Providence Beach, Broughton Island

Broughton Island… Often wanted to stop there, but the conditions were never right.

It’s wild and pristine (if you overlook the prickly pear that has invaded large areas of the vegetation near the shore).

There are three campsites in Esmaralda Cove, on timber platforms with tiedowns for the tent lines – very nicely done. I’ll send you photos when I’ve processed them.

I stayed in North Bay/Providence Beach as I knew we were due for a southerly overnight, but there’s a footpath across to Esmaralda Cove, only a couple of hundred metres hike. Unfortunately the rest of the island is covered in very dense scrub (and prickly pear) so I couldn’t explore inland or get to the little peak. I tried! I did hike along the shore though and it is very beautiful. Lots of rock pools and kelp beds etc. Must be good snorkeling there.

Worth a thousand words…

Just passed Barrenjoey with 10 knots on the beam and glorious sunshine!

Noticed a pool of oil under the engine as I got to the RMYC marina last week. After a clean and hard run we confirmed it was coming from the bell housing, so out with the engine. What inconvenient timing! I have to now move onto the boat with the green death squatting in the middle of the saloon. Still, could be worse. At least we’re not all four living on board up the Queensland Coast!

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The final leg from Newcastle to Sydney – a perfect way to end a perfect trip. Thanks to Fred Mau and Tom Gibson for helping me enjoy such a fabulous conclusion to the journey.