Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrival & Departure
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & Map

Address

Sunsail Whitsundays
Hamilton Marina
PO Box 65
Hamilton Island
Queensland 4803
Australia

Tel: + 61 7 4946 8699
Fax: + 61 749 48 9514

Please note this number is NOT staffed full time.

Location

The largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island lies off the east coast of Australia, 16 kilometers from the Queensland mainland. Brisbane is 1100 kilometers to the south, while Cairns is 600 kilometers to the north. Sydney is less than two and a half hours away by plane.

We can also arrange charter pick-ups at Hayman Island, a very exclusive and luxurious private island, and Airlie Beach on the mainland. For this service, there is a delivery fee charged at the time of booking.

Base Open Hours

7 Days per week 365 days per year - 8:00am till 5:00pm.
Office is often still attended later on most days and clients should call to see if anyone is going to be in attendance.

Base/Shore Facilities

The main base for Sunsail is on Hamilton Island, with its own airport, large marina and excellent facilities. This island is the yachting center of the Whitsunday area.

Facilities adjacent to the base include:
Overnight accommodation, Restaurants, Bars, Selection of shops, Bank, Post Office, Laundry, Showers, Toilets, Electricity.

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Arrival & Departure

Time difference

Standard time zone is UTC/GMT +10 hours

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance.  You must not include in checked baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport

Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.

Airport

As no international flights fly direct to Hamilton Island Airport, you will clear customs at one of the major international airports, before your domestic flight to Hamilton Island. Bright and modern, Hamilton Island Airport has a comfortable departure terminal with plenty of passenger seating. There is an airport bar, cafe and small shop to purchase snacks and magazines.

Proserpine Airport is located just 10 kilometers out of Proserpine.  The transfer from the airport to Airlie Beach is around 40 minutes, then to get over to Hamilton Island you will need to catch a ferry - www.fantasea.com.au  The terminal has an ATM, toilets cafe, fully licensed bar, and kiosk.

Transfers

HamiltonIsland – You will be met at the airport or marina by the friendly base staff and transported in our vehicles, with this trip a short 5 minutes.  Please advise the Sunsail base of your arrival details to ensure prompt pick up.  This transfer is provided free of charge.

Hayman Island - Sunsail guests are able to start and finish their yacht charter from Hayman Island, if you are staying their prior and afterwards.  Your Sunsail skipper will meet you at Hayman Marina, and will be there for you when you return.You will be met at Hamilton Island Airport marina, after being transferred via a Hayman vessel, by Sunsail staff.  The trip time between Hayman and Hamilton Islands is about 45 minutes.

Airlie Beach - Sunsail guests can take a taxi or a bus which meets all flights at Proserpine Airport. The transfer to Abel Point Marina will take approximately 30 to 40 minutes and costs between AUS$20 and AUS$55.

All three start base options offer, water, fuel, money exchange, and restaurants.  Showers and provisioning are available at Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach but not at Hayman Island

Information on Airlie Beach Pickups

You are advised to ring Sunsail on the day of departure for directions as to where you will be meeting a member of the Sunsail Staff at Abel Point Marina.

Our guest relations number is +61 7 4946 8699.
The yacht will be taken to Abel Point Marina - Airlie Beach
The address is: Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach
Your yacht will be delivered at 12 noon and must be returned at 10am.
We meet you at the Marina Office on the day you they pick up and drop off the vessel.

There are facilities close by where everything is available. There is a supermarket about 5 minutes in a taxi from Abel Point Marina to Cannonvale where there is a shopping center.  Alternatively, provisioning can be arranged by Sunsail as per all normal Whitsunday charters via www.whitprov.com.au/sunsail. There are many bars and restaurants in Airlie Beach which is about a 15 minute walk from the Marina or a 5 minute cab ride. There are toilets and showers available for marina guests.  Berths start at $50 and go up to $90 per night depending on the size of the yacht. This is only payable if you overnight in the Marina.

The closest airport to Able Point Marina/Airlie Beach is Whitsunday Airport at Proserpine. It is a 40 minute taxi ride to Able Point Marina and will cost approximately $70 in a taxi. Transfers cannot be booked in advance but there will be taxis available at the airport to meet each flight.

Please note, if you are arriving separately please bring a copy of the charter contract.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally luggage may arrive at the base after you do!
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passports & Visas

Nearly all persons need a Tourist Visa or an Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia (except for residents of NZ), although there is no charge for a stay of 3 months or less. We do, however, advise that you check with immigration in any case.

