to get a permit. Permits are obtained free over the internet from the Aboriginal Land Trust website. Download the General Information leaflet in our Anchorages page for links to detailed information, maps and the application form. You only need a permit for your boat, but you must list the names of the people travelling on the boat in the application form. There are 14 different reserves that require permits bordering the Kimberley coast between the Northern Territory border and Broome. An example of what to include in a permit application is detailed in our General Information leaflet under Anchorages. The General Information leaflet will be updated if we become aware of changes to the permit system. Published November 2016.
Misinformation being spread about Fuel at Dog Leg Creek.
Loading Fuel from the dumb barge at Dog Leg Creek.
We’ve heard that someone has been spreading misinformation about the fuel barge at Dog Leg Creek not opening this dry season. We can definitely confirm the rumour is false, and that Dean Kemp and his team will certainly be open for business as usual throughout the 2018 dry season, and for many more dry seasons to come.
Change to the East Kimberley Paid Permit System.
We reported earlier in 2017 about the introduction of a permit system for crew on private vessels who wish to go ashore on the Kimberley coast between Truscott Air BaseRead more ....Read less....
Image from the TV series “Coast Australia” taken in Wunambal Gaambera Country.
After introduction of the system, the KCCYC raised the issue of the 10 day limit of the permits, being almost impossible for cruising boaties to comply with. Given the changeability of weather, breakdown, plans changing etc, it is very difficult for vessels without satellite internet (most of us) to plan weeks ahead to arrive in the permit area at the date we set as the start date of our crew’s permits. Vessels without satellite internet will have to purchase their permits in Darwin before heading west into the Kimberley, or in Broome before heading east into the Kimberley. There is no mobile phone service for internet in the Kimberley, therefore, unless you have satellite internet access on your boat, you will not be able to buy a permit online while you are in the Kimberley. Permits can only be bought online. If you buy a permit well in advance, and don’t make the dates you specify on your application, your permit is worthless.
We argued for the permits to be for 3 months, which gives boaties flexible sailing plans, allowing for the unforeseeable weather and boat gremlins that seem to find us boaties. We pointed out that short, set date permits are likely to lead to noncompliance, with the inevitable result of confrontation between rangers, and boaties who are simply unable to comply with the unreasonable time limits.
We also argued that short, set date permits are likely to create a culture of non-compliance. If boaties believe they cannot comply with the dates, they simply won’t bother to buy a permit. Word of mouth will then spread through the yachtie forums and yacht club scuttlebutt, to the point where many vessels will choose to ignore the permits.
The Wunambal Gaambera Community Management have since decided to extend the permits from 10 to 30 days. Although this is a positive move, we believe 30 days is still too difficult to comply with, given the many unforeseeable quirks involved in long range cruising plans and schedules. The KCCYC will continue to lobby for a longer permit time.
The KCCYC attitude regarding paid permits for going ashore along the Kimberley coast, is that a reasonable fee to visit and see such magnificent places, is no different to paying a reasonable fee to visit and see national parks, or other natural attractions around the world. The Wunambal Gaambera people own this land, and if you disrespectfully ignore their permit system, it can be likened to entering a farm without the farmers knowledge or permission – something that most of us would never consider doing.
We also consider that there should be 1 permit system covering the whole Kimberley coast, as opposed to multiple permits for various areas along the coast. There are currently 3 separate permits required to go ashore along most of the Kimberley coast cruising grounds. Two are free, and the above permit has a cost. A single permit system is only likely to result from state government intervention, so we aren’t holding our breath. Information on the 3 permit systems is available in the General Information leaflet in the Anchorages Page.
We encourage you to comply with all 3 permit systems. They are easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive for the privilege of accessing such a beautiful place.
Hugh 2017 Kimberley Wet Season means Spectacular Early Dry Season Cruising.
This photo in a February 2017 edition of the Weekend Australian, data from the BOM and first hand reports from Kimberley locals confirm that the Kimberley is having a very wet, wet season, with near record rainfall.
This means that the rivers, creeks and waterfalls will be in full flow, probably for the first few months of the dry season, and not likely to start substantially slowing until late May, or even into June. For those of you sailing there early in the season, there will be some spectacular sights, particularly in places such as the King George and Berkeley Rivers.
Be aware that the full flowing rivers also bring some hazards for the unwary sailor.
Floating logs and trees. Huge amounts of debris will be washed down the
rivers into the ocean, including logs and whole trees. Trees with branches still attached are relatively easy to spot, as they generally have sea birds resting in the branches. But logs can be hard to spot, and hitting a log is not fun. If possible, avoid sailing at night near the coast, and always keep a lookout ahead for floating or partly submerged logs. The water will be muddy, making spotting a brown, partly submerged log hard to see.
River sand bars and channels will have been washed out and could have moved course. Expect the bar crossings and channels to be different from previous year’s routes. Do not rely on charts or cruising guides when entering large rivers with shallow bars. This also applies to the KCCYC Anchorage pages. Hopefully, early in the season, some of our members will feedback changes to routes and waypoints, allowing us to update the Anchorage pages. We will make special reference on any waypoints or route updates applicable to this year. So unless you see such references in an Anchorage, don’t expect the published waypoints or routes for the large rivers to be reliable. If you are unsure of a bar crossing, anchor off, and survey the crossing in a tender before committing your yacht. And always cross river bars on a rising tide.
Crocodiles will be hard to spot. Muddy water will make spotting crocs more difficult. Take particular care when getting in and out of tenders at shore and don’t stand in shallow dirty water near your tender. Dont even consider swimming in the salt water, and be very wary about swimming in fresh water holes, as the high river levels will mean that crocs will have travelled into fresh water creeks and holes that may normally be considered safe to swim.
EPIRB Signal Failed to Reach AMSA Search and Rescue.
The beautiful Abrolhos Islands in WA.
Earlier this year, one of our very experienced KCCYC Kimberley Members and 4 friends were swamped and capsized off the Abrolhos Islands while away from their mother vessel in a 7M tender. One of their group was badly injured and unconscious. They activated the vessels EPIRB, but later discovered that the EPIRB signal did not reach the Search and Rescue branch at AMSA. After several hours in the water, they were very lucky to be rescued by a local cray fisherman who happened to be passing the area.
A number of critical things happened during the incident. Some of which could have led to a very different and sad outcome.
- The guys were wearing wet suits that helped to keep them buoyant.
- They all managed to retrieve life jackets from the upturned vessel, but later commented that the cheap foam like jackets were very uncomfortable to wear.
- The tender’s EPIRB, which was purchased new 4 months earlier, was activated, but AMSA later officially confirmed that they did not receive a signal from the beacon.
- The EPIRB was later tested by the manufacturer. They found that technically the EPIRB met its expected transmission performance. However, when the EPIRB is activated to ‘on’, should it then be moved to ‘off/test’ then to ‘on’ again it appears to go back into a reoccurring GPS test mode where it’s not transmitting, despite being activated to the ‘on’ position.
- Clearly, in a stressful and life-threatening situation such as this, pushing the on and off buttons on an EPIRB, either unintentionally, or on purpose to be sure it is activated, should not be considered abnormal. AMSA have been notified of this “function” in this EPIRB. If there is an outcome from AMSA, I will endeavour to report it in a future newsletter.
