backgrounds

Lizard Island is 60 nautical miles north of Cooktown in Queensland Australia. It was named by Lieutenant James Cook R.N. on his voyage of discovery of the east coast of Australia in 1770. He had damaged the Endeavour on a reef to the south of Cooktown, had repaired it at what is now Cooktown, and was now trying to find his way out of the Great Barrier Reef. He did a reconnaisance in the ship's boat and stayed two nights at this bay. He climbed the hill we are on, and did find his way out to the open ocean through what is now called Cook's Passage, about 9 nautical miles from here.

Lizard Island is renowned for its coral and its historical connections.

Watson's Bay, shown here, is on the north western side and offers good anchorage in the south east trade winds. At the time of this photo it was blowing 20 to 25 kn from the south east. When the weather moderated most of these vessels left.

All vessels are anchored in sand (the lighter areas) rather than coral (the darker ones). This is a legal requirement, as well as being more ecologically friendly, and easier on the anchoring gear. In Australia zoning rules are complex but well documented. The information is available on the web, and from government offices.

Good seamanship requires forward planning to ensure shelter if required. If you need to shelter you are better off being stuck for a few days in a lovely spot like this.