Yacht Charter Itinerary Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Written by Missy Johnston
Whitsunday Islands
Arrive on Hamilton Island after your flight. A short 2 hour flight north of Sydney, the area is serviced by two airports – Proserpine in the mainland – 30 minutes drive to Airlie Beach, or to Hamilton Island in the heart of the Whitsundays.
After joining your yacht, explore Hamilton Island. The island is located in the heart of the Whitsundays and is one of 74 tropical islands, only 7 of which have resort facilities, which lie between the Queensland Coast and The Great Barrier Reef. Before you start your sailing and diving adventures, visit the walking trails of the Hamilton Island Fauna Park to see koalas, kangaroos, emus, wombats and a variety of birdlife. There is also a church, for those planning a marriage during their holiday, and a museum, which boasts the world’s largest private collection of motorcycles. Over 80 percent of the island remains in its natural state apart from walking trails to Coral Cove, Passage Peak and Escape Beach. Enjoy cocktails and dinner on board.
Hamilton Island Golf Cart “Cars”
After breakfast leave Hamilton Island to sail to Cid Harbor. Anchor in the calm waters of this deep anchorage where you can go ashore to enjoy beach walks and swimming. Cid Harbor has two popular beaches: Sawmill Beach and Dugong Beach. There is a short walk between them, which takes about 30 minutes each way. Starting at Sawmill Beach, the site of previous pioneering efforts, it winds its’ way through a rainforest over a ridge with a great view of Cid Harbor. Soon you will reach Dugong Beach, home of many Curlew birds and other wildlife. Stay overnight in Cid Harbor.
Whitsunday Islands
Leave Cid Harbor and head for Nara Inlet, on Hook Island. This is a very sheltered, calm anchorage nestled between the steep slopes of Hook Island and so offers a comfortable nights’ sleep should the weather be windy.
Spend part of your day walking to the aboriginal cave paintings, found halfway along a 20-minute walk to a waterfall. The area was commonly used by the Ngaro Aboriginal group prior to European settlement. The waterfall only runs after rain and is usually not running during Australia’s winter or dry season.
Steam from Nara to Hayman Island and visit the world-class resort facilities, while diving or snorkeling at Blue Pearl Bay.
Sea Turtle
Steam to Hardy Lagoon, Hardy Reef and enjoy the activities on offer at the Fantasy Pontoon – diving, snorkeling, helicopter view of the reef, and glass bottom boats. Sail to Black Reef and anchor. This is an excellent dive location that teems with marine life: Hammerhead sharks, turtles, octopus, Reef shark, and Puggy, Manta, Eagle and Cowtails Rays.
Whitehaven Beach
Leave Black Reef to return to Hamilton Island. You may choose to visit Whitehaven Beach and Solway Pass on your return trip.
Hayman Island
Disembark on Hamilton Island. Alternatively, steam back to Hayman Island to disembark and enjoy a stay at this unique 5-star resort. Hayman is Australia’s most exclusive resort. Situated around a crescent-shaped, white, sandy bay, the resort is the island’s only facility. This is a truly spectacular way to conclude your Whitsunday yachting vacation.