- When they saw the cray boat passing by, they let off one of the smoke flares, but when it became obvious that the cray boat had not seen the flare, one of the guys climbed on top of the upturned vessel and frantically waved a dive fin and life jacket. They decided to let off the second smoke flare, but it failed to ignite. Luckily, one of the fishing boat’s crew saw the waving jacket.
- They were returned to the mother vessel and immediately motored to Rat Island for medical assistance for their seriously injured friend. The Silver Chain nurse based on Rat Island gave them medical advice by phone during the 12-mile passage. An aircraft on Rat Island was commandeered to fly the injured man to Geraldton. At the point of take-off, the nurse called for the pilot to abort the take-off to pick up a defibrillator, as the nurse believed he had gone into cardiac arrest. With the plane door quickly opened, the defibrillator was passed through and applied. The plane then transported him to Geraldton with the nurse providing ongoing medical assistance.
- The man’s injuries were too substantial to be dealt with at a regional hospital and he was ventilated and placed into an induced coma before being flown by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Royal Perth Hospital. Thankfully, he has fully recovered from his injuries.
The wreck of the 7M centre console tender washed ashore.
It was not our KCCYC member’s boat on which this incident happened, but his comments about the experience were:
- When operating in remote areas look at investing in some form of GPS tracker (ie Spot Track or the new Garmin, Inreach SE or Explorer).
- Carry a second EPIRB.
- The cheap, foam life jackets are incredibly uncomfortable and I would invest in proper pdf type 1 jackets if possible and only use inflatable ones in addition.
- Safety equipment needs to be stored in a location that is accessible in a capsizing incident.
- Carry additional flares other than the minimum.
My personal take from this report is firstly, that these guys are amazingly lucky to be alive. Secondly, is that I have the basic minimum safety equipment required by law on my tenders, which I will be reviewing. Thirdly, is that Ros and I are getting to the age where a defibrillator on board our mother vessel may be a wise investment – we may not use it, but there are plenty of people on the water older than us that may need it one day.
Something we have been doing for years when the 2 of us go ashore by tender in the Kimberley, is carry a satellite phone, a hand-held VHF radio and a personal EPIRB in addition to our tender’s own fitted EPIRB. If you think about the lack of water and food in these extremely remote and inhospitable locations if your tender becomes immobile, or you suffer serious injury and can’t move, these easy to carry items become very cheap insurance.
New Paid Permit Required to go Ashore in the East Kimberley.
Image from the TV series “Coast Australia” taken in Wunambal Gaambera Country.
The Wunambal Gaambera People hold native title over a large stretch of the Kimberley coast from Vansittart Bay in the east, to the Prince Regent River area in the west, including the coastal islands.
Effective from May 2017, they introduced a paid permit system for all visitors who enter their land or islands from boats, aircraft or 4WD. This includes owners/crew on board privately owned cruising vessels, as well as guests on commercial charter fishing and sightseeing vessels.
The permit also restricts the areas where visitors can go ashore to 50 locations along that stretch of coast and islands. This means that visitors cannot go ashore at any other locations in the permit area.
The permits can only be purchased online from the Wunambal Gaambera website. If you don’t have satellite internet facilities on board your boat, you need to purchase the permits before you enter the Kimberley coast. There are no mobile phone or internet facilities available in the area.
Some of the key features of the permits are:
- A permit is required for each person on board your boat.
- A permit is for up to 10 days (see note below) from the start date you specify when you buy the permit. You may need to buy a 20 day permit if you intend staying longer than 10 days in the area. This is likely to involve some forward planning to reach the area around the start date of the permit. (Good luck with that, given the vagaries of bad weather, breakdowns etc.) (Note. Permits for crew on private vessels has been changed from 10 to 30 days, effective Dec 2017)
- The permit only allows access to the 50 locations shown on the maps available on the Wunambal Gaambera website. Effectively there are only 36 locations that can be visited by boat, the remainder are by 4WD or aircraft access. A GPS lat/long for each location can be downloaded from the Wunambal Gaambera website.
- If you click on the icon for each location on the map in the Wunambal Gaambera website you will be linked to a short description of each location along with a google map showing the exact location. To help find the locations when you get there, you should print, or save these information pages as a .pdf while you have an internet connection.
- These paid permits are in addition to the free Aboriginal Land Trust (ALT) permits also required to go ashore in many parts of the Kimberley. KCCYC Members – download the General Information leaflet from the Anchorages page in this website for details about obtaining the ALT permits.
- If you do not intend going ashore, you are not required to buy a permit.
- Its unclear if the inter-tidal zone is covered by the permits, but my understanding is that tidal creeks and beaches up to the high water mark are currently OK to visit without a permit, but not above high water mark.
Also see the newsletter article below Visitor Permit System will now be Enforced.
Hugh 2017 Kimberley Wet Season means Spectacular Early Dry Season Cruising.
This photo in a February 2017 edition of the Weekend Australian, data from the BOM and first hand reports from Kimberley locals confirm that the Kimberley is having a very wet, wet season, with near record rainfall.
This means that the rivers, creeks and waterfalls will be in full flow, probably for the first few months of the dry season, and not likely to start substantially slowing until late May, or even into June. For those of you sailing there early in the season, there will be some spectacular sights, particularly in places such as the King George and Berkeley Rivers.
Be aware that the full flowing rivers also bring some hazards for the unwary sailor.
Floating logs and trees. Huge amounts of debris will be washed down the rivers into the ocean, including logs and whole trees. Trees with branches still attached are relatively easy to spot, as they generally have sea birds resting in the branches. But logs can be hard to spot, and hitting a log is not fun. If possible, avoid sailing at night near the coast, and always keep a lookout ahead for floating or partly submerged logs. The water will be muddy, making spotting a brown, partly submerged log hard to see.
River sand bars and channels will have been washed out and could have moved course. Expect the bar crossings and channels to be different from previous year’s routes. Do not rely on charts or cruising guides when entering large rivers with shallow bars. This also applies to the KCCYC Anchorage pages. Hopefully, early in the season, some of our members will feedback changes to routes and waypoints, allowing us to update the Anchorage pages. We will make special reference on any waypoints or route updates applicable to this year. So unless you see such references in an Anchorage, don’t expect the published waypoints or routes for the large rivers to be reliable. If you are unsure of a bar crossing, anchor off, and survey the crossing in a tender before committing your yacht. And always cross river bars on a rising tide.
Crocodiles will be hard to spot. Muddy water will make spotting crocs more difficult. Take particular care when getting in and out of tenders at shore and don’t stand in shallow dirty water near your tender. Dont even consider swimming in the salt water, and be very wary about swimming in fresh water holes, as the high river levels will mean that crocs will have travelled into fresh water creeks and holes that may normally be considered safe to swim.
Visitor Permit System will now be Enforced.
