Shelter, holding and local know-how for the classic overnighters around Gold Coast. Always check the forecast before you commit.
The Coast's most popular overnight anchorage.
A large sheltered bay just inside the Seaway on the northern tip of the Spit. Deep sand holding, easy access, and a short dinghy ride to the ramps and cafés at Southport. Busy on weekends and holidays — get in early and set the pick with room to swing.
Beach fires and long quiet nights.
A protected stretch on the western side of South Stradbroke, north of Tipplers. Sandy holding close in, room to swing, and a walk-across to the surf beach. One of the classic Broadwater overnighters — bring the beach chairs and a torch.
Southern Broadwater, mangrove-lined quiet.
A sheltered anchorage tucked behind Tabby Tabby Island on the run down to Jumpinpin. Muddy sand holding, protected in most conditions and well off the main channel. A good staging point for a Pin crossing at first light.
Southern Moreton Bay classic.
The go-to overnight on the northern run out of the Broadwater. Sheltered by Russell Island, good sand holding and easy access from the Canaipa Passage. Pop the awning, wet a line off the back, watch the sun drop behind Straddie.
The classic Broadwater weekender.
The best-known anchorage on the western side of South Stradbroke, just north of the ferry landing. Good sand holding, a short walk across to the surf beach, kiosk and campground ashore. Gets busy on long weekends — arrive early, anchor with plenty of scope and be mindful of the ferry lane.
Quiet pocket on the western Broadwater run.
A snug spot tucked in behind the sandbanks north of Tipplers, favoured by locals looking to escape the weekend crowd. Sand holding with a bit of weed in patches — set the anchor firmly and back down. Great early-morning fishing off the flats.
The name says it all — glassy and still.
A small, protected pocket up the western side of South Stradbroke that lives up to its name on the right night. Muddy sand holding, well off the main channel and out of the wash. A local favourite for a quiet overnighter with mates.
Curved sand and clear water.
A pretty little curve of beach on South Stradbroke with clean sand holding and clear water for a swim off the back. Best in settled weather — the bay opens to the north and gets uncomfortable when the NE fills in.
Up the river, out of the weather.
When the Broadwater is up, the Coomera offers a run of protected anchorages tucked between the marinas and the mangroves. Mud holding, minimal fetch and easy access to Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island for supplies. Watch the tide and stay clear of moored boats and channel markers.
City lights, sheltered water.
Anchor off the northern Broadwater within a short dinghy ride of the Paradise Point cafés, restaurants and parkland. Sand holding, generally sheltered, and one of the easier overnighters if you want dinner ashore. Mind the shallow patches on a low tide.
Handy overnighter close to home.
The stretch of Broadwater off Runaway Bay offers a handful of easy overnight spots close to the ramps and marina. Sand holding, sheltered from the west, and popular with locals grabbing a quick night on the water. Keep clear of the moored fleet and channel.
Islands, channels and endless options.
North of the Broadwater the bay opens up into a maze of islands — Karragarra, Lamb, Macleay, Perulpa and Coochiemudlo — each with its own sheltered nook to drop the pick. Sand and mud holding, easy day-hopping between islands, and some of the quietest overnight stops within an easy run of home.