This is it. The last stop still in Australia territory. 12 nautical miles from here we officially leave Australian waters
We were anchored between Thursday Island and Horn Island. There are a few other islands in this little cluster that are classed as Australian territory. This is where the administrative offices are to clear customs and immigration to officially leave Australia. This is also the last place to stock up on provisions, fuel and alcohol. All at very high prices.
coming into the anchorage
when the tide is out it's all the way out
The majority of the population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders here. It also has a big population of crocodiles. And sharks. Not your little reef sharks that I've been known to follow and film, but bigger, more aggressive tiger sharks. The water here is the most amazing colour of blue. It's like aqua and turquoise have been mixed together. And guess what? Can't swim here. You can barely put a toe in the water. Every day I look at the water then whinge because I can't jump in it. It's really hot here, and humid, but when the locals won't get in the water, I don't get in the water.
The people here are very friendly and happy to help. Thanku Macca, who drove our jerrycans from the fuel station to the jetty, just to be helpful. Then gave us 2 fresh crayfish tails. There are several old boats moored in this anchorage that are used to clean, wrap then freeze the crayfish that the locals catch using smaller boats.
this old timber ferry is slowly sinking on it's mooring
This anchorage is where all of us yachts on the rally were meeting up to begin the voyage across the seas to Indonesia. There were 18 yachts in total so there was quite alot of excitement and socialising that went on as we discussed wind, current and sea conditions. And the route we all would take. Of course, one final night of sundowners and sunset was called for. Thanks Cathy Oz for having us all aboard.
the Motley Crew of fellow sailors
12 nautical miles north of here and we passed the invisible line that is the end of Australian waters. The moment when we looked at each other and said
"Indonesia, here we come!".
Until next time, Watusi Woman - social sailor, out.
the last sunset before we leave Australia
That sea is indeed super blue! It looks like spilling ink. As you described, tiger sharks and crocs everywhere. It's better to stay on the boat.
Question about the invisible border, do you have to stamp your passport first before leaving the shore? Is there any particular procedure required? How do you alert the Indonesia authority on your arrival? My mind suddenly goes to the South Korea DMZ where snipers at the border roof top at the other side of the territory 🤪
Haha, no snipers I hope. Because we are part of a rally, the Indonesian government is aware that we are coming. We had to submit paperwork and receive exit stamps from Australian customs and immigration, then leave Australia within 24 hours. Once we arrive in Indonesia we have to put up a quarantine flag and stay on the boat until customs etc come to us. Lots of paperwork involved 😜
Wow.. it's amazing to read this. I went and google the locations of the islands you've mentioned. It's very near Papua New Guinea. It's scary to know that some of the waters are infested with tiger sharks. Such a beautiful sight.
It's great to hear that you are interested in our journey enough to google where we are or have been. We were very close to Papua and on our crossing to Indonesia we came across many fishing boats and nets from Papua New Guinea. More about the crossing in my next post 😎
Wow.. It's an adventure of a lifetime. Where in Indonesia are you going to cross into? Just curious to know. hehe.. It's great to read your post. Like those stories I used to read but in real life.
We enter and pass customs at Kei Kecil Island. It's great to know you are enjoying my posts. Real life is one big adventure for us 😊
Wow.. Kei Kecil ( Small in Indonesian) Island. Must be a small island called Kei island. haha.. need to google that.
There is Kei Kecil and Kei Besar, so yes, little and big islands
We have actually arrived and passed customs and immigration already. Unfortunately, with no internet service since before the crossing to Indonesia I'm having to play catch up with my posts.
What a beautiful view ❤️
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Hello lovely Aussie sailor! 🥰
I would love to join and enjoy sailing with you. 😀🥰
Hello @shikika, it's very exciting when people are interested in sailing. It's certainly not for everyone. I've embraced the sailing life and would love to share it with everyone.
⋆ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ғᴏʀ sᴏᴜᴛʜᴇᴀsᴛ ᴀsɪᴀɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴏɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ
⋆ sᴜʙsᴄʀɪʙᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ
⋆ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ ᴠᴏᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʀᴀɪʟ
⋆ ᴅᴇʟᴇɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʟɪɴᴋs 25 ʜᴘ⇾50 ʜᴘ⇾100 ʜᴘ⇾500 ʜᴘ⇾1,000 ʜᴘ