I reported earlier this year in an article on this page headed “Permits are Required to go Ashore in Kimberley Waters“. I have recently been notified by the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) that they are no longer planning to introduce a paid permitRead more ....Read less.... Details of of the DAC Visitor Permit System are available from the DAC website http://www.dambimangari.com.au/ They include a map, a schedule of permitted landing places with Lat/Long coordinates, a Code of Conduct and details about the Act covering the permit system including possible penalties for breaching the Act. Please be aware that DAC people are employed as rangers by WA Department of Parks and Wildlife, and will be aboard the DPaW vessels that regularly visit the Lalanggarram / Camden Sound Marine Park, which borders the coastline around much of DAC country. Another important fact is that the visitors permit does not give you the right to visit anywhere you like in DAC country. The schedule of permitted landing places published in the DAC web site details the locations the permit covers. All other places, which is the vast majority of DAC country, are no go ashore areas. Its unclear if the inter-tidal zone is covered by the permits, but my understanding is that tidal creeks and beaches up to the high water mark are currently OK to visit, but not above high water mark. There are many other areas of the Kimberley coastline that require a visitors permit to go ashore, but at this time DAC country is the only part of the coastline where visiting ashore is restricted to certain locations. This is likely to change over coming years. I urge visitors to be respectful of the rights of Native Title ownership over the land. Failure to obtain a visitors permit can be likened to stopping your car on a country road, jumping a farmers fence and going for a walk to explore his farm without the farmers knowledge or permission. How to get a permit. Permits are obtained free over the internet from the Aboriginal Land Trust website. Download the General Information leaflet in our Anchorages page for links to detailed information, maps and the application form. You only need a permit for your boat, but you must list the names of the people travelling on the boat in the application form. There are 14 different reserves that require permits bordering the Kimberley coast between the Northern Territory border and Broome. An example of what to include in a permit application is detailed in our General Information leaflet under Anchorages. The General Information leaflet will be updated if we become aware of changes to the permit system. Published November 2016.
Permits are Required to go Ashore in Kimberley Waters.
Permits from the Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) for yacht crews to go ashore in several places along the Kimberley coast have been a requirement under WA law for several years. But in the past, most crews have been unaware of the permit system.Read more ....Read less....
I am not aware of anyone on a yacht who has been asked to present a permit for going ashore on the Kimberley coast. But permits for land travellers in 4WD’s entering ALT controlled land are commonly inspected, and it’s become standard practice for 4WD‘ers to obtain permits and carry them when visiting ALT controlled land. The Northern Territory also has a permit system for yacht crews who wish to venture ashore along the Arnhem Land and Tiwi Island coasts, which is enforced.
Things are changing in the Kimberley coast. The WA Department of Parks and Wildlife have established the Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park, and the Horizontal Falls Marine Park is not far from being set in law. Also, much of Kimberley coastal land and islands are now under Native Title ownership, and the indigenous communities are in the process of introducing permit systems for boat crews who wish to go ashore on community owned land, which is most of the coast and islands commonly visited by cruising yachts. These local community permits are unlikely to be introduced in 2016, and when they are introduced, we will inform our members.
I believe there will be a change of attitude towards boat crews who decide to disrespect the Indigenous land owners by going ashore without permits in certain places, and it’s possible that we’ll see a start to enforcement of the ALT permit system.
This is not cause for you to panic if you haven’t got a permit and you’re already on your way to the Kimberley on your boat. It’s highly unlikely you will be asked for your permit. But for the sake of 20 minutes on the internet to obtain these free permits, if you can, I suggest you do so.
How to get a permit. Permits are obtained free over the internet from the ALT website. Download the General Information leaflet in our Anchorages page for links to detailed information, maps and the application form. You only need a permit for your boat, but you must list the names of the people travelling on the boat in the application form. There are 11 different reserves that require permits bordering the Kimberley coast between the Northern Territory border and Broome. An example of what to include in a permit application is detailed in our General Information leaflet under Anchorages. The General Information leaflet will be updated if we become aware of changes to the permit system.
Navigation Update. Paspaley Pearls re-open Port George IV Pearl Farm.
Lines of Pearl Farm Floats.
Paspaley Pearls will be re-opening their extensive pearl farm in Port George IV in 2015. The farm is located west of Augustus Island and south of Entrance Island. Approximate general position is Lat 15°18.6S Long 127°34.5E. The farm takes up most of the west and northern part of Port George, and may also take up the larger bays in the east side of the Port. For skippers who are yet to experience sailing around a pearl farm, you should read the General Information page in our “Anchorages”.
Normally the farm boundaries are well marked with radar reflecting buoys spaced about 500M to 1000M apart. In rough weather the black plastic floats supporting the pearl lines are very hard to see, and at night they are impossible to spot. Most radars will not pick up the lines of plastic floats. Take special care when sailing around pearl farms, and do not sail around them at night.
Paid Permits Suspended due to Corona Virus
I have been notified that the Uunguu Visitor Pass has been temporarily suspended until further notice. If you have already paid for a Pass, you may be able to get a refund or credit. Further information is available here. WGAC Covid-19 UVP Suspension Notice
Corona-virus Closes the Kimberley Coast
The Western Australian border has been closed to travellers, including by sea. The whole of the land area including islands along the Kimberley coast has been declared a Designated Biosecurity Area, with access from land or sea restricted to essential services.
Fines of up to $50,000 can apply.
For further information visit COVID-19 coronavirus: Remote Aboriginal communities – restrictions on entering
Shifting Sand Bar to the King George River Entrance.
I have had 2 reliable reports that the sand bar outside the mouth of the King George River has shifted, and waypoints used in previous crossing may not be relevant. The King George River Anchorage in the KCCYC website has been updated with the below waypoints for entry through the sand bar.
Below are the new waypoint reported to me by a reliable KCCYC Member. These waypoints are a guide only, and using them for any purpose is entirely at your own risk. You should conduct your own survey of the sand bar in a tender before crossing the bar. Crossing the bar should only be attempted on a rising tide, and near the top of the tide.
Waypoint 1: 13º 57.154, South 127º 19.366, East
Waypoint 2: 13 º 57.229, South 127º 19.607, East
Waypoint 3: 13º 57.386, South 127º 19.687, East
Waypoint 4: 13º 57.524, South 127º 19.679, East
This chart shows the above waypoints. Note that there appears to be a distinct dogleg in the route, whereas previous dry season routes have taken a relatively straight course between the sandbars shown in green on the chart. In other words – The sandbar has shifted from the official chart position. This can also be seen on the Google Earth photo below, which is dated May, 2016.
Published 26 June 2016.
Fuel at McGowan Island will no longer be available.
I’m reliably informed that the guys running McGowan Island Camping Ground in Napier Broome Bay will be leaving in the next month or two. As a result, the fuel tanker at McGowan Island will shortly be removed. As of today, (11/06/16) they have around 20,000 litres of diesel left, most of which has been pre-booked by vessels currently cruising the Kimberley coast. Once that fuel has sold, the tanker will be permanently removed. Other than the pre-booked fuel, the remainder will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Contact Alex at McGowan’s 08 9161 4748.
Unfortunately, the people that are leaving McGowan, are also the people that will give you a lift into Kalumburu to meet an aircraft for crew transfer, or to buy supplies at the shop etc. But try Honeymoon Bay Camping Ground for a lift into town.
