Your guide
Cameron is a professional tour guide and fisherman who has worked for numerous years on commercial vessels and charters in 1770 and beyond. A respected local for more than 20 years, he has a vast knowledge of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and all things boating and fishing.
Cameron has worked with a variety of navigational and sonar equipment, his fishing and boating knowledge and techniques span over 30 years, and equally as important is his willingness to share his knowledge with his clients for the best possible outcome. He goes above and beyond to ensure you have the best possible time on the water.
As a family man with 3 children, Cameron enjoys working with families, couples, individuals and mates. He is aware of your need for privacy, so you can relax knowing you can have your personal space whenever needed. Your enjoyment and safety are his top priorities.
Safety
Safety equipment
Before we head out, it is vital for our safety that you have the following safety equipment:
- VHF Radio
- EPIRB
- Life jackets for every person on board
- Flares
- V-Sheet
- First Aid Kit
- Fire extinguisher
Please note that without any of the above items, we cannot proceed on the water. All boats are checked prior to departure during our catch up the day before our trip.
Know your fuel capacity and consumption. Being rescued by VMR will cost you dearly. Allow extra fuel in case of bad weather.
Log in with VMR before you depart and on your return:
Round Hill (1770)
Call sign: VMR 477
Phone: 07 4974 9383
Emergency after hours: 0427 747 477
Radio frequencies: VHF: 16, 81, 82 | 27Mhz: 88, 91 | MF/HF: 2182, 2524
Bundaberg VMR
Call sign: VMR 488
Phone: 07 4159 4349
Radio frequencies: VHF: 16, 67, 22, 80, 81 | MF/HF: 2524, 4125
Gladstone VMR
Call sign: VMR Gladstone
Phone: 07 4972 3333
Emergency after hours: 0417 681 921
Radio frequency: VHF: 82
If the weather isn’t on our side, we will cancel or postpone until a better weather window. Your safety is our utmost priority, and we will not head out if we feel it is unsafe to do so.
Boat size
Boats heading out over 20 miles and to the Reef must be a minimum of 5.5 meters.
Smaller boats have the opportunity to visit inshore reef areas, wrecks and creeks. This can include Pancake Creek (known for its estuarine coral reef) and Bustard Head with associated rocky outcrops. There are four nearby creeks and a lot of decent inshore bottom fishing and pelagic areas, as well as activities such as sand boarding, snorkelling and the historic Bustard Head Lighthouse.
What to bring
Full tank of fuel and back up fuel
Fishing rods, reels, gimbal belt, tackle (see Tackle Box below)
Eskys, bait and ice
Drinking water and food
Sun protection
Optional recreational water toys such as snorkelling gear, tow bards, kayaks, SUPs, surfboards, spear gun, a tender, inflatables, and videography gear such as a drone, GoPro or underwater camera
As we want you to have the most enjoyable day possible, if you are vulnerable to motion sickness we recommend that you take sea sickness tablets before launching your boat. Please read the label on these products and check with your doctor prior to doing so.
Tackle Box
We can provide you with the ultimate Reef tackle box for your trip, including leader, lures, sinkers, swivels, and hooks. We can also get your bait and ice for you if needed. Quantities and cost will of course depend on the length of your trip and how many people will be fishing. Contact us and we can get this arranged for you.
Alternately if you want to bring your own gear, check with us first that you’ve got the right tools for the job. We will send you a tackle and bait list, and visit the Bait & Tackle shop together the afternoon before we head out.
Southern Great Barrier Reef
From Bundaberg, dependent on conditions it takes an average of 2 hours to reach the Reef at a distance of 50 miles, from 1770 it takes an average 1.5 hours at a distance of 32 miles, and from Gladstone an average of 1.5 hours at a distance of 30 miles.
The area we visit on our Reef trips is known as the Bunker Capricorn Group (Southern Great Barrier Reef), starting at Lady Elliot Island in the south, and continuing up to North Reef. Within that area we can visit the sheltered lagoons of Lady Musgrave Island and Fitzroy Reef, the many exposed coral reefs such as Boult, Sykes, Broomfield and many more, and visit islands such as Lady Musgrave, Fairfax and Hoskins.
On our fishing trips, we can fish as shallow as 10 metres, right out to the shelf (100 metres +), as well as the Reef flats including Broomfield and Sykes.
If travelling independently, please be mindful of all protected no-take green zones and the associated rules. Do not fish these areas, but please enjoy the unbelievable marine life by going for a snorkel. Download the GBRMPA zoning map.
Where to stay
The following accommodation has space to park your boat:
AGNES WATER/1770
Captain Cook Holiday Village (07) 4974 9219
Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort (07) 4974 9428
Private house rentals www.accomm1770.com.au and www.1770beachaccommodation.com.au
Secure boat storage with a wash down and filleting facility is available at 1770 Boat & Shed Storage (07) 4974 7047
BUNDABERG (Burnett Heads)
Air BNB offer private house rentals such as ‘Tree Tops’ in Burnett Heads
BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara (07) 4159 2228
Bargara Gardens Motel & Holiday Villas (07) 4159 2295
GLADSTONE
Kin Kora Village Caravan Park (07) 4978 5461
Air BNB offer private house rentals in Gladstone and Tannum Sands
Wash down facilities are available at the Yacht Club boat ramp (need your own hose)
OUR SERVICES
Your Enjoyment & Safety is Our Top Priority
Snorkelling & Island Trips
Discover the natural beauty of the world-heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
Fishing
Full day, overnight & multi-night trips. Learn new fishing tips and techniques.
Boating
Gain confidence in your vessel, so that you can independently navigate your way to the Reef or closer inshore areas.
Consultations
Want to know more about the area without a guide on board? Book a one hour phone consult.