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

Customs and Immigration

Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.

A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. Airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles, e.g. food, which may also be confiscated by Customs.

Departure tax out of Australia is AUD$30 plus AUD$3.20 Noise Tax per person, payable at the airport.

On Arrival

Your yacht will be ready at 12:00 pm for boarding, but we recommend you call the base prior to arrival as your yacht may be available to board earlier.

All boats are prepared as per the booking for boarding time. Everyone will receive an individual yacht and chart briefing. This will take up to 2 hours so they need to allow plenty of time. It is not permitted to leave without adequate briefing.  

These are carried out individually for each yacht and are mandatory. The chart brief describes the cruising area and any potential hazards. A one week chart briefing takes about 30 minutes and a two week briefing about 45 minutes to one hour so allow plenty of time. The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht and its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.

Security Credit Card Imprint

On arrival at the Whitsunday base, you will be requested to sign a credit card authority form before setting off on charter. This is taken as security against the following type of occurrences.
If you go to an island and charge expenses to Sunsail
Call out fees are incurred which Sunsail then have to pay
Additional alcohol, ice or provisions is supplied by the base
This does NOT take place of the damage waiver as it covers completely different things.

Out of hours arrival procedure

Our staff meet all flights that we know our guests are on, so any guest arriving on an early morning flight before opening hours will still be met at the Airport.

On departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 10:00 am so we would ask that you return to the base the day before. Before departing your boat please collect a debrief form from reception.

The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.

In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state.  We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

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Sailing Information

Australia is Sailing Experience Level 2/3
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licences

There are no sailing licenses required to sail in Australia.  We do however require you to have a minimum amount of experience.  If you have not already done so then the Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills for sailing in this region.

Cruising Permits & Taxes

There are fees for sailing around the Whitsundays.
MarineParkFees - AU$24.00 per person per charter (which includes an AU$6.50 administration fee), payable on arrival at the Hamilton Island Base, if this has not already been included in your invoice.

Night Time Sailing

You are not permitted to sail at night unless it has been agreed with the base manager prior to departure.

Cruising Area Limits

In the Whitsundays, clients can sail as far north as Bowen and as far south as Mackay. The outer limit is 5 nautical miles from the most eastern of the Islands (25 miles from the mainland). As each yacht has its own regulations, please let your Reservation agent know when you are booking if you would like to sail to the outer cruising area, so we can ensure your yacht is suitable.

Every charter will experience a mandatory radio roll call twice a day to ensure your safety and for any assistance.  Due to Government regulations, it is not possible for charter vessels to sail to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. However there are lots of alternative methods of getting there.

Moorings, Marinas & Fees and Restaurants

Apart from the marinas at Hamilton and Airlie Beach, clients may also moor off many of the 74 islands within the Whitsunday region. Resorts are situated on the following islands:

South Molle Island - Tel: 4946 9433 or VHF Channel 16
Mooring fee is $49 per boat for 4 people and $5 for any additional persons. Include: use of pool, golf and other facilities. Please pick up Yellow mooring buoys. If anchoring, there is a fee of $22 to go ashore and use facilities. Island restaurant offers buffet style dining every night. Friday night is a seafood buffet, for $40 per person ($20 for kids). Saturday night offers an outdoor buffet for $28 per person.

Peppers Palm Bay - Tel: 4946 9233 or VHF Channel 16
Mooring Fee is $45 for an inside mooring and $15 for outside per night (includes 2 people)
Utility Fee is $25 per head / per night. This package allows you full use and access to all the Retreat facilities, such as showers, pool, spa, snorkeling etc.

You may choose to dine aboard your yacht for dinner, or alternatively go ashore and dine on the a la carte menu in “La Riviera”. No Children under the age of 14, also no more than 6 people per table.

Other food and beverage options available:

• Hot and Cold Breakfast is available.
• Light lunch menu is available from 12:00 to 3:00
• Snacks from 12pm to 6 and Dinner from 6:30pm. Reservations are essential

Bar open all day long.

Hook Island Observatory - Tel: 4946 9380 or VHF Channel 16
There are 2 mooring buoys available for you to pick up, just south of the observatory.
Mooring fee is $25 for three hours or $45 overnight.
The observatory is open 24 hours a day; entry is a gold coin donation.
The bar is open all day from 10am till 10pm. Café meals are available.
They have Ice, Milk and Bread available for you to buy, and depending on availability a small selection of groceries. Visitors are most welcome.