Other than Wyndham, the alternative source of fuel in the East Kimberley is from Shore Barge, who run a fortnightly barge service from Darwin to Truscott Air Base and Kalumburu. Their Darwin phone number is 08 8932 3344 Monday to Friday. enquiry@shorelandsgroup.com.au The last time I purchased fuel from Shore Barge was in 2010, and it had to be ordered and paid for in advance. I don’t know what their current policy is, so I suggest you make your own enquiries well in advance. One thing I do know for certain, is that you need to be there on the day they arrive from Darwin to unload your fuel from the barge, as they sail to a schedule, and will not wait for latecomers.
Another alternative for large vessels only is from a Paspaley Pearls mother ship. Their policy is that orders must be minimum 5000 litres and they need plenty of advance notice so the fuel can be loaded on board before their ships leave Darwin or Broome. I can provide the contact details for the person to talk to at Paspaley Pearls. Please contact me via the Contacts page. Paspaley’s do not normally sell fuel, so please do not approach their mother ships in the pearl farms expecting to buy fuel.
Fuel Distributor at Port Hedland wharf accept BP Fuel Cards Only.
If you are expecting to buy fuel at the fuel Wharf in Port Hedland, please be aware that one of our members has just notified me that they will only accept BP Fuel Cards for payment. They accept no other form of payment.
Fortunately, Ken and Linda, on board “Endless Summer”, have sufficient fuel on board to reach Broome. Thanks for the heads up Ken and Linda.
This item was posted 17 May 2016.
Early Visitors to the Kimberley are Reporting Dry Conditions. Cause for Concern!
KCCYC members who are currently sailing the Kimberley coast, and those who recently returned from the coast, are reporting very low creek and river water flows, stemming from lower than usual rainfall this 2016 wet season.
One of our very experienced Members, a couple who live on their boat in the Kimberley over the wet season, have told me that creeks that are normally still flowing heavily at this time of year, are nearly dry, or in some cases, have already dried. And that springs and creeks that can normally be relied upon for good quality fresh water for drinking, bathing, swimming, washing etc; are likely to be dry this cruising season.
This is cause for concern for crews on vessels that don’t have a watermaker on board, and intend gathering water from these normally reliable water sources for their drinking and washing water. You should be prepared, by taking plenty of water with you, or consider investing in a water maker.
Late rains are still possible, which may boost the creek and spring flows. But don’t rely on this happening, because it’s unlikely to rain heavily enough to make much difference at this time of year.
If you have just been out, or are sailing to the Kimberley shortly, please provide me with feedback on the creek levels in the areas you visit, so I can update this information to other members. Please use the Contact page.
Update – 15 April 2016. After posting the above article yesterday, other KCCYC members have contacted me, confirming that normally reliable fresh water creeks and springs have already dried. Freshwater Bay creek in Vansittart Bay, Water Pipe Bay in Swift Bay, Gallery Bay creek, most of the waterfalls in the Berkeley River (except Casurina creek), and Kunmunya creek in Augustus Waters, are some that were reported as dry, or near dry.
Phil is back at Silver Gull Creek.
If you’re Kimberley coast sailing this year, one of the absolute must visit places, is the Squatters Arms at Silver Gull Creek in Yampi Sound.
Phil enjoying the tank at Silver Gull Creek.
After a few years away from Silver Gull, Phil, the original “Squatter,” is back home – at least for the 2016 dry season. I recently spoke to Phil by phone from his yacht, “Scot Free II”. He was anchored out the front of SGC, and he’s looking forward to having a beer and a chat with yachties who call in for a swim in the tank.
Phil is undecided on Indonesia or Queensland as his next stop after this dry season. But his mate “Scotty” (nothing to do with Phil’s yacht) will be staying on at SGC to house sit over the wet.
This little piece of tropical paradise is a great spot for a BYO lunch and drink, with plenty of plastic chairs and tables to sit around, al fresco style. And the tank, with a constant supply of spring fed fresh water, is a swimming pool you will remember for life, so take your bathers. It costs nothing but good humour and a friendly attitude.
Enjoy a beer and a chat with Phil in the shade at Silver Gull Creek.
But pack your wallet if you want to take home souvenirs found nowhere else, such as a SGC tee shirt, stubby holder or life membership to the “Squatters Arms Yacht Club”.
Before you dinghy back to your yacht, ask Phil for the “Silver Gull Salute” – a real treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Courtesy dictates a call on VHF16 before you head up the creek to the Squatters Arms. Call sign “Silver Gull Creek”. The creek near the Squatters Arms dries at low tide, so head up stream after about half rising tide, and make sure you are out before half ebbing tide, or you’ll have to spend the night there. And keep an eye on your dinghy when its tied to Phil’s landing area – the tides there are big.
2015 Annual Beach Party at the Berkeley Lodge another great success.
The 11 boat party fleet anchored up near the mouth of the Berkeley River at sunset with Mt Casuarina in the background.
A few days before the party it looked like it was going to be a quiet day, with just “Makani Kai” and “Kikn Bak” in the Berkeley River. But the next day 6 boats from the east, “Kia Arana”, “Tunnel Vision”, “Exotic Escort”, “Ayla”, “Thalassa”, “Harmony” and “G’day” beat the clock and made it across the Blownapart Gulf with a day to spare. “Ruby Tuesday II”, which had sailed from Perth in just 40 days to get to the party, and experienced well known Kimberley boat “Wings” from Darwin, made it across the Berkeley River bar the night before the party. With 26 of us, we were just 2 crew short of breaking the world attendance record for a KCCYC Beach Party, set last year.
The Skippers and Crew at the 2015 Annual Beach Party.
The team at the Berkeley Lodge did a fantastic job of looking after us. And our secret, deep pocketed sponsor managed to lighten his or her credit card, with drinks from the Lodge’s well stocked bar flowing amply and freely. The Lodge’s chef’s excelled again this year, creating a delicious desert eagerly enjoyed by all.
The Berkeley Lodge’s “Kimberley Limo” picked up and returned party goers to the beach near the river mouth.
New friends were made amongst the various vessel’s crews, and judging from the chatter, cruising in company and more than a few sundowners were discussed and planed for the coming weeks, as most skippers were heading west to experience more adventure, fun, fishing and magnificent scenery along the Kimberley coast.
The Berkeley Lodge’s chefs created a delicious dessert. Thanks guys.
Going by the feedback I get from KCCYC members, 2016 looks to be a big year in the Kimberley, with many skippers from various Australian ports planning a cruise. The 2016 Annual Beach Party is likely to be in the first week in July again, so if you’re coming up, try to make it to the Berkeley River for what’s probably Australia’s most remote and difficult to get to party. You won’t be disappointed.
A special thanks to the Berkeley Lodge crew for hosting a wonderful day.
Kia Arana – Lance and Margaret
Makani Kai – Bob and Helen
Exotic Escort – Andrew, Margie, Jo and Amy
Wings – Nan and Rik
Thalassa – Graham and Kate
Ayla – Toddy and Katja
Kikn Bak – Gary and Lynne
Tunnel Vision – Bruce and Kay
G’day – Kieth and Leslie
Ruby Tuesday II – Werner and Hendrik
Harmony – Trevor and Rob
“Prime Mover” Completes Circumnavigation.
We Made It!! “Prime Mover” arrives home in Melbourne.
Congratulations to KCCYC Kimberley Member, Andrew and his family & crew for their successful circumnavigation around Australia on board their Rivieira, “Prime Mover”.
