We got a late start from Bundaberg, considering we needed to sail 80 miles to Lady Musgrave before sundown that evening. Fortunately we had about 20 knots of wind from behind and we were able to fly the spinnaker all day, averaging well over eight knots.

We arrived at about 5pm, just as the sun was setting. Having plenty of experience with atolls by now, we knew that entering the pass without sunlight ahead was a little risky, but the alternative was to anchor outside of the reef and roll all night. Plus, it looked pretty straightforward.

We followed the markers and charts and managed to make our way very slowly into a lovely anchorage with only a few other boats (catamarans, of course). The island itself is small, but it surrounded by an eight mile atoll. It's a National Park and turtle nesting area. It wasn't nesting season, but we did see some turtles swimming in the lagoon.

We had a nice dinner and spent the next morning kayaking, snorkeling and walking around the island. There are quite a few campers and day trippers, but it is still very unspoiled.

We would have liked to stay for days but had a schedule to keep, so left that afternoon for Great Keppell. Our exit was exciting, as the tide was going out and we had about 3 knots of current pulling us through the pass. Not to mention the visibility was poor.

Most of the cruisers we've talked with don't go out of their way to make it to Lady Musgrave, but we thought it was one of the best experiences we've had.