Island Head Creek is in the Capricorn Coast’s Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area. It is a nationally important wetland and a wonderful place to shelter during a strong wind warning. You can enjoy fishing, crabbing, and leisurely walks on the beautiful white beaches. The beach is home to soldier crabs, which create a sight reminiscent of a mini city on the sand banks at low tide. Island Head Creek is only accessible when military training is not in progress, and it is a remote location. Visitors should be aware that crocodiles inhabit this area. Additionally, it’s essential to be mindful of spring tides, which have caused incidents where people anchored too close to the shore and ended up grounded. The ebbing tide and strong southeasterly winds can make the entrance rough, so we always make sure that everything is securely stowed and tied down before venturing in or out.
Anchoring Option:
Usually, the winds blow south-easterly; however, during a westerly wind (generally in winter), you can anchor off the coast. We were fortunate to anchor just up from Island Head Creek at Pine Tree Point during a strong wind warning, as the wind was blowing overland from the west, causing the swell to blow out to sea. This weather makes it perfect to anchor off the coast, which is not usually possible during south-easterlies. At Pinetree Point during westerlies, you can anchor to the left or anchor in the small bay on the right. There are beautiful anchorages in this area, so if you are visiting and the weather conditions are right, take advantage of the westerly wind and visit these remote bays.
