This has a lot of appeal to my urge to explore and is a trip that can be done when windy offshore within reason. Challenges to overcome is Ramp and secure trailer parking. Dirty croc waters at the northern end were the Fitzroy flows out. Caught high and dry in midges infested area. Getting lost in amongst the Mangroves. Timing needs to be accurate with a smallish window.
Research tells me that navigating The Narrows cannot be done at low tide. It simply dries up. Starting options seem to be Port Alma head south with a incoming tide.
Navigate around the bottom of Balaclava Island or around the top, less chance of getting lost in the mangroves ?
Arriving at Cattle Ck crossing a couple of hours before the top of tide. Port Alma – Cattle Crk, at say cautious 30kph 1 hour.
This being the area that dries up. There are a few shacks and I have a contact of intro if needed and probably will if only as back up. Once through here it should be a straight run down to Gladstone.
The southern end has its own challenges. The shipping is big time, major LPG ships out of Australia through here along with Alumina. Eyes wide open and aware.
Arrive Gladstone just over 2 hrs from Port Alma the mariner would have fuel if needed. Thinking spend up to an hour to look around and return with the tide running north. This is about 130klm round trip add 20% margin 156klm my ski would need 57lts I will carry 90lts.
Scenario working on a 1100hrs high tide, speed is a guess.
- Port Alma 0830
- Cattle Ck 0930 @ 30kph
- Gladstone 1030 @ 30kph
- Gladstone 1130
- Cattle Ck 1200 @ 60kph
- Port Alma 1230 @ 60kph
There are other options to be considered like drive to Gladstone put in there and run against the tide both ways. Unless conditions allowed a leg on the the outside of Curtis Island (extra 15km) and a outside leg could be considered from Port Alma.
GPS may be handy although I would be carrying charts of the area. I would think a high tide at Port Alma would need to be 1100 – 1300hrs 3.5M – 4M. This is the case 24th July 2022. Not sure about rain though and wouldn’t be keen in the rain. There is enough to contend with. Don’t forget the Aerogard.
To do: Contact VMR Gladstone check for a Trip Log & Radio channels ? A: Channels 16 & 82.
References –
Haven’t worked out the road distance yet. You keen to join me ?
Jet Ski North Queensland 