On the western shore of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), south of Dunwich and north of Price Anchorage, Blaksley is one of Moreton Bay’s quieter boat-access gems. Locals have long called the spot Blakesley’s Slip or Blaksley Anchorage; Queensland Parks lists the camping area as Blaksley. Secluded, sandy and only reachable by water, it is a favourite when you want bay views without the weekend circus at Peel or Tangalooma.

How to get there

Heading out from the leads at Manly Boat Harbour, sail south-east toward Peel Island, then continue east and south along the western (bay) side of North Stradbroke. Blaksley sits on that sheltered western shore roughly mid-way down from Dunwich toward the southern bay islands.

Stay in the marked channels and keep Beacon to Beacon handy — sandbanks and shallow patches are common along this shore. Closest mainland ramps for trailer boats are at Victoria Point; from Manly under sail it is typically a half-day run depending on breeze and tide. Arrive with enough daylight to pick your spot and land the dinghy above the high-water mark.

Anchorage Overview

Best winds: Typically south-east / easterly protection from the island (confirm on the day)

Depth: Variable and often shallow close in — sound carefully; favour mid-tide approaches

Bottom: Sand / mud near the shore

Getting into the anchorage

Work in slowly, watching the sounder. The foreshore dries a long way at low water, so do not anchor hard against the beach on a falling tide. Leave room for other boats and for dinghies ferrying campers ashore.

If you are camping in the national park, do not tie ropes around trees when securing a tender, and lift kayaks over the sandbank rather than dragging them. Check the Moreton Bay marine forecast before you commit — the western shore is sheltered from Pacific swell but still picks up afternoon bay chop.

Name note: Charts, fishing forums and older local usage often say “Blakesley’s Slip”; official park signage and Queensland Parks use Blaksley. Same place.

What to do there

Blaksley camping area sits in Naree Budjong Djara National Park — boat or kayak access only, small number of tent sites, no toilets, no fresh water, no showers. Bring drinking water, a portable toilet, rubbish bags and whatever else you need; fuel stoves are preferred and campfire rules apply. Mobile coverage is patchy.

Afloat and ashore the drawcards are simple: swimming, snorkelling nearby when conditions allow, fishing and crabbing (check Marine Park and Fish Habitat rules), birdlife, and the quiet of a bay-side camp under the she-oaks. Goannas and black cockatoos are part of the scenery. Off-peak midweeks you may have the place almost to yourself; school holidays get busier.

Blaksley is ideal for a quiet overnight or a short bush-camp weekend when the wind suits. It’s a favourite with Yachtshare owners who like their Moreton Bay with a bit more solitude.

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