Media

Percy Island Media

Percy Heritage, an interview with Cathryn Radclyffe, “Living off the land, that’s what it’s all about”

In 2011 Middle Percy was made a National Park by the Queensland Government. Cathryn Radclyffe was granted a 20-year lease, commencing in 2012, over a portion covering 117 ha of the island known as the conservation park which includes the homestead and land extending down to the palm-fringed anchorage at West Bay.

ABC News

“Advocates hope eating Australia’s unique Percy Island goats will help save them. They started out as a life-saving food source for stranded sailors, but now a unique breed of island-dwelling goats is in need of rescue. Advocates hope the promotion of Percy Island goats for their meat and milk will help to manage population numbers. Descended from 12 animals abandoned on the Great Barrier Reef island in the late 1800s, the population has boomed. And while the goats’ one-of-a-kind DNA has not changed their status as an invasive species, supporters of the heritage breed want to secure their future.” —ABC News.

Memories of a bygone era.

European contact began with Captain Cook, who named the group the Norththumberlans. The Northumberland Islands are a scattered island chain off the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia. 1802 Flinders visited, he found water but no human habitation, and described the lagoon “as one of the prettiest places imaginable”. He also named three islands as the Percy’s.

We Are Explorers

“The Percy Isles: A Guide To Middle Percy Island. Nestled 130km south east of Mackay lies Middle Percy Island, an off-grid destination that offers an exceptional unplugged experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Are you keen to live off the grid on a tropical island? Look no further than Middle Percy Island, a hidden gem located in the Whitsunday region, about 130km south east of Mackay. Known as a yachting hub and a haven for sailors, this island is blessed with stunning natural beauty, a resource-rich environment, and a fascinating history.

Whether you’re seeking a remote escape or an unforgettable adventure, Middle Percy Island is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in tropical paradise. Recently, the Caretakers of Middle Percy Island Incorporation established a not-for-profit foundation aimed at preserving the island’s beauty and attracting young people and families interested in self-sufficient living and conservation. Volunteers who contribute to the island’s upkeep can experience off-grid living and become part of a community committed to preserving this iconic destination for generations to come.” —We Are Explorers.

Pine Islet Light, also known as Percy Isles Light, is an active lighthouse located at Pine Islet, the lighthouse has been relocated to Mackay Marina. Pine Islet Light belongs to the Percy Isles group of the Northumberland Islands, about 130 kilometres (81 mi) southeast of Mackay, Queensland, Australia.

Navy Historical Society of Australia

“The Percy Islands, 120 km southeast of Mackay, are known worldwide among cruising sailors seeking picturesque isolated anchorages amid islands fringed with palm shaded golden sandy beaches. Here we discover some intriguing characters. The Percy Islands comprise two major and nine smaller islands, dominated by Middle and South Percy Islands; the former is the largest at about 2,000 ha. They lie approximately half way between the mainland and the reef and stretch 180 km along the coast, between 20 and 21.5 degrees of south latitude.

In the Beginning. In May 1770 Lieutenant James Cook sailed through these waters in HM Barque Endeavour and not having time to explore this wonderland, he named Whitsunday Passage (after its discovery on the Christian festival day) and collectively named a number of islands he sailed past. The first group, which could only be seen in the distance from the masthead, was named the Northumberland Isles and the larger northerly group the Cumberland Isles. Other eminent navigators charted this vast expanse between the mainland and the continental reef, including Matthew Flinders and Phillip Parker King, but the coast remained inadequately surveyed for many years.” —Navy Historical Society of Australia.

The reality of isolated island life.

It takes considerable inner strength. A good understanding of nature. A great sense of humour and resourceful willing workers.

Journages

“Hello! I’m Anna. In late 2013 I left London & moved to Australia to explore smarter, more fun and sustainable ways to live, work and travel through experimentation & adventure. Learn more about Anna’s adventure to Percy Island.” —Anna, Journages.

Independent UK

“The riddle of Percy Island; Australia, Andrew Thorman goes in search of some family answers. On the beach was a huge A-frame building providing overnight comfort for yachties, from where Andrew Martin earns a meagre living by selling home-grown produce such as mango chutney, honey, beer and fresh fruit. A rudimentary shower allows sailors and the occasional other visitor, like me, to freshen up – when there’s water. When I was there it hadn’t rained for months and the water tank was dry. The beach was deserted but for a lone bull, one of a small herd of Indian cattle introduced to Middle Percy.” —Independent UK.

Andy Martin 1964 ~ 2003

Andy produced honey, excellent jams, bread, homebrew mead and beer and welcomed visitors to the homestead for meals at modest cost. In these areas, he excelled.” —The Coastal Passage.

Two At Sea

“Arriving at Middle Percy would put us north of the strongest current. In fact our only issue might be, according to the Lucas guide, some swell rolling into the anchorage. It was hard to imagine how this could be as the wind would be coming from the southeast and our bay was well up the island’s west side. But then again the swell in this area is pretty relentless, adept at going around corners and finding every nook and cranny.

When West Bay came into view I felt a sense of relief. We could see 3 boats in the bay, none of them rolling, and there was plenty of room. Plus it was lovely: blue water surrounded by high green hills with a wide beach stretching across the head of bay. A long line of palm trees ran behind the beach, and tucked in among them was the Robinson Crusoe-style “yacht club,” an A-frame cabin where cruisers could mark their visit by leaving a memento. My reaction: “Now this is what we’re talking about!”—Two At Sea.

The Captain and The Cook

“More than just swimming and sunsets at Percy island. When we cruised up the east coast of Australia in 2014, we missed out on visiting the Percy Isles due to inclement weather. So we were thrilled to be able to stop in on Middle Percy Island, briefly, a few months back. Middle Island, of the Percy Isles, is renown amongst cruisers as a great spot to anchor, socialise, swim and explore… there is also a small amount of re-provisioning you can do!

What is there to do on the 2,000Ha Island?

  • There are sandy beaches, excellent swimming, walking tracks, magnificent views, secluded bays, as well as diverse flora to discover. 
  • Get out your kayaks, SUPs and fishing rods!
  • Explore the tidal lagoon, on foot, at low tide.
  • Snorkel the lagoon and mangroves at high tide.” —The Captain & The Cook.