Thistle and Wedge Islands

Thistle and Wedge Islands are interesting and very scenic destinations which are well worth visiting in suitable weather conditions. In fact Whalers Bay on Thistle Island is one of the ‘jewels in the crown’ of sailing destinations in SA. Vessels sailing from to will pass close to both islands, and even if a stop is not planned, a detour for close look is still rewarding.

Mittlers Cove Shelter from N – E – SE.

Indicative Anchoring Position Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. 34° 57.42’S 136° 05.05’E The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.

Mittlers Cove is an interesting but seldom visited anchorage on the south-western tip of Thistle Island. It is very exposed to the south-west and should be visited only when there is no large swell running (or likely).

A well charted underwater reef runs westward from Nose Point towards and care must be taken to avoid this. The bottom in the cove is rocky in places, but it is possible to find large sandy patches and the holding is good. Beach access is tricky due to the shore break.

This anchorage has a remote and isolated feel, although it is actually not far away from more popular areas. Despite the minor hazards it is well worth visiting, perhaps as a daytime stop because of the danger presented by an unexpected south-westerly swell during an overnight stay.

Snug Cove Shelter from NE – E – S

Indicative Anchoring Position Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. 34° 56.0’S 136° 05.4’E The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.

It is not clear how Snug Cove was named because it is neither snug nor a cove (unlike its namesake), but it is nevertheless a useful anchorage, although not particularly scenic. It is located south-west of Observatory Point which is a low and sandy stretch of coast off the northern tip of Thistle Island.

An underwater reef extends about one mile west of Observatory Point, and the anchorage must be approached from the western side. The anchoring location is well off-shore because the cove is very shallow. The bottom is patchy weed and the holding is good. Shore access requires a long dinghy ride, and the available beach area is quite small as most of the coast consists of low cliffs.

Whalers Bay Shelter from SE – S – W

Indicative Anchoring Position Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. 35° 00.3’S 136° 11.1’E The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.

Whalers Bay is a magnificent anchorage with a long white beach, soaring cliffs up to 200 metres high, and excellent holding in deep sand. Although the usual anchoring position is at the south- eastern end near Horny Point, it is possible to anchor anywhere along this long beach if the wind is suitable.

Shore access is easy anywhere, and long beach walks are very worthwhile.

Waterhouse Bay Shelter from S – W – NW

Indicative Anchoring Position Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. 35° 02.4’S 136° 11.7’E The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.

Waterhouse Bay is located at the south-eastern end of Thistle Island, and is seldom visited as it is totally exposed to the prevailing SE winds in the summer cruising season.

The indicative anchoring position is in the northern end of the bay and is one of the few anchorages in this area which provides shelter in northerlies and north-westerlies. The southern end of the bay provides protection from southerlies, but is nowhere near as comfortable as Whalers Bay which is only a few miles away.

There are exposed rocks near the northern and southern ends of the bay, and the bottom is rocky in several places. However, it is not hard to find good sandy patches in which to anchor, and the holding is good.

Shore access is not good. There is a considerable shore break and much of the shore line is rocky.

West Bay Shelter from NE – SE – S

Indicative Anchoring Position Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. 35° 08.7’S 136° 26.8’E The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.

West Bay is an unlikely looking anchorage on the north-western end of Wedge Island. It is a steep sided, deep water bay which often looks choppy, but despite appearances it is generally comfortable, and provides good shelter in typical summer conditions. If approaching from the east, an awash rock with violently breaking waves will be seen about 700 metres past the northern tip of the island. It is called West Rock, and the passage between the rock and the island is deep and clear.

The best anchoring is in the south-eastern corner of the bay where there are good patches of sand in depths around 10 to 12 metres. Further out the patches of sand are harder to find and more care is needed to prevent the anchor fouling.

Main Beach Shelter from S – SW – W

Indicative Anchoring Position Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. 35° 09.0’S 136° 28.6’E The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.

The wide expanse of beach on the north-eastern side of Wedge Island is an attractive backdrop to a useful anchorage. The bottom is sandy and the holding is good. However, it is very prone to rolling because there is often a south-easterly swell running parallel to the beach.

In strong south-westerly conditions, the shelter is excellent and the anchorage very comfortable. Beach access can be difficult due to the shore break, and this should be attempted with caution.

North Islet Shelter from NW - N

Indicative Anchoring Position Note. Indicative anchoring positions are for reference only and should not be used as waypoints. 35° 07.3’S 136°28.5 ’E The best position for anchoring depends on many factors including vessel draft, tide, and forecast wind.

The southern-eastern side of North Islet is another unlikely looking anchorage, but one which is useful in northerly weather preceding a south-westerly change. The holding is reasonably good in patchy weed. Shore access is not possible, and this anchorage is best viewed as a temporary stop when conditions dictate.

The is no shelter once the change arrives, and it is necessary to move immediately to the Main Beach anchorage.