The Whitsunday Islands lie within the Great Barrier Reef off the northern Queensland coast. Consisting of 74 idyllic tropical islands scattered among protected turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, the Whitsundays is an unforgettable destination for a bareboat or skippered yacht charter. Many of the islands are uninhabited and some of the best spots are only accessible by air or by sea leaving them unmolested and deserted for the cruising yachtsman to enjoy undisturbed. Whitehaven Beach is one of these, located on Whitsunday Island itself, the largest of the islands; Whitehaven is a 25km long stretch of white sand and crystal clear water, inaccessible by land and has to be one of the world’s best beaches although its notoriety means that regular tourist boat trips descend on its shores in the main part of the day. Never mind though as there are plenty more that remain quite deserted. It is not just about white sand beaches and tropical vegetation though; the Whitsundays have many unique attractions to explore. The Great Barrier Reef is not to be missed and easily accessible from the mainland or directly from the islands. It is recommended that you take an organized tour as navigating between the reefs can be dangerous and can harm the delicate ecosystem.

Most sailing holidays start from Hamilton Island as it has the best marina facilities and has an airport for arriving charter guests to easily access their yachts. Plenty of facilities are available including restaurants, shops and bars and most are only a short golf buggy ride away from the marina. Airlie Beach, on the mainland also has facilities for re-stocking along the way and a pretty little beach with relaxed nightlife.

Exclusive resorts are scattered around the islands and it is often possible to book a meal ashore if you make arrangements in advance. Lindeman Island is mostly a national park which can be explored by foot among stunning flora and fauna culminating in a superb view of the islands from the top of Mount Oldfield. Hayman Island is another popular paradise with a resort for shore based visitors, but best visited by yacht to appreciate the colours of the water and the superb diving and snorkeling that is a feature of the entire island group. Diving tuition and equipment is available from most resorts or just don mask and snorkel and dive in. You may even be joined by dolphins, seen throughout the year, while humpback whales migrate here between July and November.