Carters Island consists of two small areas of terrestrial
vegetation surrounded by mangroves which are the most highly
developed mangrove stands at Towra. The water is very shallow and
you may need to wade some hundreds meters if you are at low tide.
At high waters, you can come close with a small boat, but take care
if you have a motor, because there are plenty of submarine hazards
for your propeller.
The shoreline at this part of Botany Bay is fractal exposing a
multitude of bays, sand bars, mangroves. In the water you may see
big fish as stingrays, at land and in the air birds. The adjacent
Towra Point and Carters Island nature reserves are home to many
endangered, vulnerable, protected and exotic species of birds,
amphibians, mammals reptiles and plants. Land access into these
reserves is restricted and needs a permit, however, there are a few
beaches and landing stripes for boats which are open or closed, as
signposted.
You may need to work out your best boat access by yourself. It
depends on the size of the vessel, its propulsion method and where
you are coming from. Satellite maps may help to determine a deeper
water channel for approach. One way is to enter the bay close to
the Elephants Trunk. As you cross the bay towards GZ, steer
straight towards the mangroves and then follow them westwards, as
there the water is deeper than further out.