Sailing The Whitsundays whips up all sorts of images in my head such as snow white sandy beaches, tropical palm fringed island resorts, coral ‘bommies’ brimming with tropical fish, the azure blue colour of the water and yachts sailing majestically, winding their way through the 74 islands, that make up the group collectively called the Whitsunday Islands. These group of islands are idyllically located on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
It has been 30 years since I last visited this tropical paradise, but the memories of sailing the Whitsundays are still very fresh in my mind. So that is why when my daughter and group of friends set sail on a charter yacht around the islands, I asked them to photograph their journey.
The Gang Onboard The Happy Cat
The journey began at the coastal tourist town and gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach. It is located roughly on the central coast of Queensland, 1100 kms north of Brisbane and 150 kms north of Mackay.
This is the course that they sailed:
Secluded beaches, fringing coral reefs and distinctive hoop pines complete the spectacular Whitsunday Island picture. Cid Harbour provides a huge area which is sheltered from winds and has 2 popular beaches; Sawmill Beach and Dugong Beach. There is a short bush walk between them and camping at both locations is possible by arrangement with National Parks.
From here you can hike to Whitsunday Peak which has breathtaking views over the surrounding Whitsundays.
Views From Whitsunday Peak
A one kilometre long cosy bay, Butterfly Bay offers safe anchorage for yachts and boats. Snorkelling on the bayside of Alcyonaria Point is particularly good here, which is named for its abundance of coral, or go just off the beach and marvel at the many species of small colourful fish.
If you venture ashore at Butterfly Bay and explore the creeks at certain times of the year, the bush is clouded with thousands of blue butterflies.
Snorkellling in The Whitsundays
Known affectionately as ‘The Beach’ and rated as one of the top beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach is the epitome of paradise found. Feeling the powder fine sand beneath your feet and swimming in its turquoise waters with this 3D postcard stretching before you, is an unforgettable experience.
Whitehaven Beach
Found on the southern side of Whitsunday Island, is Chance Bay which is a double bay with two beautiful sand beaches. There is good fishing and snorkelling around the reef areas and around the little islet on the western side of the bay.
Fishing & Snorkelling in Chance Bay
The largest inhabited island in the Whistundays, known as the ‘resort island’, Hamilton Island boasts an Airport, a Golf Club, the Yacht Club, Spa Wumurdaylin, and a host of new or refurbished hotels and resorts. 70% of the island is national park, striking a balance between extensive holiday facilities and the island’s striking natural beauty with spectacular beaches and coral reef.
Hamilton Island
Located at the southern end of Hook Island, Nara Inlet is a deep fjord-like expanse, surrounded either side by magnificent lush green slopes which transcend into the clear turquoise waters and fringing reef.
In the steep wooded hills surrounding the inlet are overhanging caves, which were once Aboriginal shelter caves with some aboriginal cave paintings. A short steep walk to the caves will also bring you to a waterfall and rock pool.
Nara Inlet
Leaving the safe refuge of Nara Inlet, it was back to port via Daydream Island, to Airlie Beach. In six short days the crew of the ‘Happy Cat’ were able to cover a lot of territory sailing the seas of the majestic Whitsunday Islands.
After a very hectic year the gang described their Whitsunday sailing adventure as being extremely relaxing, jam-packed with fun things to do and breathtakingly beautiful scenery. These pictures say it all.
Sailing The Whitsundays
What a magical part of Australia on our world renowned Great Barrier Reef!
Linking up with Travel Photo Thursday
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Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
December 16, 2014We used to stay at Airlie Beach every Christmas holiday and island hop. Whitehaven is exquisite and very well preserved and protected. I see photography talent runs in the family Kathy :)
Kathy
December 16, 2014It is pure paradise around these group of islands. I would love to go back there some day. I hope you are enjoying your Christmas holidays so far :)
Red Nomad OZ
December 16, 2014I have great memories of boom-netting for my first and only trip (so far) to the Whitsundays! Our cruise didn’t go out into the passage, and it was just a day, but it was certainly memorable! One day I’ll get back there again – see you there???
Kathy
December 17, 2014Boom-netting – that is a blast from the past for me too. We spent about a week sailing through the Whitsundays one Christmas and it was absolutely breathtaking. We spent all day swimming and snorkelling. I would love to go back and yes I could see your there! :)
Life Images by Jill
December 17, 2014oh please please! this trip has been on my wish list for so long….I think I might have missed the boat – literally ! Thank you for bringing the joy of summer and youth to us.
Wishing you and yours a lovely Christmas and happy travels in 2015. Thank you for your blogging support this year Kathy.
Kathy
December 17, 2014It was indeed the joy of Summer and youth. My daughter and friends had an amazing adventure sailing around The Whitsundays and I am so glad that they experienced a beautiful part of Australia rather than just taking off overseas to Bali or wherever.
Thanks Jill for the Christmas wishes. I do hope you have a wonderful Christmas and new year as well. We are off cruising next year to South America and The Caribbean. Should be a great adventure and one to blog about!
