Cruising the Great Barrier Reef
With 74 pristine tropical islands to chose from the Whitsundays is an aquatic playground waiting to be explored. In August 2017, 21 new pristine anchorages were opened up to vessels over 35metres in the Whitsundays. From secluded coral beaches, to natural waterfalls, from indigenous cave paintings, to rugged island peaks, the Whitsunday islands have it all. The azure waters of the coral sea and the lush rainforest island backdrop make for the perfect location for an extended cruising itinerary.
Download the new Superyacht Whitsunday Islands Anchorages Map.
Coral Sea Marina
Coral Sea Marina Resort is the perfect base for larger superyachts in the Whitsundays with deep berths available to 80m/ 5m LAT. Additional Superyacht services include – 3phase power, in-berth pump out, high-flow bunkering, dedicate Superyacht arm, crew lounge, superyacht storage, security and an array of marina village services. Coral Sea Marina go the extra mile for it’s captains, owners and crew includes access to a fleet of concierge cars, private helipads with tours and transfers to take you to secluded spots around the islands and outer reef and a dedicated superyacht concierge to assist with any special requirements during your stay. Launched in 2021 is the marina’s Platinum Crew Club designed specifically for Superyacht crew to ensure they get the very best of the Whitsundays during their stay.
The vibrant marina village atmosphere, makes Coral Sea Marina Resort an attractive port for captains, crew and owners. Shoreside marine services – electrical, mechanical, rigging, chandlery etc. - are available in abundance and the marina precinct hosts a range of dining options perfect for in-port relaxation. Awarded Australian Marina of the Year 2017 – 2021, as well as Superyacht Industry Champion of the Year 2021 and Runner-Up ACREW Best Superyacht Marina, Coral Sea Marina Resort offers a vibrant destination marina atmosphere at the gateway to the Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is the hub of the Whitsundays region. With banks, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, marine service suppliers as well as a range of leisure activities, Airlie Beach is the quintessential Queensland tourist hub. Enjoy a short stroll from the marina along the waterfront boardwalk to the vibrant township, famous for its lively nightlife and emerging food scene.
Hamilton Island
Largest of the six inhabited islands, Hamilton Island has a fully serviced commercial airport, splendid restaurants, a five-star resort, Qualia as well as a range of different leisure activities. Superyachts can either berth in the marina (length restrictions apply) or anchor in Dent Passage with island access via tender.
The marina side of the island bustles with restaurants and bars. The stunningly designed Hamilton Island yacht club looks out over to Dent Island, where you will find a world class 18 hole golf course and club house. Up and over the hill, your golf buggy will take you to the main accommodation side and private residences of the island. Hamilton Island, with its slopes overlooking Catseye Bay, is the pacific version of Porto Cervo with unique Australian flavor.
A great time to visit the Whitsundays is May to December, and coinciding your visit with Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in late August is wise. Australia’s most successful keelboat regatta held over five days features superb daytime racing, including super yacht race classes, balanced by an exceptional harbour side social scene.
Whitehaven Beach
Located on Whitsunday Island this is a 7km long scimitar shaped beach touted as one of the world’s 10 best. Seeing Whitehaven Beach for the first time is unforgettable, especially from the south via Solway pass. Its sand is a fraction short of pure silica and as fine as talcum powder and can been seen from the moon. At the northern end is the pristine Hill inlet and Tongue Bay. The silica sands are continually shifting, creating swirling patterns. This feature is best appreciated from the lookout on the tip of Tongue Point and fabulous to paddle ski down at high tide. Close by on Hasselwood Island is Chalkies beach which boasts small coral reefs and is almost always deserted.
