Middle Percy Island, a secluded paradise 100 kilometers off Queensland's coast, is a haven for sailors and yacht enthusiasts alike. With a rich history of hospitality and a unique collection of memorabilia, it's a place that captivates the imagination.
This island, shrouded in tales of buried treasure, is a rare gem where mariners can freely explore and connect with the past. It's a place where the spirit of adventure thrives, accessible only to those with private vessels and a sense of exploration.
At the heart of the island is a rustic A-frame shack, a labor of love built by Andy Martin in the 1970s. Its walls are adorned with unique mementos from travelers worldwide, creating a captivating display of maritime history.
Cate Radclyffe, Andy's cousin, describes the building as a testament to the island's charm. "Thousands of visitors leave their memorabilia there, and they love to see it every time they come back. It's a wonderful bit of living history."
Middle Percy's tradition of hospitality is legendary. Former residents were known for their kindness to shipwrecked sailors and weary travelers, offering respite, food, and repairs. Goat meat, honey, and fresh produce were traded with seafarers, and the island's produce continues to be sold to those exploring the east coast.
Yachties Alison McLoughlin and Stephen Zonneveld from Lake Macquarie in New South Wales have visited Middle Percy three times and are captivated by its charm. "It's just a jewel, so beautiful, it's magical … there's nothing like it anywhere else," Ms. McLoughlin said. Mr. Zonneveld calls it a "yachting mecca," a legendary place in yachting circles.
The island's allure is also tied to the legend of hidden treasure. Rumors of gold sovereigns buried on the island in the late 1800s have intrigued yachties for over a century. Stephen Kenyon, the founding secretary of the Percy Island Yacht Club, has tried to find the treasure 108 times, but it remains elusive.
The island's future is secured by the Percy Island Conservation Group, a not-for-profit organization that manages a small section of the island as a special conservation lease. Residents and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain the island, from gardening to public liability insurance, ensuring it remains open and accessible to all.
Middle Percy Island is a testament to the power of community and the allure of the unknown. It invites adventurers and dreamers alike to explore its treasures, both literal and metaphorical, and to create their own stories of discovery and hospitality.
