A Sailing Charter Vacation in Australia? Yes, Please.
Okay, you’ve got a pretty nice sailing charter resume going. Painkillers aboard the Willy T in the British Virgin Islands. Yep. Roasted pig at Nippers’s Bar on Great Guana Cay, Bahamas. Check. Fish stew at the Las Tres Garifunas in Guatemala’s Rio Dulce. Gotcha. More Pussers pendants than you have wall space for.
Looking for a new spot to drop the hook and take in local scenery and cuisine? Take it from this gastronomically enthusiastic cruiser: a not-so-short jaunt 12,000 miles away to Australia’s Whitsunday’s Islands is sure to satisfy your adventurous cruising palate.
Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. These islands have a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years.
Indigenous Australians, specifically the Ngaro people, are believed to have been the first inhabitants of the Whitsunday Islands. They lived a traditional lifestyle, relying on fishing and hunting for sustenance. The islands provided a bountiful array of resources, including fish, shellfish, and various plant species. European explorer James Cook was the first European to visit in 1770. He named the islands the Whitsunday group, as he discovered them on the Christian festival of Whit Sunday.
Today, the islands continue to be a popular spot for sailing, snorkeling, diving, and other outdoor activities, making them a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Somewhere around 20,000 cruisers ply the forgiving waters of the Whitsundays each year.
There are a number of charter outfits serving this growing sailing community. Catamarans up to 50 feet and monohulls with four to six cabins can be chartered for a reasonable fee all without the necessity of obtaining a cruising license. Most companies offer a bareboat package complete with a half-day’s shakedown cruise. Sailors may add guides or captains to some charters for an additional amount.
The best time to sail the Whitsunday Islands is during the dry season, which falls between June and October. During this time, the weather is mild, with clear skies and low chances of rain. The temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 75-81 degrees Fahrenheit.
Like many parts of Australia, these islands are home to jellyfish, including the potentially dangerous box jellyfish and the Irukandji jellyfish. These are typically more prevalent in the warmer waters of northern Australia during the wet season, from November to May.
To mitigate the risk of jellyfish stings, it is important to take precautions while swimming or snorkeling in the waters around the Whitsunday Islands. Wearing a stinger suit, which is a full-body protective suit designed to prevent jellyfish stings, is recommended, particularly during the wet season when their numbers are higher.
As you cruise the area, you can’t help but be mesmerized by the deep blue color of the water. One of the main reasons for the vivid blue color of the water is its high purity and clarity. The lack of pollution and sedimentation in the area allows for sunlight to penetrate deeply into the water, giving it a crystal-clear appearance and emphasizing the blue color. Another contributing factor is the presence of microscopic algae and phytoplankton. These photosynthetic organisms contain pigments that absorb sunlight and reflect blue hues.
The Whitsundays typically experience consistent trade winds blowing from the southeast, ranging from 10 to 20 knots. These winds provide ideal conditions for sailing and exploring the numerous anchorages and attractions in the region. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with coral and marine life fringes the islands. Charter boats are not permitted to travel outside the charter area to go to the Great Barrier Reef.
How to get there:
Most charter operations headquarters are in Airlie Beach. To get there, fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport (also known as Proserpine Airport) in Proserpine, Queensland, Australia. From there, you can take a shuttle or arrange transportation to Airlie Beach.
From the Chesapeake, you have several options to fly to Australia. Most US carriers connect through either Dallas, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Be sure to allow enough time for inline transfers. You will need a tourist visa for your stay. To get one, go to bit.ly/3AEY0IX. A day or two in Sydney prior to your sailing adventure would be ideal. From there, catch an in-country flight to Queensland.
The more adventurous among you could opt to drive. From Sydney to the Whitsunday Islands is a long journey, approximately 930 miles and takes around 17-18 hours of driving time without traffic or stops. This drive is not for the faint of heart. It is important to plan your route ahead of time, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and take breaks along the way to rest and recharge.
Cat or monohull:
The following companies offer a range of chartering possibilities:
If you call these companies, make sure to mention that you found them in SpinSheet. You’ll need to be fast and flexible in reserving your boat. Call one or two of the charter companies listed here for last-minute availabilities. Peak seasons sell out fast.
A word to the wise:
The US dollar is in an extremely strong position vs. the Aussie Dollar. At the current exchange rate of 1.5 AUS$ equals 1 US$, it’s almost like getting everything quoted in Aussie dollars for half price.
Pristine anchorages:
Tons of protected anchorages to drop the hook. Some cruiser favorites are:
- Whitehaven Beach. Known for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, this anchorage offers stunning views and opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking.
- Nara Inlet. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs, Nara Inlet is a tranquil and secluded anchorage.
- Butterfly Bay. With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, this is a fantastic spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Hamilton Island. A bustling hub for yachties and tourists, this island offers a range of amenities and activities, including restaurants, shops, and watersports.
- Macona Inlet. Surrounded by mangroves and mangrove forests, this inlet offers a peaceful and secluded anchorage.
Eating and drinking:
While most of your meals will be taken onboard your vessel, there is no shortage of quality food to be consumed at beachside bars as you island hop around the Whitsundays. Be sure to sample barbequed prawns, fresh shucked oysters, and even kangaroo meat. No Aussie feast would be complete without a beer! There are a lot of choices for local brews.
Race Week:
The Whitsundays are home to two world-renowned sailing race events: Airlie Beach Race Week based out of Coral Sea Marina and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week based out of Hamilton Island Marina. Both events are held back-to-back during August each year.
The Races are an amazing spectacle with more than 100 boats competing. You won’t be able to enter the races with a charter boat but there’s plenty to see on land and on the water.
Resource guide:
For detailed information on sailing tours, charter companies, anchorages, weather conditions, and more details for planning a sailing trip, go to the official website of Tourism Whitsundays.
Most of the islands in the Whitsundays are uninhabited. A stopover on Hamilton Island either for a night or a few hours is worthwhile. Queensland Yacht Charters has published an easy guide to bareboating that’s worth a look: bit.ly/easysailwhitsundays
~By Craig Ligibel
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