Ninian Bay was a welcome spot after a vigorous downwind sail with just a headsail out. Although shallow, the anchorage is comfortable in strong southeasterly trade winds and is just south of Cape Melville but well north of Lizard Island.
Pass to the north of the two small Barrow Islands off Barrow Point. The bay is shallow throughout. The best position we found was right on the 2 metre line directly off the low ridge/rocky outcrop, as shown on the map. Get in as far as your vessel's draught will allow with consideration to the tide. The mud and sandbank extend quite a considerable way out from the shore. Holding is great in mud and sand.
When we were here, even though the wind was blowing quite hard (30+ knots all day) and was predicted to strengthen slightly overnight, Ninian Bay offered a secure and comfortable anchorage with little wavelets rolling past the boat and slapping against the hull.
Ninian Bay is in a conservation zone and part of Cape Melville National Park, which is very remote, even by road. Only 4WD vehicles can access this part of the park, and it is closed throughout the wet season. Onshore, there is a campground among the shady woodland vegetation, and slightly inland from the campsite is a swamp area.
Large crocodiles are frequently seen here. Ninian Bay is partly a Marine National Park Zone and partly a Conservation Park Zone. Check "Eye on the Reef".
Experience Counts!
New for 2024
Discover The Coconut Coast: Anchorages of the Townsville, Cairns, Cooktown and Peninsula (Cape York) Coasts from Gloucester Island in the northern Whitsundays all the way north to Princess Charlotte Bay. Experience counts. Cruise with local knowledge.