Rae
December 18, 2014That’s exqusite what a magical journey x
Kathy
December 18, 2014My daughter said they all had a wonderful time sailing around The Whitsundays and they were blown away by its beauty.An ideal place for pure relaxation. :)
Nancie
December 18, 2014What a fab trip. Whitehaven Beach is stunning. Thanks for linking up to Travel Photo Thursday this week! #TPThursday
Kathy
December 18, 2014Whitehaven Beach is heaven. I was so jealous of my daughter and friends. The Whitsundays are magnificent. :)
Sophie's World (@SophieR)
December 18, 2014Beautiful. Still haven’t made it to the Great Barrier Reef. Next time in Oz. :)
Kathy
December 19, 2014The Whitsunday Islands are one of the many spectacular places to see in Australia. I hope you do get to visit it next time. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for dropping by my blog. :)
Marisol@TravelingSolemates
December 19, 2014Hi Kathy, what a beautiful sailing trip you daughter and her friends had. Truly a nice way to bond and enjoy. Each stop looked so stunning and relaxing. Thank you for showing me this spectacular part of Australia I have not heard about. I love travel blogs!
Kathy
December 19, 2014We have something in common – we love travel and we love reading about other’s travels! The Whitsundays are a spectacular part of the Great Barrier Reef and Australia. I hope you get to visit here one of these days. :)
budgettraveltalk
December 19, 2014I’ve been around the Whitsundays, but not on a sail boat. It certainly is a gorgeous area.
Kathy
December 19, 2014The Whitsunday Islands are gorgeous! I can’t think of a more relaxing or laid-back way to see the islands unfold before your eyes. :)
Johanna
April 27, 2016What a gorgeous area. Your pics are so beautiful. Would love to get to Whitehaven Beach. I did stay at Airlie in the early 80’s for a week and it was gorgeous back then, probably a lot quieter than it is now.
Kathy
April 27, 2016I think we would all like to die and go to heaven at somewhere that resembled Whitehaven Beach. The Whitsunday Islands are spectacular and particularly good for snorkelling, diving, swimming and fishing. I hope to make it up there again someday. :)
Miriam
April 27, 2016Looks like they had a fantastic time. What a wonderful part of the world Cathy. Such gorgeous photos. Reminded me of a sailing trip we did with friends on the Hawksbury River in Sydney many many years ago. Not quite the same pristine beaches but we had such a ball. Ah, memories! :-)
Kathy
April 27, 2016Yes they all had a great time and it was nice to see them exploring some of their own country for a change instead of going to Bali or somewhere else overseas. The Whitsunday Islands are pretty special. I would however like to sail the Hawksbury River at some stage. :)
Rhonda Albom
April 28, 2016Looks like an amazing experience. I would love to sail the Whitsundays some day.
Kathy
April 28, 2016The Whitsundays are incredibly scenic and the seas are full of treasures in this part of Great Barrier Reef. You would love it! :)
Lucy
April 29, 2016Looks like heaven – I’d love to see the Whitsundays one day (by boat!)
Kathy
April 29, 2016It is heaven! The Great Barrier Reef is one on the 7 natural wonders of the world and is something that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Thanks for dropping by my blog. :)
Lissa Johnston (@Lissa_Johnston)
April 29, 2016Beautiful! Looking forward to visiting your beautiful country one day. Prior to reading this post, the only time I ever heard of Whitsunday was while researching my last book and came across the Whitsunday Gang. They were a group of Confederate sympathizers who lynched three white pro-Union men in Texas on Whitsunday in 1864. I would much rather be thinking of these lovely islands!
Kathy
April 29, 2016That is very interesting Lissa, but the Whitsunday Islands are far removed from a lynch gang! They are a magnificent group of island in North Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef. You should definitely come and visit one day. :)
budgettraveltalk
April 29, 2016Love the white bikini, white plane and white beach at Whitehaven. The Whitsundays are a paradise. I’ve not been for as many years as you unfortunately Kathy.
Kathy
April 29, 2016I may have looked that good in a white bikini when I was there in the 1980s! Lol! I adored the Whitsundays. My husband goes up there sailing on a yacht with a mate in September each year. I am always so jealous.
Ruth
April 29, 2016Ah! This sounds like my kind of trip. I have a blast every time I go sailing. I do not know. I just feel happy when I am in a boat. Glad you had the opportunity to revisit this area.
Kathy
April 29, 2016I love sailing too, but I do tend to get seasick in rough conditions. I am definitely a smooth sailing type of sailor! The Whitsundays Islands are magnificent. :)
Tanja
April 29, 2016so beautiful! #travel photo thursday
Kathy
April 30, 2016Thank you, yes the Whitsundays are extremely beautiful. I could see myself sailing there right now! :)
Grey World Nomads
May 1, 2016We should live in Australia to be able to fly to all these beautiful islands! What an amazing spot! #TPThursday
Kathy
May 1, 2016I couldn’t agree more! I have a lovely 12 year labrador that you could come and babysit for us (who also comes with a house 250 metres from the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast, Queensland).:)
Sophie's World (@SophieR)
May 1, 2016So beautiful. Would love to see this part of Australia. In fact, would love to go back to Oz right now (can you believe it’s snow here in Norway still… – winter just won’t let go this year).
Kathy
May 1, 2016We have the opposite here Sophie. We are experiencing the endless summer and we are all complaining that we want some autumn cooler weather! No-one is ever happy!! The Whitsundays are a remarkable group is islands. :)