Expansive anchorage with pristine fringing reefs and the best sunsets in the Whitsundays
Location:
Northern side of Hook Island
Part of:
Whitsunday Islands National Park
Coordinates:
-20.0961, 148.9047
Access:
Bareboat charter, day tours, private vessel
Best for:
Snorkelling, anchoring, sunset viewing
Facilities:
Sandy beach, free moorings, no facilities
About Stonehaven Bay
Stonehaven Bay is a three-kilometre-long anchorage located on the northern side of Hook Island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park. This expansive bay sits within the protected waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is renowned among bareboat charterers as one of the most popular overnight anchorages in the Whitsundays.
The bay is surrounded by mountain ranges to the east and opens to the west, creating one of the best vantage points for sunset viewing in the region. Extensive fringing reefs line the shoreline, offering exceptional snorkelling opportunities at two distinct sites - Cockatoo Point on the northern edge and The Keyhole in the southern corner. The shallow waters around these reefs are home to colourful coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and an array of marine life typical of the Whitsundays.
Stonehaven Bay provides a sandy beach suitable for swimming and sunbathing, though like many Whitsunday anchorages, it offers no facilities or services. The bay features several free public moorings and deep anchoring opportunities, making it a favoured stopover for multi-day sailing itineraries. Its proximity to other notable snorkelling locations including Butterfly Bay and Manta Ray Bay makes Stonehaven Bay an ideal base for exploring Hook Island's northern coast.
What to Expect at Stonehaven Bay
Visitors to Stonehaven Bay will find a sprawling natural harbour backed by forested mountains and fringed with vibrant coral reefs. The bay offers sheltered waters that appear turquoise in the sunshine, with visibility that varies depending on recent rainfall. The extensive fringing reefs are visible from the surface in many areas, requiring careful navigation when approaching the shore or snorkelling sites.
The atmosphere is peaceful and remote, with the bay primarily visited by bareboat charter vessels and occasional day tours from Airlie Beach. Unlike the busier anchorages further south, Stonehaven Bay provides a sense of wilderness and isolation. The sandy beach is accessible by tender, and the surrounding waters teem with marine life. Dolphins, rays, and sea turtles regularly pass through the bay, and during winter months (June to September), humpback whales can occasionally be spotted in nearby waters.
One distinctive feature of Stonehaven Bay is the wind behaviour. Accelerated gusts known as "bullets" flow over Hook Island's mountains and sweep across the bay, often reaching twice the actual wind speed. These can make for an active night on a mooring but are less noticeable when properly anchored with sufficient chain. The western orientation means the bay captures spectacular sunsets, with the sun setting directly over the water between the surrounding islands.
How to Get to Stonehaven Bay
Bareboat Charter
The most common way to experience Stonehaven Bay is on a bareboat charter from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Multi-day sailing itineraries frequently include Stonehaven Bay as an overnight anchorage, typically on the second or third night of a charter. The bay sits approximately 25-30 kilometres from mainland departure points and offers free public moorings on a first-come, first-served basis.
Day Tours
Some snorkelling tours include stops at Cockatoo Point within Stonehaven Bay, particularly those focusing on Hook Island's northern snorkelling sites. Day tours typically depart from Coral Sea Marina or Port of Airlie in central Airlie Beach. Check tour itineraries in advance as not all Hook Island tours visit Stonehaven Bay specifically.
Private Vessel
Owners of private vessels can access Stonehaven Bay by launching from the public boat ramp at Shute Harbour. The journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on vessel type and sea conditions. Navigation requires caution due to isolated coral heads and extensive fringing reefs throughout the bay. Entry before 3pm is recommended when the sun angle provides better visibility of underwater hazards. Marine charts and up-to-date navigation equipment are essential.
Snorkelling Sites in Stonehaven Bay
Cockatoo Point
Located on the northern edge of Stonehaven Bay, Cockatoo Point is currently home to some of the best coral in the Whitsundays. The site features vibrant coral formations along the reef edge, with opportunities to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. One public mooring provides snorkel access, though anchoring outside the reef markers is permitted. The best technique is drift snorkelling with the current along the reef edge. Water conditions remain calm, though wind can be stronger here than elsewhere in the bay.
The Keyhole
The Keyhole sits in the southernmost corner of Stonehaven Bay and showcases impressive coral formations, diverse fish species, and regular turtle sightings. This site offers colourful coral gardens in relatively shallow water, making it accessible for snorkellers of various skill levels. Water clarity at The Keyhole is heavily dependent on recent rainfall - clear conditions provide excellent visibility, while rain in the previous week can significantly reduce water quality. Free moorings are available in the vicinity.
