Wave Break Island is located within the Gold Coast Broad-water (inshore) and is therefore protected from ocean swells. Wave Break Island is a man-made island, just a 10 minutes boat ride from Southport's Mariner Cove Marina.
The crossing between the boat ramp and Wave Break Island (our proposed location) is only about 600 m, so powered boats, kayaks, and even a stand-up paddleboard may be suffice! If you don't own a boat, then there are local shops to hire a boat for the day.
We are planning on taking over a marquee and BBQ. We will supply food, but BYO chair and drinks.
Other Activities
In addition to the Community Celebration Event and socialising with geocaching geochats, you may wish to partake in other activities on Wave Break Island.
Marine Life and Views
There is the opportunity to see wildlife animals and marine life at Wave Break Island and in the Broadwater. Friendly bottle-nose dolphins, many small colourful fish, manta rays, turtles, sea eagles and more are known to frequent the area.
Swimming
Being located so close to the Gold Coast Seaway, there is a regular flow of clean, fresh ocean water in this area. This makes it a favourite swimming spot.
Snorkeling / scuba diving
Wave Break Island provides an ideal environment for introductory diving and snorkeling. It's a perfect dive spot for beginners or for someone who enjoys calm and easy-going conditions. The environment allows divers to navigate in both shallow and deep depths. The rock formation that is to the north of the island is an ideal area to explore as it's home to more than 50 known species of fish.
History
Wave Break Island is part of the Gold Coast Seaway project to stabilise the beaches and sand masses around the Southport bar. Before this project, the entrance to the Nerang River (what we now know as the Seaway) was shifting North at a rate of up to 60 m per year, meaning any settlements were simply being washed away.
Around 200 years ago, the river mouth was as far down as where The Star Casino now sits in Broadbeach and it was estimated that by 2050, the mouth would be opposite Runaway Bay!
In 1983, the Government drew up plans to stabilise this to stop the destructive nature of the ocean from wiping out towns. But unfortunately in 1984, the small town of Moondarewa which used to sit at the bottom of South Stradbroke Island was washed away by the ocean.
The project aimed to create two rock walls to stop the sand from shifting and form the entrance into the Broadwater but due to the cyclonic weather we have here on the Gold Coast, this would then lead to the mainland taking the brunt of the ocean swells.
This is where Wavebreak Island came in, using the sand dredged in the construction of the Seaway, Wavebreak Island forms a barrier between the ocean and mainland, protecting it from the powerful tidal conditions that the ocean can unleash during stormy weather.
Geocaches / Geocaching Events must comply with all applicable laws, including health and safety guidelines. As an Event Owner, I am responsible for ensuring the number of people in attendance is in accordance with any requirements or restrictions for gatherings, which is not applicable for this Community Celebration Event.
Adapted from Geocaching Terms of Use.
Community Celebration Events - 2020
This Event is part of a limited release of Community Celebration Events to celebrate 20 years of geocaching. Geocachers hosted events between May 2, 2020 and December 31, 2020 2021 2022. Learn more about Community Celebration Events on the Geocaching Blog.