Gold Coast to Middleton & Elizabeths Reef’s, Lord Howe Island, Balls Pyramid and Sydney
10 Nights | 820nm | join the crew | from AUD$7,750
This 820-nautical-mile offshore sailing expedition takes you from Southport on Queensland’s sunny Gold Coast to Sydney, via the remote and rarely visited Middleton Reef, Elizabeth Reef and the spectacular Lord Howe Island . It’s a unique Category 1 passage that offers a thrilling mix of open-ocean sailing, remote reef exploration, and a stopover at one of Australia’s most pristine islands.
Our first waypoint lies 300nm offshore—Middleton and Elizabeth Reefs, two of the world’s southernmost platform reefs. Rising from over 4,000 metres of ocean floor, these reef systems span more than 6 nautical miles and are visible at low tide. Their isolated beauty is matched by their history—over 70 vessels have been wrecked here in the past century, some of which are still visible today. Weather permitting, we’ll anchor inside Elizabeth Reef’s lagoon, a rare opportunity for snorkelling and exploration in this marine sanctuary.
From the reefs, we sail south to Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed haven surrounded by turquoise waters and soaring volcanic cliffs. The island, just 7nm long, offers hiking trails, friendly locals, and stunning marine biodiversity. After our stopover, we’ll sail past the awe-inspiring Ball's Pyramid, a dramatic sea stack rising 551 metres from the Tasman Sea.
The final 420nm leg westward brings us to Sydney, where we’ll sail through the Heads into one of the world’s most iconic harbours—home to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. This expedition is a rare and rewarding adventure through some of Australia’s most remote offshore wonders.