⚓ The Anchorage Guide: Cairns to Darwin

By Matthew Templeton & Murray Cook

A Practical Handbook for Coastal Cruisers Along Australia's Remote Northern Shores

The Anchorage Guide: Cairns to Darwin is a comprehensive and user-friendly guidebook designed for cruising sailors navigating the wild and beautiful northern coast of Australia. Authored by Matthew Templeton and Murray Cook, this invaluable resource charts a course from Fitzroy Island near Cairns, through the remote stretches of Cape York and the Gulf of Carpentaria, all the way to the Daly River north of Darwin.

Whether you're embarking on a full passage or hopping from one quiet inlet to the next, this guide offers confidence and clarity with detailed anchorage descriptions, high-resolution satellite imagery, and intuitive symbol-based navigation advice.

Published by Marmatcla, this guide has quickly become a trusted companion for both seasoned cruisers and newcomers to Australia’s Top End.

🗺️ Coverage & Features:

• Comprehensive Regional Coverage
  From the reef-fringed waters of Fitzroy Island to the mangrove-lined rivers near Darwin

• Anchorage Profiles
  Each site includes detailed information on:

  • Approach and depths

  • Bottom type and holding

  • Protection from prevailing winds

  • Suitability for overnight stays

• Full-Colour Satellite Imagery
  Clear overhead views of anchorages help you assess entry, hazards, and nearby features

• Quick-Glance Symbol System
  A consistent visual shorthand to assess anchorage quality at a glance

• Designed for Comfort and Safety
  Helps skippers identify secure, restful stops in one of the most isolated regions of Australia

📚 Book Details

🧭 Ideal For:

• Coastal sailors and cruisers heading north from Queensland to the NT

• Voyagers crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria

• Bareboat charterers and delivery skippers

• Anyone needing safe, practical anchorage advice in remote areas

🌊 Why This Guide Matters

Australia’s tropical northern coastline is stunning, isolated, and sometimes unpredictable. With limited infrastructure and long distances between ports, planning your anchorages in advance is essential. This guide takes the guesswork out of the journey—helping you find safe harbour, conserve energy, and enjoy the voyage.

The Anchorage Guide: Cairns to Darwin is more than a chartbook—it's your co-skipper for navigating one of Australia's most memorable and rewarding cruising regions.