Places you should visit nearby...
Waddy Point
Orange Creek
Waddy Point
A great protected spot to pull up for the day, let the kids have a swim, walk the hill and check out the view, explore the rock pools, fish off the rocks, etc. This is near where people launch their boats. Where you can launch will depend on the gutter at the time, it is constantly changing. There are also public toilets located nearby in the camping zone.
South Waddy
Orange Creek
Waddy Point
A lot of people don't realise this place exists or that you're even allowed there. You are allowed to drive over and park up but you can't travel any further south from the entrance track unless you're on foot. This is another nice spot on a calm day, you can fish off the rocks or even have a go at beach worming. Take a walk to the rocks on the Southern end of the beach for a bit of serenity.
Ocean Lake
Orange Creek
Orange Creek
This is a tannin stained fresh water lake tucked away behind the Ocean lake camping zone. They also have public toilets here and a picnic table.
Orange Creek
Orange Creek
Orange Creek
A little further North from Ocean lake, this creek is another tannin stained fresh water swimming spot. our kids love this spot because it's generally pretty shallow and protected from vehicle traffic. The kids can play without having to worry about cars or waves. Sometimes it's broken it's banks and the water runs out to sea, while other times it's banks are closed.
Champagne Pools
Champagne Pools
Champagne Pools
You will drive past here on your way to Orchid beach. On high tide, the waves crash over the rocks creating what seems like a spa. They also have public toilets here.
Sandy Cape
Champagne Pools
Champagne Pools
You will need to keep track of the tides to make the trek to the sandy cape, but it's definitely worth it. Up here you will find the lighthouse, you can walk up and read about the history of the lighthouse, visit the graves and enjoy the beautiful calm waters on the North-western side of the Island. Climb the dunes, have a fish, do some b
You will need to keep track of the tides to make the trek to the sandy cape, but it's definitely worth it. Up here you will find the lighthouse, you can walk up and read about the history of the lighthouse, visit the graves and enjoy the beautiful calm waters on the North-western side of the Island. Climb the dunes, have a fish, do some beach worming on the way up, etc. On an ideal day you'll be able to head up on the first low tide and head back before the second low tide. Depending on the season, there may be a lot of traffic waiting to get through Ngkala rocks, so make sure you factor the possible wait time in.
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Wathumba Creek
Champagne Pools
Wathumba Creek
This is accessed through the inland track that runs past the Orchid Beach township. A great calm spot for a swim, launch the tinny, go for a fish on the Western side or do some crabbing up the creek. The sand is a beautiful crisp white and the sunsets over here are stunning. There are also public toilets here. Keep in mind that there are
This is accessed through the inland track that runs past the Orchid Beach township. A great calm spot for a swim, launch the tinny, go for a fish on the Western side or do some crabbing up the creek. The sand is a beautiful crisp white and the sunsets over here are stunning. There are also public toilets here. Keep in mind that there are usually Irukandji present in these waters during the warmer months. So put your kids in stinger suits when heading there.
Indian Head
Champagne Pools
Wathumba Creek
This is the gateway to Orchid Beach, but it's worth stopping in on your way past. It's a beautiful spot visually, great to cast a line, and you can even spot some crayfish around the headland or just watch the sunset whilst enjoying the serenity.
Things to do...
Fishing
Wildlife spotting
Adventuring
Bring the rods and tackle! There's obviously ample space for beach fishing, worming, etc. But there's also boating options! You can usually find a nice gutter to drop the boat in near Waddy Point where you'll be able to head out and catch some really good quality reef or game fish. This is Brent's personal favourite thing about Orchid Bea
Bring the rods and tackle! There's obviously ample space for beach fishing, worming, etc. But there's also boating options! You can usually find a nice gutter to drop the boat in near Waddy Point where you'll be able to head out and catch some really good quality reef or game fish. This is Brent's personal favourite thing about Orchid Beach; it's direct access to some of the best fishing grounds you'll find! Otherwise, head over to Wathumba Creek and drop the tinny in, set the crab pots and head out for a spot of squid fishing or flatty fishing in the pristine waters of the Western side.
Adventuring
Wildlife spotting
Adventuring
There is SO much to do on this Island. It's a huge Island, and it takes a fair amount of time to traverse the diverse landscape. Plan your day around the tides and do a day trip down to the Southern side of the Island. Visit the SS Maheno wreck and take the quintessential convoy photo in front of the wreck with your group before stopping
There is SO much to do on this Island. It's a huge Island, and it takes a fair amount of time to traverse the diverse landscape. Plan your day around the tides and do a day trip down to the Southern side of the Island. Visit the SS Maheno wreck and take the quintessential convoy photo in front of the wreck with your group before stopping in for a quick float down Eli Creek before heading inland to visit the famous Lake Mackenzie. Take it even further and traverse the inland track all the way through to Awinya Creek if you want. Just make sure you give yourself enough time either side of low to get back home in time for dinner.
Wildlife spotting
Wildlife spotting
Wildlife spotting
Other than swimming, fishing, exploring, 4wding, etc. There's always so much to keep an eye out for. Create a list for the kids and get them to tick the wildlife off the list as they spot it. You'll see dingoes, Eagles, Snakes, Goannas, Sharks, Whales, Eels, Turtles, the list goes on. You'll be surprised at the sheer amount of wildlife you'll spot in your travels.