Shoal Point – Brampton & Beyond

We launched Shoal Point, Mackay using Shaun’s 4WD.

Shaun has a Seadoo GTR IS 255 2009 that is super charged. It also has suspension were the top of the ski above the hull is suspended to afford some comfort. He also made his own mounted esky with carry alls attached either side that carry a 10ltr Jerry each and Rod holders.

So we are off on the smoothest water I have encountered in my career as a Jet Skier of 26hrs, divine could be one way of putting it. Cruised mainly around 50kph + and some spurts.

We were heading towards the western point of Brampton and after a short talk decided the eastern that lands you in Turtle Bay in between Brampton and Carlisle. The entrance to Brampton Roads a shallow passage up to the abandoned Resort. With the obligatory beach landing at the resort for a stretch, chat and refresh.

Decided to see a way through the sand bar across the northern way out, to no avail. This was about an hour before low tide. Back down the passage around Carlisle to Maryport Island with Edgell Rock. Shaun had a bit of trawl around.

I slipped over too and around Coffin Island 5ks away and travelled very close or over the top of a submerged rock. Lucky, will have to be a lot more careful.

Shaun had no luck with the short trawl, so off we went. Intention was Keswick/St Bees about 15ks land to land, it had chopped up a little with the odd white cap and consumption in mind, we went to that Island over there instead, to later realise it was Cockermouth.

Pretty Island, but would suggest keeping away from its south west corner at high tide. We were there maybe 1hr after low tide, but at a good high tide one might think there is passage between the SW knob of island and its main island, there is a rock wall of various heights. So unless you know it well, I’d not try any shortcuts across that point.

There is a higher wall of rocks from that knob going to the right back to the island, pity no photo, next time.

We are now making our way back to western side of Brampton to gather our bearings, mainland not real distinctive. To be certain headed to known position to take a bearing that was known. To be sure of fuel getting us there rather than running up and down the coast wasting fuel. Ran true to Green island, the sea was a bit choppy with more white caps running a half to side on. Strangely enough about 10ks out it flattened out smooth for very comfortable run in. Arriving around 1pm we effortlessly retrieved the skis off the beach on to the trailers.

As the chart suggests Shoal Point is a bit rocky so extreme care, or someone familiar. In saying that, 2 jet ski’s turned up back from St Bees after putting in at the Harbour. They had a driver on land to pick them up, but unfamiliar to the area, from Toowoomba.

Great day out, first time company was good. Could have been enhanced with more sun and less overcast in the morning. We encountered a couple of pods of Dolphins on our way out, a real experience of adventure. Found the biggest Cuttle Fish I’d seen 15″ long.

My Seadoo GTX 155 2019, at the end of the trip the Fuel Warning went off, frightened the daylights out of me. It was showing 2 bars and only just come from 3. When fuelled up on the way home it only took 38.4ltrs out of a 60ltr tank, I still had 21.6ltrs. I wonder how much of that 60ltrs is usable fuel. Still not bad consumption I think, 2.9klm per litre. We cruised mostly with a couple spurts, I stayed in Touring mode (its default). Had I used Sports mode it would have sucked it up.

Thanks reading my ramblings and please reply, comment, follow or question.

George