Club Med – Lindeman Island - Tel: 4946 9333 / 1800 258 263 or VHF Channel 16 Bookings required, preferably within 24 hours.
Mooring fee is $80 for 24 hours and $50 for a half-day – plus either:
           Breakfast    Lunch     Dinner
Adult-     $50           $95       $130
Child-     $25            $55      $75
Baby-     $15            $15
Price includes one buffet meal (lunch 12am to 1:30 pm late lunch from 1:30 pm to 3pm or dinner 6:30pm to 8:30am) with wine, beer and juice. Breakfast available from 6:30am to 10:30am
Facilities include showers, restaurants, golf and theater shows.

Club Croc – Long Island (Happy Bay) - Tel 4946 9400 or VHF Channel 16
Water Sports: Tel 4946 9262 OR 24 hr. Mobile 0414399974
Mooring Fee $75 first night, $55 subsequent nights
No need to book ahead, just proceed to reception and announce your arrival.
Seafood night: every Saturday night $40 per person.
You are welcome to use shower facilities, pool and café. Pool Bar Happy hour is 5-6pm.
Club spa massage: ½ hour $55 or 1 hour $75

Hayman Island - Tel 4940 1234 or VHF Channel 16
Vessels up to 50ft are $145 per day if accommodation has been booked. A passenger surcharge of $35 per person will apply in excess of two people. The daily fee includes a water tank refill, rubbish removal, and access to resort facilities such as the famous Hayman Pool, restaurants and boutiques.
The Island is not open for day visits.
If a vessel requires a water tank refill and rubbish removal only, the cost is $50; however this does not include access to the resort. Please be aware that supplies are not available at Hayman Island Marina, and we are unable to supply fuel.
Booking in advance is encouraged, as we are limited to two private vessels per day.
Warning: if above 20 knots, do not enter marina due to berthing difficulties.

Hayman Island offers a 5 star ‘Stay and Sail’ product.
This is a package in which yacht charter, accommodation, and launch transfer is included.
This product permits you to stay at the resort on Hayman Island for 2 - 3 nights, and then to spend as many nights as you like on board a yacht.
Clients may choose whether to take a skipper or not, and provisioning for the yacht is stowed on board. The provisioning selection is the same as that for other Whitsunday charters.
This product is particularly attractive to couples or groups, in which the enthusiasm for sailing is matched by a love of luxury and relaxation. Check direct with Sunsail in Australia for prices.

DayDream Island - Tel 4948 8488 or VHF Channel 17
Mooring Fee is $55 for 24 hours access to all facilities.
Marina berths $75 for 24 hours full access to facilities (Boats under 38 ft only.)  Dinner service is available from 5.30pm to 9pm. Bookings essential.  Movie nights available, for more information contact resort.

Abel Point Marina - Tel 4946 2400 OR VHF Channel 9
Berthing rates: Monohulls up to 36’ = $50 per day
Monohulls up to 39’ = $60 per day
Monohulls up to 49’ = $70 per day
Multihulls up to 39’ = $90 per day
Multihulls up to 59’ = $105 per day
Along Side Rate for a maximum of 4 hours or water refills for $11 per 30 min
Up to 39’ $25
Up to 59’ $40
Berthing does not include three phase power.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.

Skippered Charter Information

Due to Queensland regulations only some of our vessels can do skippered charters.
The yachts that are allowed to be chartered with a Sunsail skipper are as follows: All Oceanis 323's,Oceanis 343, Oceanis 361's, Oceanis 393's,Sun Odyssey 40, Sunsail 43 - Stealing Beauty, Sun Odyssey 45.2 – Giroffle, Oceanis 473 – Chillie, All Benetau 50's, Sunsail 404's.

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 4:30 pm start, he will use this time to ensure  is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight.

Important: ALL passengers, along with the skipper and first mate, must be present during the boat check out process for a mandatory briefing on safety instructions and emergency procedures. Failure to do so will only delay your charter.

For check out charters, (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the checkout skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are the responsibility of the client. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.  The skipper must have his own cabin. 

For one-day check out skippers, it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20% percent of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at the client’s discretion.
 

Fuel

Your yacht will be provided with a full tank of fuel at the start of your charter and you will be required to pre-pay for your fuel with your holiday balance. If extra fuel is required you will need to return to Hamilton Island.