“Prime Mover” at the Kimberley’s famous Twin Falls in the King George River.
Andrew arrived home in Melbourne in May, 2015 after a year long trip over the top – east to west. We met Andrew via VHF in the Kimberley last year, then again face to face in Cullen Bay Marina, Darwin before he resumed his trip back into the Kimberley and down the west coast.
Well done guys!!
The crew from “Prime Mover”.
Getting Fuel on the Kimberley Coast for Your Vessel in 2015.
Read more ....Read less.... Cruising vessels on the Kimberley Coast in 2015 need to let the fuel suppliers know they are coming. Contact them by phone before you leave Darwin or Broome and tell them roughly when you’ll be taking fuel and approximately how much fuel you will need. It’s also good practice to call them again about a week out from your ETA to confirm. Fuel Barge at Dog Leg Creek, Yampi Sound This is most relevant to power vessels that need larger quantities of fuel in the thousands of litres. There are bigger and very thirsty vessels heading to the Kimberley these days, some travelling together. And it only takes a couple of big boats to turn up at the same time for the suppliers to run out of fuel. It’s their practice to save fuel for vessels they know are coming, and if you turn up without notice expecting to load thousands of litres of diesel, you may be out of luck. Fuel Tanker at McGowan Island Camp, Napier Broome Bay. Depending on circumstances, it can take weeks for them to get the next barge load of fuel out to these very remote places. For contact details on where to get fuel in the Kimberley coast, download the Fuel in the Kimberley pdf from our Anchorage pages.
Getting Fuel on the Kimberley Coast for Your Vessel.
Read more ....Read less.... Cruising vessels on the Kimberley Coast in 2014 need to let the fuel suppliers know they are coming. Contact them by phone before you leave Darwin or Broome and tell them roughly when you’ll be taking fuel and approximately how much fuel you will need. It’s also good practice to call them again about a week out from your ETA to confirm. Fuel Barge at Dog Leg Creek, Yampi Sound This is most relevant to power vessels that need larger quantities of fuel in the thousands of litres. There are bigger and very thirsty vessels heading to the Kimberley these days, some travelling together. And it only takes a couple of big boats to turn up at the same time for the suppliers to run out of fuel. It’s their practice to save fuel for vessels they know are coming, and if you turn up without notice expecting to load thousands of litres of diesel, you may be out of luck. Fuel Tanker at McGowan Island Camp, Napier Broome Bay. Depending on circumstances, it can take weeks for them to get the next barge load of fuel out to these very remote places. For contact details on where to get fuel in the Kimberley coast, download the Fuel in the Kimberley pdf from our Anchorage pages. I have heard through the grape vine that Paspaley Pearls may be supplying fuel from Kuri Bay again this year. This is not a certainty at this stage, but I’m hoping for confirmation around early May 2014. I will post it here and on the Forum pages when I know for sure.
Paid Visitor Passes are not far away, if you want to go ashore in the Kimberley.
In recent years the Federal Court has granted exclusive possession to the Aboriginal Communities whose native title claims to these areas have been upheld in court. Exclusive possession essentially means that they own the land, and they have the right to control, or deny access to the land. If you wish to learn more about the Native Title Act and how it relates to these court decisions, click here. Procedures are currently in progress for the introduction of Paid Visitor Pass Systems in at least two of the exclusive possession areas, covering large parts of the land and islands along the Kimberley coast. They are:.
- The Dambimangari area, which includes the Kimberley coast and most of the coastal islands from around the Prince Regent River in the east, to Cone Bay in King Sound in the west. This system is in its final stages of planning, and it’s expected to be introduced in 2016. A draft copy of the Dambimangari Visitor Pass System is available here. When this Visitor Pass System is finalised, passes will be available on the internet, and the KCCYC will provide the relevant contact information to members. Included in the above draft, there is a location map showing where the permit system will allow visitors to venture ashore. Additional locations will be considered by making an application on the this form. If you are aware of land based attractions you would like to include in the visitor pass system, please complete the form and forward it to the address on the form.
- The Wunambal Gaambera area, which includes the Kimberley coast and most of the coastal islands from Truscott Air Base in the east, and almost to the Prince Regent River in the west. A draft copy of this system has not been made publicly available at this time. It’s expected that this permit system is likely to be introduced in 2016 or 2017. The KCCYC will provide information to its members, as it becomes available.
Please note that the visitor Pass Systems only apply to the land and islands. The public have free access to the waterways up to the high tide mark, including the sea, rivers, creeks, tidal inlets, bays, estuaries and harbours. Recreational fishing is not affected in these waters; however the Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park covers a large part of the sea in the Dambimangari area, and special fishing zones and whale watching rules apply within the park. Click here for the Parks and Wildlife website.
Your’re invited to the 2015 Annual Beach Party at the Berkeley River.
Read more ....Read less.... Giant Croc No doubt you’ve heard about, or seen the Giant Diver puppet and his Niece (recently in Perth). In keeping with our Kimberley theme, and at huge expense to our secret, deep pocketed sponsor, we’ve commissioned a Giant Crocodile puppet. Get the full details of your exclusive invitation to this mega event here… (link removed)
Would you like to be involved in a little “Citizen Science”? – Kimberley Moth Project.
Read more ....Read less.... Mark believes there is the potential for many species never seen before and new to science. Those who take part will be fully acknowledged in any publications. He gets the specimens identified by DNA barcoding, then the specimens are deposited at the Australian National Insect Collection at Canberra and the WA Museum. If you’re interested, contact Mark at philipmarkheath@gmail.com 
Mark Heath, a Perth natural scientist, is compiling a detailed study of West Australian Moths. He asked if any KCCYC Members sailing our northern WA waters this year would participate by collecting moths on board at night, and posting the specimens to him, detailing where they were collected.
Phil (ex Silver Gull Creek) is back on the water.
We were walking along the jetty at Cullen Bay Marina in September and spotted Phil’s unmistakable white and woolly features. He was sitting in a yacht cockpit, deep in study of one of the vessel’s manuals.
“Scot Free II” at Cullen Bay Marina. Expect to see her and Phil anywhere in northern waters.
After the normal hello’s, we discovered he was the new owner of this lovely yacht.We were chatting to him at Marion’s funeral about a month earlier and he said he was heading up to Darwin to look for a yacht and get back out on the water. I don’t think anybody, including Phil, expected it would happen quite so quickly and easily. He told us he came across the yacht in the first few days after arriving in Darwin, made an offer, and snapped up this little beauty at a bargain price.
His sailing plans were unsure, but Cape York for the wet season was mentioned, and back to the Kimberley for the dry next year is definitely on the cards. But he said one place he wont be going back to, except for a visit, was Silver Gull Creek.
Phil and friends on board “Scot Free II”
Many of our Kimberley Members will have fond memories of Phil and Marion. Having a beer with Phil under the shade trees of their tropical paradise was obligatory. Keep an eye out on the water for Scot Free II because I’m sure Phil will still be keen to share a story over a beer.
Drone helicopter adds a fantastic dimension to sailing photography.
KCCYC Kimberley Member, Hamish Beck sent me these photos from his recent Kimberley trip on board his Riviera 60, “Queste“.