Things to Do at Stonehaven Bay
π€Ώ Snorkelling
Explore the fringing reefs at Cockatoo Point and The Keyhole, featuring colourful coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and diverse marine life.
π Swimming
Swim from the sandy beach or your vessel in the protected bay waters. Stinger suits recommended during summer months (November-May).
πΈ Sunset Photography
Capture spectacular Whitsundays sunsets from the bay's western orientation, with the sun setting directly over the water between surrounding islands.
β Anchoring
Drop anchor in deep water with extensive chain to counter wind bullets, or pick up one of the free public moorings throughout the bay.
π₯Ύ Bushwalking
Walk from Stonehaven Bay to Passage Peak lookout for panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands. The track takes approximately 45 minutes one way.
π’ Wildlife Watching
Spot dolphins, rays, and sea turtles in the bay. During winter (June-September), watch for humpback whales in surrounding waters.
Nearby Snorkelling Sites
π¦ Butterfly Bay
Adjacent to Stonehaven Bay on Hook Island's northern coast, featuring fringing reefs, coral bommies, and abundant marine life. Multiple public moorings available.
π Manta Ray Bay
One of the Whitsundays' most popular snorkelling sites, known as "The Aquarium" for its friendly fish populations. Short distance from Stonehaven Bay.
π Blue Pearl Bay
Located on Hayman Island northwest of Stonehaven Bay, offering colourful corals, caves, swim-throughs, and the resident Maori wrasse.
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
Stonehaven Bay can be visited year-round, with the dry season (April to October) offering the most consistent conditions for snorkelling and sailing. Winter months (June to September) provide cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and opportunities to spot humpback whales migrating through the Whitsundays. Summer (November to May) brings warmer water temperatures ideal for extended snorkelling sessions, though marine stinger season requires protective clothing. The bay's popularity peaks during Australian school holidays, particularly in September and October.
What to Bring
Essential items include snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel, fins), stinger suit during summer months, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and drinking water. For overnight stays, bring all provisions including food, as no shops or services exist in the area. Navigation charts or GPS with up-to-date reef information are crucial for safe navigation. Adequate anchor chain is important if anchoring rather than using moorings. Camera equipment for underwater photography and sunset captures.
Important Notes
- Marine stinger season (November-May) requires full-body stinger suits for swimming and snorkelling
- Wind bullets can be twice the actual wind speed - use extra anchor chain if not on moorings
- Navigate with caution due to isolated coral heads and fringing reefs throughout the bay
- Enter before 3pm when sun angle provides best visibility of underwater hazards
- Water clarity at The Keyhole significantly reduced if rain in previous week
- No facilities, shops, or services available - bring all provisions
- Mobile phone coverage may be limited or non-existent
- Moorings available first-come, first-served with high demand during peak season
- Irukandji jellyfish present during summer - seek local advice before entering water
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Stonehaven Bay located?
Stonehaven Bay is located on the northern side of Hook Island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park, approximately 25-30 kilometres from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
What are the best snorkelling spots in Stonehaven Bay?
The two main snorkelling sites are Cockatoo Point on the northern edge, which features some of the best coral in the Whitsundays, and The Keyhole in the southern corner, known for impressive coral formations and sea turtle sightings.
Are there moorings available at Stonehaven Bay?
Yes, Stonehaven Bay offers several free public moorings throughout the bay on a first-come, first-served basis. Anchoring is also permitted, though extra chain is recommended due to wind bullets that sweep across the bay.
Can day tours visit Stonehaven Bay?
Some day tours include stops at Cockatoo Point within Stonehaven Bay, particularly snorkelling-focused tours visiting Hook Island's northern sites. Most visitors experience Stonehaven Bay as an overnight anchorage on multi-day bareboat charters.
Why is Stonehaven Bay popular with bareboat charterers?
Stonehaven Bay is favoured for its excellent snorkelling at multiple sites, spectacular sunset views, proximity to other Hook Island attractions, free moorings, and the peaceful, remote atmosphere. Many consider it their favourite anchorage in the Whitsundays.
Experience Stonehaven Bay
Experience Stonehaven Bay on multi-day sailing tours or snorkelling day tours visiting Hook Island's northern coast. For the best experience, consider bareboat charters that allow you to anchor overnight and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.
Good to Know
β Most popular anchorage on northern Hook Island
β Three kilometres of open bay with mountain backdrop
β Best sunsets in the Whitsundays
β Cockatoo Point has some of the best coral currently
β Free public moorings available throughout bay
β Walking track to Passage Peak lookout (45 min)
β Close to Butterfly Bay and Manta Ray Bay
β No facilities or services - bring provisions
Type: Bay & Anchorage
Location: Northern Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands National Park
Best For: Snorkelling, anchoring, sunset viewing, overnight stays