Join the crew and sail to Middleton Reef and Lord Howe Island on a 72-foot yacht — Ocean Sailing Expeditions My title

Southport to Middleton & Elizabeth Reefs to Lord Howe ISland to Sydney

10 Nights / cat 1 sailing Expedition / 820nm

Overview

Departing from the vibrant coastal city of Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast, this 820-nautical-mile offshore expedition takes you deep into the Tasman Sea, visiting two of the world’s most remote reefs—Middleton and Elizabeth—before heading south to Lord Howe Island and finishing in iconic Sydney Harbour. It's a rare opportunity to combine true bluewater sailing with stops at some of the most isolated and awe-inspiring marine environments on the planet.

This Category 1 expedition is designed for those seeking an unforgettable ocean experience. You'll gain hands-on offshore sailing skills while navigating open waters, participating in day and night watches, trimming sails, and learning to read the sea. Expect long, steady swells, shifting weather patterns, brilliant starlit nights, and the unmatched sense of freedom that comes with days offshore.

Weather permitting, we’ll explore the shallow lagoons and visible wrecks of Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef—rare platform reefs rising from 4,000 metres below. Further south, we make landfall at World Heritage-listed ord Howe Island, with its dramatic cliffs, vibrant marine life, and relaxed island charm. From there, we pass Ball's Pyramid—a towering sea stack—before sailing the final leg into Sydney, home of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.

This isn’t just an expedition—it’s a rite of passage. From remote reefs to ocean crossings and landfall in one of the world’s most spectacular harbours, this voyage offers raw adventure, skill-building, and a deep connection to the rhythm of the sea.

Passage overview

Our 10-night, 820-nautical-mile Category 1 sailing expedition begins from the vibrant yachting hub of Southport, located on Queensland’s iconic Gold Coast. Before departure, you'll have time to enjoy the marina, stock provisions, and settle into your offshore routine. The buzz of Southport provides a fitting send-off as we slip lines and set our course into the Tasman Sea.

Roughly 300 nautical miles offshore, we reach the remote Middleton Reef, a spectacular coral atoll rising from 4,000 metres of deep ocean. If conditions permit, we’ll heave to or anchor in the sheltered lagoon and explore the visible remains of historical shipwrecks. This is one of the most pristine marine environments in the world, often visited by turtles, reef sharks, and an array of seabirds. We may also have the opportunity to stop at nearby Elizabeth Reef, a slightly smaller but equally fascinating reef system, where crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral await.

From the reefs, we sail south to Lord Howe Island, a remote World Heritage-listed paradise just 7 nautical miles long. Ringed by coral reef and dominated by dramatic volcanic peaks, Lord Howe offers a welcome respite from life at sea. Go ashore to hike to the summit of Mount Gower, snorkel in the lagoon, or explore the local settlement with its small cafés and warm island hospitality. With limited visitor numbers and a total lack of high-rise development, the island is like stepping back in time.

As we depart Lord Howe, we pass the towering spire of Ball’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest sea stack at 551 metres. This geological marvel rises vertically from the sea and is home to rare seabirds and endemic species. It’s a breathtaking landmark and a symbolic point of passage as we begin the final leg toward mainland Australia.

The last 420 nautical miles see us crossing the southern Tasman Sea to Sydney, where we sail through the famous Heads and into one of the world’s most recognisable harbours. Completing the passage in Sydney Harbour—home of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race—offers a triumphant finale, with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge welcoming us home after a true ocean adventure.

This is more than a sailing expedition—it’s a journey through remote reefs, island time, and bluewater seamanship. With hands-on experience, unforgettable anchorages, and a crew of like-minded adventurers, the Southport to Sydney passage is a bucket-list voyage in every sense.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

  • Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).

  • Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.

  • Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.

  • Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.

  • Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

  • Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.

  • Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.

  • Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.

  • Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.

Extra reading

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