Yanks Jetty
Yanks Jetty is the name given to a floating pontoon positioned approximately 2km from the southern tip of Orpheus Island. This area was the original site of an American WW2 Degaussing (demagnetising) Station for allied ships
and submarines, hence the name. It is located approximately 20.5 km from the Forrest Beach Boat Ramp and has the following
GPS coordinates S18 39 04.2 E146 29 12.0 Google Maps Link.
The pontoon consists of a 18 x 9 metre platform with an attached gangway connecting it to the beach. There is a centrally shaded area containing several picnic tables and a snorkeling platform with easy access ladders. The entire structure is moored approximately 55m from the shoreline on the edge of the surrounding reef.
There is a National Parks Camp Site located approximately 200m south of the pontoon where basic facilities such as a composting pit toilet and picnic tables are provided. There used to be a gas BBQ at the campsite, but the burners and plate have been removed, and I am not sure if it will be replaced at any stage in the future. There is no access to fresh water and bush walking tracks are not evident.
There are lots of colourful and inquisitive fish surrounding the pontoon and they appear to be quite use to human interaction and will readily accept any food offerings presented.
Fortunately there is a no fishing zone extending 100m around the pontoon, but the surrounding water from the northern end of Hazard Bay to Harrier Point on the southern tip of Orpheus Island is classified as a GBRMPA Yellow Zone and fishing is allowed.
There are fringing reefs surrounding the area which are easily explored by snorkeling or just floating over the large
coral bommies in a kayak. The patches of reef to the south of the campsite area are better for viewing the coral then directly around the pontoon.
The Campsite consists of a large cleared area surrounded by forest with outstanding views of the ocean. There are picnic tables strategically located and a covered BBQ area which makes a good food prep area, but unfortunately the gas burner and plate were missing.
A well placed picnic table located right on the beach.
View from my tent.
Looking South Towards the southern tip of Orpheus Island.
Directly towards the north of the pontoon are several large granite boulders extending around the headland. These boulders can be climbed over without to much difficulty and provide an excellent vantage point for taking photos. This is an especially good location for shooting some late afternoon and sunset photos.
Looking north along Hazard Bay and past the inlet to the exclusive five star Orpheus Island Lodge which is located midway along the bay.
Late afternoon shot from the boulders looking towards the pontoon.
Sunset photo of the Yanks Jetty Pontoon.
History of Yanks Jetty
The pontoon is constructed on the site of an American WW2 Degaussing (demagnetising) Station for allied ships and submarines. The waters surrounding this area had been littered with explosive mines during the war, as a defensive measure. These mines were designed to detonate, when they sensed the magnetic signature of large steel hulled vessels. Regular degaussing dissipates the build up magnetically charged particles, in turn, protecting the allied vessels from the mines. Fortunately the mines have been cleared and the area is now declared safe.
In September 2015 after weathering several storms and tropical cyclones the pontoon was removed from the area and transported to Townsville, were restoration work was carried out. The restoration works included improved mooring protection, removal and replacement of corroded steel, replacement of the fixed roofing structure and installation of a new aluminium gangway with refurbished piles. The structure was reinstated to its previous location in December 2015.
Trip Considerations
The pontoon consists of a 18 x 9 metre platform with an attached gangway connecting it to the beach. There is a centrally shaded area containing several picnic tables and a snorkeling platform with easy access ladders. The entire structure is moored approximately 55m from the shoreline on the edge of the surrounding reef. 
Fortunately there is a no fishing zone extending 100m around the pontoon, but the surrounding water from the northern end of Hazard Bay to Harrier Point on the southern tip of Orpheus Island is classified as a GBRMPA Yellow Zone and fishing is allowed.
The Campsite consists of a large cleared area surrounded by forest with outstanding views of the ocean. There are picnic tables strategically located and a covered BBQ area which makes a good food prep area, but unfortunately the gas burner and plate were missing.
A well placed picnic table located right on the beach.
View from my tent.
Looking South Towards the southern tip of Orpheus Island.
Directly towards the north of the pontoon are several large granite boulders extending around the headland. These boulders can be climbed over without to much difficulty and provide an excellent vantage point for taking photos. This is an especially good location for shooting some late afternoon and sunset photos. 
Looking north along Hazard Bay and past the inlet to the exclusive five star Orpheus Island Lodge which is located midway along the bay.
Late afternoon shot from the boulders looking towards the pontoon.
Sunset photo of the Yanks Jetty Pontoon.
Sunset From the Boulders, looking back towards the mainland.
History of Yanks Jetty
The pontoon is constructed on the site of an American WW2 Degaussing (demagnetising) Station for allied ships and submarines. The waters surrounding this area had been littered with explosive mines during the war, as a defensive measure. These mines were designed to detonate, when they sensed the magnetic signature of large steel hulled vessels. Regular degaussing dissipates the build up magnetically charged particles, in turn, protecting the allied vessels from the mines. Fortunately the mines have been cleared and the area is now declared safe.
In September 2015 after weathering several storms and tropical cyclones the pontoon was removed from the area and transported to Townsville, were restoration work was carried out. The restoration works included improved mooring protection, removal and replacement of corroded steel, replacement of the fixed roofing structure and installation of a new aluminium gangway with refurbished piles. The structure was reinstated to its previous location in December 2015.
Link to photos of the Restoration work to the Pontoon and gangway
Trip Considerations
- National Parks camp site permit required if camping.
- The luxury resort located nearby does not welcome visiting kayakers.
- 100 metre fishing exclusion zone around the pontoon.
- Composting pit Toilet at campsite.
- No access to fresh water.
- Mobile phone reception available.
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