Monday 17 June Lizard Island

Lizard island seen from east hill

Lizard Island is the jewel in the cruise north from Cairns to Cape York – a large island visible from 30 miles away and half way between the mainland coast and the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The anchorage was full when we arrived so we were at the back of the pack but the water so clear we could see our chain and anchor 6m below us. To the east of us is solid rock with light vegetation and patches of bare rock. The highest point is known as Cook's Look. Lt James Cook climbed to this point to look for a clear passage out to the seemingly endless reef to the deep ocean. Amongst the water breaking on the reef he spotted, and later surveyed, a gap which is now named Cooks Passage.

To the south of us an area of low, flat land which the wind whistles across, the airstrip and a beautiful beach and on the western end of the island, forbidden land, an exclusive resort which doesn't welcome yachties.

However, we were welcomed at yachties sundowner get together on the beach, a chance for us to catch up with our friends Camomile and Norsa and to meet boats we knew from the radio but hadn't met before. The picnic tables on the beach were our focal point and with the fine sand through your toes and no mosquitoes it was pleasant to sit chatting long after the sun had gone down.