What’s so good about Nara Inlet? Ask that question to anyone at Whitsunday Rent a Yacht and they will tell you, pretty much everything!
This post will cover the Highlights of Nara Inlet including thing to do, natural attractions and the famous First Nations Art Cave.
If you are interested in looking at all of the anchorage options around the Whitsundays, make sure you head over to our interactive anchorage map of the Whitsundays.
Why Nara Inlet is the best anchorage in the Whitsundays
Nara Inlet is easy to get to and being on the South of Hook Island, it’s central to many other popular sites in the Whitsundays.
As the name suggests, the anchorage is in an inlet making Nara the most protected anchorage in the Whitsundays. When you spend the night tucked into Hook Island, you’re protected from the north, south-east and west, meaning you’re likely to have a relaxing evening.
Nara is not only peaceful but incredibly scenic. The waters are very still with steeply wooded hills on either side. Keep an eye out for the goats hanging out on the rocks and the birds flying along the craggy rocks.
Nara Inlet is spacious. Dozens of boats can anchor almost anywhere down the two-mile stretch of the inlet and still have masses of swing room.
Perhaps one of the most exciting attractions for nature lovers is the abundance of wildlife. Home to many dolphins, turtles, a family of white-bellied sea eagles, brahminy kites, cockatoos, bush turkeys and a variety of egrets and herons you’re bound to enjoy getting up close to some of the Whitsundays “local residence”. And don’t forget, at certain times of the year, you’re very likely to be enjoying the company of Humpback Whales around the entrance to Nara Inlet!
How to access and anchor at Nara Inlet safely
When you enter Nara Inlet, avoid the shallow reefs by staying on the starboard side.
We recommend that you stay clear of Refuge Bay because there are some tricky coral bommies and reefs in this area.
You’re likely to be anchoring in a depth range of between 7 to 9 metres, therefore be prepared to have between 30 to 40 metres of chain out even before you connect your mooring bridle (catamarans) or mooring snubber (monohulls). Remember to let even more chain out in the unlikely event of high overnight winds. Golden Rule: “If in doubt, let more out!”
Nara has heavy-duty mud on the seafloor, which makes for great anchor holding. The downside is you’ll need to wash off this mud from your anchor and chain as you retrieve it before leaving, but that’s a very small price to pay for the security of a peaceful night’s sleep.
Things to Do at Nara Inlet
Please note that swimming is not recommended in Nara Inlet due to revised SharkSmart guidelines
Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding
The calm waters and interesting rock formations from within the inlet are perfect for exploring from a board. When making your booking, chat to our team about adding a kayak or SUP to your vessel.
Fishing
Fishing for live bait and Giant Trevally is often successful at Nara, especially around the rocky edges. Estuary fishing is also an option from within the Inlet.
The Nara Inlet waterfall and forrest
The forest is lush on this end of Hook Island. Make sure you go for a walk in the wet season to hear all sorts of tropical forest sounds. If you visit in the wet season, you will see a waterfall running up near the caves.
At the bottom of the inlet, you will find a stunning fresh-water rock pool to take a dip in
Climb the steep path up to the western side of the inlet for a spectacular view.
The Ngaro Art Cave
Visit the Ngaro Aboriginal cultural site is a must when visiting Nara Inlet. The site has caves with Aboriginal art stretching back 9 thousand years.
To access the trail leading up to the caves, go to the furthest, Northerly end of the Inlet. You will see a landing which is the beginning of a short 170m walk taking you up to the caves. It’s well-marked and accessible to all fitness levels with interactive displays explaining the significance of the site and artwork.
Photo C/O Queensland Tourism and Events
Few anchorages in the Whitsundays offer as many attractions and as much protection as Nara Inlet, it’s so special you might want to add an extra night here to your itinerary.
