14 days exploring the Whitsunday Islands

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, can also be found in this area and is a thing of beauty itself. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres and covering some 350,000 square kilometres (nearly the size of Germany), it consists of myriad lagoons, atolls, sand cays and coral outcrops that simply must be experienced to fully appreciate.

Join your yacht at Hamilton Island marina, only a few minute’s drive from the island’s airport. Your itinerary starts with a visit to the Great Barrier Reef – ideally over two days if you have the time. You can consider taking your own boat out to the Great Barrier Reef if time permits, but generally, the best option is to visit the reef via helicopter, seaplane or fast ferry out of Hamilton Island.

If the south-east tradewinds are not strong then start this cruise to the south. From Hamilton Island cruise past the imposing Pentecost Island (the only island in the entire region named by Captain Cook in 1770) and on to Shaw Island, leaving Lindeman Island to starboard. The anchorage east of Burning Point, which is skirted by a wide fringing coral reef, is interesting and usually protected.

Alternatively, you can continue on to the scenic and sheltered anchorage on Thomas Island, near Dead Dog Island, where there is a beautiful sandy beach that is accessible at all tides. Total distance from Hamilton Island: approximately 20 nautical miles.

From Thomas Island it is a casual 15-nautical mile run north to Whitehaven Beach. The most interesting track sees you leaving Shaw Island to port and Baynham Island to starboard. Cruise through Solway Pass, which is nothing short of spectacular in some tidal conditions with overfalls and whirlpools capable of unexpectedly changing a vessel’s course.

Whitehaven Beach, with its near pure silica sand and magnificent supporting scenery, is the gem of the Whitsundays, but does not offer the best anchorage in a strong south-easterly tradewind. An alternative anchorage is Chalkie’s Beach on the eastern side of Whitehaven Bay, or Tongue Bay, 4 nautical miles to the north.

An overnight stay at Whitehaven is a must, as is a walk on the beach and a swim in the warm tropical water. Exploring nearby Hill Inlet by tender on the top of the tide is another wonderful experience.

Enjoy a 10-nautical mile cruise to an offshore island: Border Island (Cateran Bay is the destination in a south-easterly.) Snorkellers and divers will enjoy the interesting coral formations. Overnight here if the south-easterly is not too strong.

With its beautiful scenery and excellent bathing beaches, the island is very popular with holidaymakers. Ashore, you can visit the famous blue grotto and the old frescoed churches. For convenience your yacht can anchor off the port, but if you’re looking for peace and quiet, ask the captain to drop the hook in Smugglers Cove.

From Border Island take a westerly course to the narrow Hook Passage which separates Whitsunday and Hook Islands. Once through there head for Nara Inlet and your next overnight anchorage. A track on the eastern shore of the inlet leads to ancient aboriginal cave paintings.

From Nara Inlet take a course up the western shore of Hook Island, past the impressive peaks behind Stonehaven Bay then through the passage between Hook Island and Hayman Island before reaching the sheltered anchorage in the appropriately named Butterfly Bay.

Once anchored, a short tender trip to Manta Ray Bay is rewarded with some of the best snorkelling and diving on coral reefs in the Whitsundays. Overnight here and enjoy the beach in Butterfly Bay.

After overnighting in Butterfly Bay, return to the west through the channel and then head up the western shore of the famous resort island: Hayman Island for a leisurely day of snorkelling and diving in Blue Pearl Bay. With that experience complete, sail south to the anchorage in Stonehaven Bay where you overnight.

It’s time for a visit to ‘the big island’ – mainland Australia. Cross the Whitsunday Passage to Airlie Beach, docking either at Abel Point Marina (depending on draught) or anchoring in Pioneer Bay off Airlie Beach village. You can go ashore and explore the village, as well as enjoy the unique local hospitality at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Return across the Whitsunday Passage to Cid Harbour and spend the night at Sawmill Beach on Whitsunday Island. The scenery when entering or exiting Cid Harbour with Cid Island to the north is like a miniature Scandinavian fjord. On shore, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and visit waterfalls. Afterwards, relax at anchor overnight.

Return to Hamilton Island via Hunt Channel. Consider anchoring off qualia spa and going ashore for lunch. After that, dock at the Hamilton Island Marina.

Alternatively, end your cruise with a two day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, if you did not do this to start, possibly with a stopover at Daydream Island on your way.