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Right on Brisbane’s doorstep, Moreton Bay and its islands offer fun cruising opportunities, writes Wally Cowin. 
That big saltwater pool in Brisbane’s front yard, Moreton Bay, offers a plethora of getaway opportunities, and you don’t need to own a yacht to enjoy them thanks to the boating operators now offering a variety of day trips and more.
On Australia Day, I joined a crew on the former Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race winner, Solo, for a trip to Moreton Island. We slipped the mooring at Manly’s WM Gunn Jetty with a mixed passenger load and a light breeze.
Solo’s Australia Day morning tea selection of cheese and crackers, ANZAC bickies and lamingtons got our giggles going just as the first squall of the day dampened things down.
For our pre-dive instruction we each donned our yellow protective gloves, which had us looking like Mickey Mouse. It’s not quite Fantasia, but there’s a wonderland waiting beneath those waves. Schools of multicoloured fish in all shapes and sizes swam up and down the food chain. All that fish and no chips, I thought.
Back on deck, the lunch time selection consisted of hot roast chicken drumsticks, ham off the bone, seven succulent salads, fresh bread and fruit and a shared bottle of chardonnay from the hold.
We cruised up the coast to anchor for the afternoon off Moreton Island, where we experienced exhilarating sand-boarding slides down the dunes.
Solo has all the gear and can leave passengers at safe remote island locations if you want to stay for a few days away and camp out.
If you don’t want to get wet or are looking for something different, a visit to St Helena Island is home to the remains of Brisbane’s own Alcatraz, a men-only island prison farm. Several operators service the island from the jetty at Manly, including Cat O’ Nine Tails, which features double decks and seating for 130 passengers. Ghostly nocturnal cruises to St Helena are also available with Manly Eco Cruises and Cat O’ Nine Tails.
AB Sea Cruises trace the early Aboriginal beginnings to the 19th century prison settlement. A picnic lunch is served in a shelter on the island while the St Helena Theatre troupe entertains visitors with some of the island’s terrible truths, fun facts and romantic rumours.
Manly Eco Cruises also offer bacon and eggs with bubbly on its early morning sunrise cruise, and all for under $40 (www.getawaycruising.com.au).
Manly Eco Cruises’ on-board commentary gives you a history lesson, while the All Day cruise features a great Aussie BBQ lunch complete with fresh King Prawns. Overboard, watch out for dolphins, dugongs and turtles, and keep that camera handy.
Last but not least is Stradbroke Island, perhaps the most visited of the Moreton Bay islands due to its car ferry access. The roll-on ferry service departs from Cleveland, and good bus services connect the ferry with Cleveland train station.
Along with its natural wonders, Straddie’s attractions include a museum and galleries. Fishing tours, charters and bait and tackle are all available, as is a range of accommodation from rustic to regal.
It’s best to book ahead to reserve a space as some crossings book out early.
Want to find out more about the Bay islands?
www.sthelenaisland.com.au
www.solosail.com.au
or Wynnum Manly Tourism, 43 Cambridge Parade, Manly.
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