Sir James Smith Group is a mob of islands NW of Brampton (Cumberland Group) and south of the Lindeman Group, Goldsmith being the largest of that group. Smith group can be reached from Seaforth, Victor Ck easily enough with about a 35k trip rather than 50ks from Mackay Harbour. I didn’t buy a jet ski to tow behind my vehicle, when it could be in the water. Roadtrip to Seaforth about 40 minutes 15ks on the ski is about 20 minutes, cruising.
Forecast winds 0-5 knots until 1300hrs inshore 10-15 with chance of thunderstorms possibly severe. Leaving the Harbour it was heavy overcast but seemed to be breaking.
Motive of trip beside bucket list is culminated with several ambitions. Hamilton Island on one tank of fuel has been a long held believe, a extra 45ks beyond Goldsmith. Now certain can reach on one tank of fuel and strong possibility of reaching Airlie from Mackay Harbour.
These Islands are bit on the remote side as they sit in the middle of 2 Habour’s. Not greatly frequented by a lot of recreational fisherman due to distance. Yachties still about.
The run across was uneventful with the exception of stacks of schools of fish feeding near the surface all the way.
Approaching Goldsmith could see a yacht mast in that bay, Stingray Bay
Nice protected bay except in a southerly with plenty of water that yacht is in about 7.5M. There seemed to be over 2M for most of the way in. I have seen photos of this bay at low tide and that yacht is that far out for a reason. The top of the tide is about an hour off at 5.0M perfect timing for maiden explore.
The bay is zoned no fishing and the same around the point in the passage.
Bait fish lined along the beach only broken by the Jet Ski. There is also a fresh water creek just behind from where the photo taken. Will check it out next time.
Conditions still holding although overcast. Slipped out of the Bay and around the point to the passage between Linne and Goldsmith and around the north end of Goldsmith. To see Locksmith Island that I didn’t investigate, my fuel consumption was holding but had to be conservative.
Roylen Bay another nice beach and bay only the single yacht camped in there, they were just arrived the beach as I approached in there tender.
Look no anchor, I wasn’t going far or staying long. Be interesting to visit again on a lower tide. To see what sort of access the beach had and the bottom. Reef in most and coral too.
Nice little Island to call home Farrier Island. Motor boat supply vessel or just visiting.
Be better on sunny day for my photography.
Next trip maybe launch from Seaforth to give an extra 30ks exploring or carry a jerry. Camp over would be ideal
Passing the south end of Goldsmith between the Ingots I started the trip back.
Harbour bound I passed Carlisle/Brampton. Gradually lumped up a little the closer to mainland. Poked in to Slade Bay a bit and on way out fish schools were prolific. So had to have a go at trolling a lure, setting it wasn’t as easy as thought. My hand line consist of venetian blind cord with trace. This is going to take a bit of practice, as I can not afford to let line be sucked up into jet. Then there is the issue of tying off line and reel. This was first attempt, will get there with a few modifications.
Back at the Harbour all good Ski was faultless with exception to Depth Finder quite often reads 652.8M. Dealer said they will look at it. Good experience and journey, some sunshine would of improved it though.
Thanks George
Jet Ski North Queensland 