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise you will be charged for replacement. Only one per boat.

Generator Fee

Note that all charters on yachts with a Gen-set in the Whitsunday's will now be charged AU$5 per hour payable at the base on departure. There are currently only 4 vessels that this applies to: Lagoon 440, Sunsail 464, Sunsail 474 and Moorings 474 Power cat.

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Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The currency throughout Australia is the Australian dollar (AUS$).

Bank

There is a bank and post office located at Hamilton Island Marina

Traveler’s checks, especially in foreign currencies, are generally NOT accepted except by hotels and big stores and tourist shops. These display a 'traveler’s checks welcome' sign. Cash your checks at a bank or Bureau de Change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not generally accepted by Australian businesses and shops.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are widely accepted and there is currently no purchase tax.

Tipping

No service charge applies in Australia. Tipping is absolutely at your discretion, and is not mandatory.

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General Information

Language

The official language is English.

Cost of living in Australia

Prices vary between areas and from restaurant to restaurant, however the following is a guide for reference:

• A bottle of wine costs about AUD$14 (£6) in a supermarket and from AUD$24 (£10) in a restaurant.
• A bottle of beer costs about AUD$3.6 (£1.50).
• A cheap snack can be bought for about AUD$7 (£3). A three course meal is likely to cost over AUD$48 (£20) per head.

Restaurants

Influenced by a multicultural society, dining out in Australia is a culinary delight with the most varied choice of restaurants available in the world. Good food guides can be found in bookshops and newsagents.
There is an extensive choice of restaurants available throughout the sailing area, but details of a couple at the base are below:

Mariners
Marina Village
Hamilton Island
+749 469 999
Sample the famous seafood of the Whitsundays  overlooking the marina on the deck at Mariners, in the heart of Hamilton Island’s Marina Village

Marina Tavern
Marina Village
Hamilton Island
Grab an outdoor table for a refreshing ale or twilight cocktail by the harbour at the popular Marina Tavern.

Shopping

Hamilton & Hayman Islands have good shopping precincts catering for all tastes and supplying all manner of merchandise.  Hamilton Islands’ bakery is just one of the islands famous eateries, producing mouth watering pastry products. Other Island resorts cater for visitors shopping needs with outlets providing clothing, footwear, food, souvenirs and other vacation essentials.

Car Rental:
The major car rental companies including Avis, Hertz, Europocar, Thrifty, and Budget are all available in Airlie Beach on the mainland.

Hotels

Each of the Whitsunday Islands has a distinctive character of its own. Choose from being pampered in five star luxury to a range of moderate accommodation that caters for singles, couples and families alike. Many island resorts provide babysitting and Kids Clubs.

Please contact your Reservations Team if you would like land based accommodation on either Hamilton Island, Hayman Island or Daydream Island.  We are more than happy to prepare a package to suit your party.

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Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 240v you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.  The majority of our vessels do come with converters, however, if this is absolutely necessary, please let your Reservations Consultant know.

Mobile phones

You can use a mobile telephone from your home country if you have international roaming options.
Another alternative is to buy a mobile phone with a prepaid SIM card.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD while sailing, we do have the Male / Male AUX cords for you.

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Activities

Fishing

You can fish in the Whitsundays - no permit is required - there are just some zones where you cannot fish, but we go over this in the briefing your departure... We don't supply fishing equipment, but this can be purchased from a shop just next door to us.

Diving

Diving Equipment – can be hired locally.  Please note that we do not allow compressors onboard any of our vessels.
Snorkeling and diving are fantastic throughout the Islands, with clear blue water, and masses of tropical fish, turtles, manta rays, and so on. Butterfly Bay on the north tip of Hook Island is particularly well known for its abundance of sea life.  In addition to all of this, there is an annual migration of hump-backed whales around July to October.

Stinger suits are offered all year round at the base. Kid sizes ranging from 4yr to 12yr olds and Adult sizes small, med, large, and xl are available. They are $40 AUD each.

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Kayaks

Kayaks are available for rent on charter and can be pre-booked.

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Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location. Click here for more information or to order provisioning online.

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Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either a lead boat or at a Sunsail base or Club.

If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.

Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your clai

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn. We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.

We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck. Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

*Please note:  
New regulations in Queensland require all children under 12 to wear a lifejacket on open boats less than 4.8 meters while under way. This means in dinghies going to and from a bareboat but not on the boat itself.

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