Horizontal Falls
Not only does it provide a completely different viewpoint for photographing a vessel at sea and the beautiful Kimberley coast attractions we sail through, but my immediate thought was how useful it could be for things like taking a peak over the top of a cliff to see what’s at the top of a waterfall before climbing the cliff, or send it over the mangroves to discover if a creek is worth exploring, or fly over a shallow river bar to see where the deepest channel is.
King Cascade
Twin Falls, King George River
Montgomery Reef
Fuel tanker at McGowan Island.
These photos were taken from a small remote controlled drone quad prop chopper with its own quality camera and gimbal attachment. The camera takes HD video and 14 megapixel stills.
Believe it or not, the quad chopper comes with GPS navigation, allowing it to fly a predetermined route and return home – even if you are in a moving boat, WiFi connection to your smart phone or tablet, allowing you to see live what the camera is seeing up to 700 meters away, and almost automatic takeoff and landing functions. And the price – around $1,500. There is definitely one going on my boat. Check it out at http://www.dji.com/
2014 Annual Beach Party a Great Success.
Berkeley River Lodge Limo picked us up from the river mouth beach.
Thanks again to the team at the Berkeley River Lodge for hosting our club’s only “organised” event.
A new world record for attendance was set for the third year in a row, with 28 Members and Friends off 10 boats making it across the “Blownapart Gulf” in some fairly ordinary conditions from Darwin and various other Eastern ports.
Left – Bernice & Bevan “Dulcinea”. Centre – Rob “Ocean Road”. Right – Bob and David “Dulcinea”
Then there was “Dolcinea” from Busselton, with David and his crew timing their cruise to arrive in the Berkeley specially for the party after 100 days at seas. Well done guys!!! A crew change flown into the Berkeley Lodge’s new airstrip saw them leaving the Berkeley later that week on the 100 day trip back to Busselton. David is a very experienced Kimberley Coast sailing veteran, with many Kimberley trips under his keel.
Rob – “Ocean Road”. Graeme and Ann – “Leeuwin Current”
Experienced boaties, but Kimberley first timers, Graham and Ann were driving their alloy jet boat, “Leeuwin Current” from Queensland around to their home port of Geraldton.
Front – Dianne and Philip – “Selkie”. Back – Donna and Peter – “Two Up”
Philip and Dianne on their sailing cat “Selkie” are Kimberley veterans, first sailing there in 2000/2001. This was there last Kimberley adventure before they put “Selkie” on the market and change to land based travel.
Donna and Peter are experienced world cruisers on their sailing cat “Two Up” who decided to see the Kimberley on their way home after a few years cruising Asian waters.
Left to Right. Kim, Leslie, Peter, Rod, Roslyn and Ross – “R&R”. Martin – Owner of Berkeley Lodge.
Roslyn and Ross off “R&R” also made good use of the Berkeley Lodge’s new air strip by flying in their friends from Kununurra for 12 days before flying them back to Kununurra from McGowan Island Camp in Napier Broome Bay. This takes the stress out of crossing the Blownapart Gulf with people on board who may not appreciate getting hammered by 25 – 30 knot Sou Easterlies.
The whole crew at the Kimberley Coast Cruising Yacht Club’s 2014 “Annual Beach Party”
A great afternoon was had by all, new friendships were made, and much Kimberley Coast knowledge and information was exchanged among like minded people.
A date for next year’s Fantastic Annual Beach Party will be announced early (ish) in the new year. I’m happy to receive suggested dates from Members.
Molonga. Kellie, Glen and Indi.
Two Up. Peter and Donna.
Coolong. Gus, Vin, Darryl, Eric, Hayden and Helen.
Sojourn. Janie and Kevin
Dulcinea. David, Bob, Bernice and Bevan
Leeuwin Current. Graeme and Ann
Selkie. Philip and Dianne
Ocean Road. Rob
It’s getting closer to the 2014, KCCYC 3rd Annual Beach Party at the Berkeley River.
We’ve chosen the 30th of June as the date for this year’s spectacular event.
We all hate TAX TIME, so forget about it this year!! Join other financially detoxed KCCYC members and friends at the fabulous Berkeley Lodge for the Annual Beach Party/New Financial Year’s Eve Party.
Handbag Security Services have informed me that its been a “big wet” this year and they’ve
added a few extra staff members to keep things under control. Please be aware, they wont hesitate to put the bite on anyone who over indulges and falls out of their dinghy, as was the case last year with one party goer. Fortunately, the HSS guys were looking the other way at the time.
Our usual elitist, strict dress code will be enforced without question. This is a fashionista event, and under dressing for this 
sumptuous occasion will not be tolerated. Members are expected to dress formally in the club polo wear, and other guests are expected to wear something clean at least, perhaps in a Tax Office employee theme – that’s bound to go down well!
Like last year, its impossible to predict how many boats will be there. But the word is out about how great last year’s party was, and I know there are a few southern based boat crews planning their whole life around being there. I’ve also heard the scuttlebutt that some of Darwin’s most influential movers, shakers and socialites are making room in their busy schedules to travel across the Blownapart Gulf. There’s also talk that a few Easterners are changing their cruising plans to be there for this end of FY2014 extravaganza celebration. I’m predicting/guessing around 10 vessels or more will make it this year, and hopefully a new world record for attendance will be set.
Now for the details.
Our motto of “disorganization will be the key to this event” has been thrown out the door with my GST returns. This year I actually contacted Leith at the fabulous Berkeley River Lodge Resort to get the word in advance as to whether we will be able to use the Lodge’s Bar and Bar BQ for this grand gathering. Obviously, he was absolutely ecstatic at the prospect of hosting the KCCYC elite once again.
Because we get to use the Lodge’s bar facilities, the tradition is that one of our well healed secret sponsors will cough up for the first $500 worth of tax deductible drinks. And I’m sure the Lodge will have their Bar BQ white hot and ready for us to cook our BYO steaks and snaggers, to go with the salad your deck hand brings along to share. The dining tables will be set in silver service standard, so there’s no need for you to raid your galley for the plastic cutlery and paper plates.
It will be a lunch time and afternoon affair, purely because we don’t want party goers to be heading home in their dinghies after dark and tangle with the boys and girls from HSS.
Leith and his friendly team from the Lodge will pick us up in the Toyota, Kimberley Style Stretch Limo at around 1130 hours at the beach just inside the river mouth.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Phil and Marion Call it a Day at Squatters Arms.
Most visitors to the Squatters Arms in Silver Gull Creek, located on the isolated West Kimberley Coast, describe it in terms such as “a little piece of paradise” and “heaven on earth”. Why would you retire from paradise?
Most of us bury our pets in the back yard. Not Phil!!
The remoteness of Silver Gull Creek adds to its appeal, especially to the adventurous, cruising yachtie in many of us. But unfortunately, the down side of such a remote location is the total lack of services we all start to need for our health and well-being when we get to “retirement age”. After nearly 20 years living in paradise, Phil and Marion have “retired”. Derby is now their new home, where they are house sitting for good friends, Shelley and Mal.
