37. Low Isles - Return journey

Sunday 28 September


Afternoon Tea

All too soon it was time to leave and head back to the boat for the journey back to Port Douglas. Afternoon tea was served (again by the First Mate) - wonderful biscuits and of course tea and coffee.


Low Island

A last look at the island as we slowly made our way back to Port Douglas. I hadn't noticed the bird until after taking the photo.


Watching the Boats

People were sitting outside along the water just looking at the view. The chap on the left in a white top has his camera out.


Setting Sun

It was magical - slowly sailing with the setting sun, sipping champagne.


Sunset Sailing

The still sounds of night and the beauty of the sunset, the gentle ding-ding of the bell ringing as we approached Dixon Inlet and the Marina. A wonderful end to a glorious day. I was a little sad - I wished the day could go on forever. Of all the cruises and trips I've done, this one stands out as an unforgettable and beautiful memory.


The Crew

Back at the Marina, the journey is over - a wonderful ending to a beautiful day. I asked the Skipper could I have a photo with him and the First Mate - he gracously agreed.

36. Low Isles - Island Walk

Sunday 28 September


The Low Isles are a Marine National Park Zone. Day visitors can come to the island via a number of commercial operators. There is a lagoon where private vessels can moor or anchor overnight, but there is no overnight accommodation on the island. There is a weather station, a lighthouse and the University of Queensland's research station.

There are two islands - Woody Island and Low Island, but it is to Low Island that the visitors come. Low Island is a "typical" tropical island - just like you see on the movies. It is a smaller vegetated, sandy, coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef.

Low Isles Map

No fishing is allowed in the lagoon or within a buffer zone around the islands.

Personal Palms

There are several shady palms - you get your own personal palm. One had two maroon chairs which are "reserved" the the crew - the Skipper and the First Mate!

Around The Island

I did a nature walk around the island. Low Isles are low, wooded islands, an island type unique to the GBR. The story begins around 7,000 years ago.....

As rising sea slowly covered the top of an ancient reef, dead corals were swept onto the reef flat. Heavy fragments settled on the windward side, building up a barrier. Mangrove seeds established in behind the barrier and Woody Island was formed.

Finer coral fragments were blown onto the sheltered corner of the reef flat. A low sandy cay emerged - Low Island.


Shady Trees

With their heavy cloak of vegetation, the islands are home to many birds - Osprey, Varied Honeyeater, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Sooty Oyster, White-Breasted Woodswallow, Mangrove Kingfisher.


Palms

In 1992 local people mindful of their neighbourly responsibilities, formed the Low Isles Preservation Society to protect Low Isles and promote reef research and education.

Many years of habitation has left its mark on Low Island - coconuts are more plentiful than on a "pristine" cay and exotic plants bear witness to diligent gardening by previous residents. Some exotic plants brought to the island include Singapore Daisy, Frangipani and Hibiscus. Today, Low Island is managed to prevent further imapacts, especially from visitors to this special place.


Low Isles Lighthouse

The Low Isles tower (1878) was constructed on a timber frame with a galvanised sheath in the typical Queensland fashion, and it was the first to have porthole windows. . Attached to the top was a 1.5m diameter lantern manufactured by Chance Bros of Birmingham, England.

A timber staircase gives access to the lantern room. The tower was painted white with a red dome. All the buildings were prefabricated elsewhere and transported and assembled on site.

The final cost of the lightstation was: capital cost of buildings - £4,090, cost of optical apparatus- £1,389. The island the tower is now controlled
by Queensland Parks and Wildlife.


Lighthouse

The Low Isles Lighthouse is on a low flat coral cay surrounded by thick vegetation. You can read further information and history here.

Research Station

The University of Queensland's Low Isles Research Station was previously the assistant lighthouse keeper's house. The research station consists of one house only, with good laboratory facilities located below, and can accommodate a maximum of 6 scientists.

Low Isles Research Station works closely with the ecotourism vessel Undersea Explorer, supporting quality research projects, promoting field work opportunities for University students and providing an exciting and stimulating reef adventure for scientists and students.



Shed

The shed is part of the research station.

Island View

Back to where I started. It was lovely strolling around the island - no noise save for the sound of birds and the leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. No smelly polutants, just clean, fresh air with the sun on your face and a feeling of timelessness.

35. Port Douglas - Low Isles

Sunday 28 September

I made my way to the Marina for my trip to the Low Isles. There are several tours to choose from but I wanted to sail on "Shaolin", an authentic Chinese Junk. She is the only boat that leaves at midday and returns around sunset. You can BYO alcohol and the Captain puts it in the esky for you to keep cold. The maximum number of guests is only 23 making it a more personalised and friendly experience. On this day there were 17 of us. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to see the Low Isles - the trip on Shaolin is something that lingers with you long after your holiday is over.



Shaolin

Commissioned by an admiral and built from teak in Hong Kong, she cruised the South China Sea for 16 years, sailing around the world twice, before Port Douglas became her home.

Shaolin has been operating for over 21 years and is the longest running charter boat in "Port", laced with history and charm.



At the Marina

Standing in front of Shaolin.

Shaolin

Shaolin is an authentic Chinese Junk which sails to the Low Isles each day at noon. The magnificent polished timber, opulent Oriental decor of the Bedroom would make this a dream come true for those who wanted to live "At Sea."

The Inside

The ship is a timber ship with beautiful polished timber. The one bedroom has portholes on either side and above the bed. Red silk coverings of Chinese design with plump pillows and cushions.

On boarding, we had morning tea with delicious cakes served to us by the Captain's mate, Pete. The square table has a red top with a timber "lip" - to prevent cups from falling off.


Onboard Shaolin

Morning tea over, the trip takes one and a half hours. The wind was cool, the sea a little choppy, and as we neared the Low Isles, the weather became warmner, the sea calmer and the sun shone brightly in an blue sky.

Low Isles Lighthouse

Low Isles is a pristine coral cay island on the Great Barrier Reef and when we reached this blue lagoon, we had a delicious lunch of assorted cold meats, salads and crisp rolls.

Malaita

Other boats at the island.


Sailaway IV

Sailaway was making its way back to Port D.

Glass-bottomed Boat

Lunch over, we climbed into the glass-bottomed boat and saw fish and coral through the glass. We marveled at the turtles swimming around and under us.


Ocean View

Standing on the island and looking out, you can see Shaolin on the right-hand side and the glass-bottom boat in the middle. There is another boat to the left.