Sailing the Whitsundays

Australia’s idyllic Whitsunday islands are located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef on the Queensland coast approximately 1,400 kilometres north of Brisbane.   Of the 74 individual islands, most are uninhabited and part of the national park, although four islands offer a variety of resort accommodation, all with the Great Barrier Reef and fringing coral reefs at their doorstep.  To truly explore the incredible scenery and reef, a sailing experience is the ultimate in adventure and relaxation.  Admire the breathtaking landscape and endless horizon dotted with islands as you discover a true paradise.  The clear protected waters of the Whitsunday Islands offer some of the best sailing in the southern hemisphere.  Must-see sights include: 

 

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is one of the largest of the Whitsunday islands and is one of Australia’s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations.  Allow some time on Hamilton Island to choose from a wide selection of restaurants, explore year-round cultural exhibitions and performances, enjoy an abundance of watersports, play golf or relax with a spa treatment at spa qualia, located at the famous qualia resort.

 

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is a pristine, award winning beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the islands in the Whitsundays.  Whitehaven Beach stretches over seven kilometres and boasts brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest in the world.

 

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning inlet where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours, one of the iconic images of the Whitsundays. The lookout at Tongue Point is the best place to view the swirling sands of Hill Inlet.

 

Hook Island

Hook Island offers spectacular natural surroundings and excellent snorkelling and diving sites. The uninhabited island is 58 square kilometres in size and includes sheltered bays, deep fjord-like inlets, ideal sailing and kayaking conditions with multiple moorings and safe anchorages, pristine fringing reefs, secluded beach campsites and the opportunity to see abundant wildlife including sea eagles, kites and ospreys, turtles, reef fish, dolphins, manta rays and humpback whales frolicking in Whitsunday Passage (between June-September).  

 

Stonehaven Beach 

Stonehaven is a calm and scenic anchorage on Hook Island which offers the ideal vantage point to witness beautiful sunsets over the Whitsunday Passage.  Along the north coast visit Butterfly Bay and Manta Ray Bay which both provide incredible snorkeling opportunities among the coral reef. 

 

 

Emerald Lady offers luxury fully-crewed live aboard charters cruising the Whitsundays among many other stunning locations throughout Queensland, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

 

 

Personalised charter itineraries mean that you have the flexibility to visit your choice of destinations with an agenda tailored to your specific interests - diving, snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing on the yachts expansive decks and taking in the breathtaking views.

 

 

The five-star luxury facilities on board comfortably accommodate eight guests who will all benefit from exceptional service, sumptuous menus featuring local seafood and local produce as well as plenty of space to enjoy some downtime.  

 

 

An exclusive charter aboard Emerald Lady is truly a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience.

 

Please contact us to bespoke your yachting holiday in Australia. Email: travel@onlyluxe.com.au