“F—, he looks like he needs to buy his wife a new necklace” thinks Marion
Phil and Marion were the first “Kimberley Characters” we met on our first cruise through the Kimberley Coast in 2007 – they are also the most memorable. Since then, Ros and I have been back several times to drop in for a beer, a meal, a swim in the tank, and most importantly, a happy and colourful conversation with these two carefree and joyful people. They were also among the first “Kimberley Members” to join the Kimberley Coast Cruising Yacht Club.
Squatter Arms Dunny. Voted Australia’s best view from a crapper. (Nice legs Greg)
Many thousands of cruising yachties, charter boat punters and crew from around the world have visited the Squatters Arms over the years, and I would bet that for most, the visit to Phil and Marion’s place is the story they most tell their friends about their cruise to the Kimberley coast.
Those of you that have been to Silver Gull Creek will know what a great place it is, and what an extraordinary pair Phil and Marion are. For those who have yet to get there, all is not lost, because Shelley and Mal have taken on the enviable mission of reverse house sitting at Silver Gull Creek. When you get there, call them on VHF 16 before heading up the creek for a visit.
Crew from “R&R” and landing barge “Yampi Sound” enjoying an afternoon in the shade, a beer and a few stories with Marion and Phil at The Squatters Arms.
On behalf all the members in the KCCYC, I wish Phil and Marion all the very best in their next stage of life in Derby, and thank them for the fun, laughs and great times had by many cruising yachties at the Squatters Arms.
Update on the Camden Sound Marine Park.
Click here for a copy of the latest update newsletter from West Australian Fisheries and Dept of Wildlife on the Camden Sound Marine Park, which had now been renamed Lalang-garram/Camden Sound Marine Park.
This mother Humpback and her calf would have been very difficult to photograph from 500 meters away.
The newsletter is aimed at the charter operators cruising and fishing in Kimberley waters, but the rules are the same for private cruising vessels.
I note that they have softened their rules related to whale watching and interaction. It has changed to vessels not approaching a mother and calf closer than 500 meters, and if the whales close on the vessel, the vessel must remain in neutral. Previously, the proposed rule was that vessels had to move away and maintain minimum 500 meters from the whales if the whales approached the vessel. The new rule also makes specific mention of the whales being a mother and calf. This leaves it a little unclear as to whether or not you can approach a single adult whale up to 100 meters (as the rules currently allow).
There are hundreds of Humpback Whales, including mothers and calves, scattered throughout Kimberley waters from about July through to October; they don’t just stay in the proposed new marine park. This begs the question. Do the same rules apply outside the park, or can these whales be approached up to 100 meters? Lets hope the 100 meter rule stays for whales outside the park, because from my experience, looking at a whale from half a kilometer away is a waste of time.
2013 KCCYC Annual Beach Party – a Major Success Story.
We expected 5 yachts to show up to the 2013 KCCYC Annual Beach Party at the Berkeley Lodge on 10th July , but “Get This” we set a new world record for the Annual Beach Party attendance – 8 yachts, totalling 23 crew, plus the Lodge staff and half a dozen bewildered guests that were staying at the Lodge.
A big thanks to Martin and Kim Pierson-Jones for allowing us to use The Berkeley Lodge facilities.
Boat Park out of the fresh SE breeze about 1 mile up stream from the Berkeley Lodge beach. From left – Enigma, Yandanooka, MV Liberty, Osborne Star, Rafiki, Dubonnett
The 25 knot south easterly blowing straight into the river mouth, made for an interesting mile long dinghy trip from the spot where most yachts decided to drop the pick for the day. But all the illustrious and superbly attired guests arrived safely on the beach. But one of “R&R’s” crew, Vince, got a little more wet than others, after falling on his bum while stepping out of the dinghy. Thankfully, Handbag Security Services, River Rescue Team was not required.
Ever vigilant, quite a few of their employees were spotted at various security check points along the river banks this year.
The Berkeley Lodge’s “Troopy” chauffeured the party goers up the hill to the Lodge. It’s believed that Toyota will soon offer the “Verandah” as a standard option.
The Berkeley Lodge’s modified “Troopy” chauffeured us up to the bar and restaurant in the best of Kimberley style transport, where a great afternoon was had by all.
Kimberley Konvertable.
Vince Garreffa “The Prince of Flesh” at home in the kitchen with “Chef”
Three of the great staff at the Lodge. Leith (Manager) in the middle.
Vince “The Prince of Flesh” Garreffa helmed the Bar BQ with his usual flare and style, and everyone enjoyed the Matso’s Brewery beers and excellent wines served up by Leith and his dazzlingly efficient team at the Lodge. A special thanks to “Chef”, who baked up a gourmet desert on a moment’s notice. It was worthy of a Master Chef TV series in its own right.
From Left – Mike & Jan (Dubonnett) Peter, Ralph, Stella & Lynne (Yandanooka) Annie & Kieth (Rafiki)
As is usual when a bunch of yachties meet in a bar, much well meaning advice, stories involving exceptionally huge seas and enormous fish, along with opinions on the best Kimberley anchorages to stay at, and rocks to stay away from, were freely bandied around. Hopefully, the Kimberley first timers went away with some valuable information that enhanced their Kimberley coast cruise.
From Left – Kieth (Rafiki) Garry & Kathy (Enigna) Ross (R&R) Annie (Rafiki) Rob (Ocean Road)
I’m already getting Members and web site guests asking about the date for next year’s “Fantastic, Out of This World, KCCYC Annual Beach Party”. In keeping with the tradition of the almost total lack of organisation that goes into this magnificent event, I’v got no idea when it will be. But at this stage, block out the second week in July 2014 in your calendar, as a likely timetable. I’ll keep you posted!!!
Dubonnett – Mike and Jan
Enigma – Garry and Kathy
MV Liberty – John and Annie
Ocean Road – Rob, Robbie and Jane
Osborne Star – Paul and Sue
Rafiki – Keith and Annie
R&R – Ross, Roslyn, Vince, Anne, John and Deb
Reports of Dismal Barramundi Fishing on the Kimberley and Top End Coasts.
I’ve spoken to quite a few people this year that have come home from the Kimberley Coast, the Darwin Rivers and Van Dieman Gulf regions with few or no Barra in the bag after fishing the end of the wet season – usually a great time for Barra.
Without exception, everyone has mentioned the lack of rain this wet season as the cause of so few Barramundi around the normally productive creek and river systems in these areas. On the other hand, I’ve heard good reports about catches of reefies and pelagic’s, which it seems haven’t also been adversely affected by the low rainfall experienced in the 2013 wet season.
There are also reports of lower than normal fresh water flows in many of the big Kimberley Rivers, including the King George, The Berkeley and The Drysdale.
But who cares – even if you catch none, being there is still fantastic.
Happy fishing,
Members Beware of Increased Fisheries and Department of Conservation Presence in Kimberley Coast Waters.
Skippers and crew of cruising vessels should make themselves aware of the soon to be introduced zones in the new park, particularly relating to restricted fishing areas and whale watching.
They should also be aware of the requirements for Fishing off a Vessel Licenses required in all West Australian waters for private fishers who fish from a vessel. There are also very strict possession limits which apply to fish found on board a cruising vessel. You can download the information from these links.
Recreational Fishing Guide 2013. This pdf document includes species bag limits and the rules applicable to recreational fishing in Western Australia. Copy it and keep it on board.
