Riviera Sandy Straits Experience

Riviera recently ran the 7th annual R Marine Jones Great Sandy Straits Experience which once again proved to be a great success.

A fleet of 21 Rivieras ranging in size from 36 to 60 feet joined the R Marine Jones team for the 445 nautical mile round trip from Sovereign Island on the Gold Coast north to Fraser Island and back again.

R Marine Jones dealer principal, Randall Jones, said that on days three and four, the flotilla travelled up the Fraser Island coast and found some great anchorages such as Rooney’s Point and Arch Cliffs.

"We anchored at Arch Cliffs overnight and after a climb up the sand dunes, we were rewarded with fabulous views of Fraser Island and Harvey Bay,” Randall said.

One participant, Glenn, said they were hoping to go across to Lady Musgrave Island from Rooney Point but a strong wind warning forced the crew to abandon these plans.

"Instead we enjoyed climbing the sand dunes at Arch Cliffs and socialising on the beach. We had such a great time. It was just paradise."

Randall said they moved south to Moon Point on day five where they got together for a game of beach cricket followed by afternoon drinks and toasted marshmallows.

"Whales were in abundance throughout the entire trip and many owners took the time to enjoy their magnificent beauty and capture some great photos," Randall said.

Glenn said it was one of the best Riviera experiences, full of great memories and they look forward to the next one.

"The whole trip was a great highlight.  It was a wonderful experience from the moment we left to the moment we got back to the marina," he said.

"We were up early one morning at Gary’s Anchorage and there were groups of Rivieras rafted up together, the water looked like a sheet of glass with some mist gliding above – it was spectacular."

For more information, go to: www.riviera.com.au