Chalkie's Beach

Chalkie's Beach stretches along the western shore of Haslewood Island, featuring white silica sand and turquoise Coral Sea waters backed by the island's forested slopes. A fringing reef marks the water's edge, with depths increasing sharply beyond it.

The name comes from David Hutchen, who recorded scores on a blackboard during beer contests following Sydney to Hobart yacht races. This link to sailing traditions reflects the region's deep maritime heritage.

The beach connects to early Australian farming practices, with sheep operations running on the island during the 1920s that shaped the settlement's character. This pastoral heritage remains part of how visitors understand the island's role in the region's development.

Boats can use ten public moorings, though anchoring is not permitted due to the steep underwater drop-off and fringing reef that create hazardous conditions. Plan your water activities around these mooring points as they define the safe access zone.

The northern section features coral formations where sea turtles graze on shallow seagrass beds close to shore, offering visitors a chance to observe these animals in their natural feeding habitat. This activity makes it one of the few places in the region where such marine life encounters happen regularly.

Location: Queensland

GPS coordinates: -20.27806,149.07611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:43