Application for Recreational Fishing Licenses in Western Australia.
Berkeley River Lodge Plans to Build Airstrip at their East Kimberley Coastal Resort.
Friends of “R&R” are already planning to fly their own aircraft in next dry season, stay a few nights at the Lodge, then join us on board “R&R” for a cruise around the East Kimberley, and they can feel secure that their aircraft can be safely left at the Berkeley while they are on board.
The airstrip will be a fantastic asset for the Lodge and is bound to add to the success of this wilderness destination.
Date set for the Kimberley Coast Cruising Yacht Club’s 2013 Annual Beach Party – 10th July 2013.
Given that part of the race fleet from the Fremantle Sailing Club’s Fremantle to Bali race will be cruising back to Perth from Darwin via the Kimberley Coast, and by amazing coincidence will also be in the Berkeley River at the same time, it was considered a good idea to hold the party on Wednesday 10th July, and invite all crews from all boats in the Berkeley on the day. I contacted Jodie at the Berkeley River Resort, and provided they are not busy with paying guests that day, they are happy to let us use the resort’s bar for the party and BarBQ. If they are busy on the day, we will simply have to find another spot to hold the Beach Party. This of course, is in keeping with KCCYC philosophy of not trying to organise too much. I also told Jodie that any guests and staff at the resort on the day are welcome to join us at the beach party. Anyway, the date has been set, (but can still be changed by popular demand) and I feel extremely confident that everything will fall into place, and everyone will have a fantastic day. I will keep you posted on any news related to the Beach Party through the club’s website News and Events page, the online forum and perhaps an occasional email newsletter. Hope to see you there on 10th July.Read more ....Read less....
Fremantle to Bali Race and Rally Fleet to Cruise Home Through The Kimberley.
The event is not just a blue water sailing race. Most in the fleet will continue on after the race on an organised cruise through the East Indonesian Archipelago, then back to Darwin, where some vessels will join the Sail Indonesia Rally. Many more in the fleet plan to cruise leisurely back to Perth via the Kimberley Coast, leaving Darwin for the Berkeley River around 8th July. A few of the race and rally skippers have already become members of the KCCYC and hopefully there will be more joining over the following weeks. No doubt there will be some boats visiting the Darwin Marinas to enjoy the Darwin lifestyle and make use of the marine facilities to carry out repairs and maintenance after what will be a long race and cruise. Please make them welcome if you are in Darwin at the time, particularly if they are wearing a KCCYC shirt, or their yacht has a KCCYC burgee flying, or sticker displayed. For those of us blessed with being on the water in the Kimberley when they cruise through, let’s go out of our way to make them feel welcome. Keep an eye out for yachts flying the KCCYC burgee and give them a “Sundowners @ 5” call on 16. For more information, see http://fremantlebali.com.au/ Read more ....Read less....
New Pages to be Added to Club Website.
The plan is to add an “Anchorages” page and a “Photo Album”. I have a few people recruited to help me with content for the anchorages and you will start to see information added from November. I am working on the format for the anchorage pages, with the goal being for members to print the pages themselves and create a booklet to take with them to the Kimberley. Each anchorage will include standard info such as Lat Long, routes for entrances into rivers/creeks/bays etc, suggested anchorage way points and/or Google maps showing the suggested anchorages at each place, description and hints/advice about any hazards and tides, things to do and see, such as dingy trips, walks, fishing, art, swimming holes, fresh water etc, and a brief story on any history of the anchorage or nearby region. Photos will be included if available. Members will be encouraged to contribute to the list of anchorages by providing information on their own favorite places to visit, and make additions, amendments and corrections to the existing information on pages contributed by others. Read more ....Read less....
Inaugural Annual Beach Party, a quiet but fun day.
Read more ....Read less....
The Berkeley River Resort invited us to use their bar and restaurant for the party. We enjoyed a Bar BQ lunch and quite a few Matsu Brewery beers and excellent wines at the bar. After lunch we toured the resort and chartered their chopper for a flight over the Berkeley and surrounds. The chopper flight ended a great afternoon for us. The chopper is a must do the next time you are in the Berkeley!! Many thanks to the staff at the Berkeley Resort for their hospitality.
Berkeley River Resort Joins the club.
Welcome to Jodie Mott, Manager of the Berkeley River Resort, who has joined the KCCYC as the resort’s representative. Jodie has extended an invitation to KCCYC members to pay her a visit for a drink at the bar, or a meal in their restaurant when you next drop the pick in the Berkeley. To quote directly from Jodie’s email – “We would welcome your friends travelling past calling in to enjoy a cold beverage at the new bar. They can just radio us on Channel 16 and we will make arrangements to collect them from the beach and bring them up to the resort if they don’t wish to walk. The bar will be open seven days a week (and restaurant) and our cruising yachties are very much welcome. Prior notice is requested if catering is required. We do have a dress standard of no singlets at the bar if you could pass that on also.” Read more ....Read less....
Marion and Phil of “The Squatters Arms” fame join the club.
Phil and Marion are true “Kimberley Characters.” Their home is built right next to a concrete water tank, which was long ago abandoned by BHP, and has now been “renovated” as Phil and Marion’s private indoor swimming pool, constantly replenished by a sweet water spring. Yachties are welcome to top up their water tanks from the spring’s overflow. They welcome cruising yachties. It’s also a favorite spot for the charter boats to visit and they could be swamped with punters, so its good manners to give them a call on VHF Ch16, call sign “Silver Gull Creek”, before you head up for a beer (BYO) and a refreshing swim in the tank. Also take your wallet, because Marion has a small jewelry shop stocked with their own hand crafted and imported items. Some of my wife Roslyn’s favorite necklaces came from Marion.Read more ....Read less....Keep your eye open for the "Silver Gull salute" when you are leaving in your dingy.
Three Boats Leaving Airlie Beach for The Kimberley in May 2012.
Jeff Malley, Rob Ferguson, family and friends on “Mabuhay”, a 65ft Precision game fisher and; Grant Shorland, family and friends on “Iron Prince”, a 63ft Alan Barnett steel passage maker. These three vessels are scheduled to leave Able Point Marina around mid May on a 3-4 week passage to Darwin, then onto a 2-3 month cruise of the Kimberley coast.“R&R” will be staying permanently in Darwin after the cruise, with “Mabuhay” and “Iron Prince” returning to Able Point Marina at the end of the dry season. Good luck and happy cruising to all on board.Read more ....Read less....
Annual Beach Party at Berkeley River 4th July 2012.
BYO lunch, snacks and drinks. Members, please wear, or bring your KCCYC polo shirts for a photo opportunity. Members and non members are welcome to come along to help make this unique event a success. Spread the word to any boats heading to the Kimberley. Staff and guests from the brand new Berkeley River Resort have been invited to join the party. They are also positive about offering Members accommodation packages for next year’s Annual Beach Party to Members who want to come to the party, but don’t have a boat to get there on the day.Read more ....Read less....
Darwin to Dili & Darwin Kupang Rallies start in July.
The up side is that they are generally a very sociable bunch of cruising yachties, and if you are cruising up the Queensland Coast and over the top to Darwin when they are also heading for Darwin, be prepared for the odd on board party or two at overnight stopovers.Read more ....Read less....