If you’re looking for a picture-perfect anchorage in the Whitsundays, Stonehaven is hard to beat. Known for its sweeping views across the Whitsunday Passage, vibrant reefs, and magical sunsets, this anchorage has become a favourite for sailors season after season.
Where is Stonehaven Located?
Stonehaven consists of three small bays on the north-western side of Hook Island, just a short sail from popular spots like Langford Island. There is plenty of space for anchoring or picking up a mooring, with stunning views out over the Whitsunday Passage.
Stonehaven is a great place to base yourself if you want to explore Hook and Hayman Island. It’s also located close to some of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the Whitsundays.
The Best Conditions for Stonehaven
Stonehaven offers good holding and plenty of moorings, making it a reliable overnight stop. It’s best enjoyed in southeasterly trade winds, which are common in the Whitsundays. The bay is large and well-protected from the southeast, but like most open anchorages, it can be a little rolly in strong northerlies.
Snorkelling at Stonehaven
Stonehaven is fringed by coral reefs and surrounded by some of the most accessible snorkel spots in the region. Slip over the side of your yacht and you’ll likely be greeted by colourful corals, reef fish, and maybe even a turtle gliding by. There is good snorkelling in all three bays.
Scuba Diving Near Stonehaven
For divers, Stonehaven is perfectly placed to explore Langford-Bird Reef and Black Island Reef. These reefs are teeming with marine life and are just a short tender ride away. Many bareboaters choose to spend the night at Stonehaven so they can enjoy an early start to scuba diving and snorkelling the neighbouring reefs.
Hikes from Stonehaven
If you’re keen to stretch your legs, Stonehaven gives you access to some of Hook Island’s more rugged bushwalks. Trails usually start from the shoreline, so you’ll need to head ashore in your tender. Once on land, you can pick up tracks that lead inland through woodland and scrub, climbing gradually toward the higher ridges.
The most rewarding walk takes you to the Stonehaven Waterfall, one of the larger cascades in the Whitsundays. The trail winds through shady forest and rocky gullies before bringing you to the falls, which are particularly impressive after rain. Along the way, keep an eye out for native birds and butterflies, and from elevated points, you may glimpse views back over the bay.
Because the paths are unmarked and can be overgrown, it’s best to go prepared: wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and avoid setting off late in the afternoon. Talk to locals before you head out by calling our base via radio. After wet weather, the ground can be slippery, and some creek crossings may be challenging. While the walk isn’t long, it feels adventurous, and reaching the waterfall makes it well worth the effort.
Other Things to Do Around Stonehaven
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Stonehaven Waterfall – After rain, this impressive waterfall comes to life, cascading down into the lush forest. It’s one of the larger waterfalls in the Whitsundays and worth seeking out.
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Wildlife Watching – Dolphins often play in the bay at dusk, and you may even spot sea eagles soaring overhead.
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Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, Stonehaven offers some of the best stargazing in the islands. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky in spectacular detail.
Sunsets at Stonehaven
Stonehaven is known as having the best seat in the Whitsundays for sunsets. Moor up, pop a bottle of bubbly, and take in the horizon as the sky melts into shades of gold, pink, and purple. Once the sun dips away, stay on deck as the moon rises, casting a silver glow across the calm waters.
