Sunsail Home » Yacht Charter and Sailing Vacations » Destinations » Pacific » Australia » Whitsundays Base

Whitsundays Base

With smooth sailing and line-of-sight navigation, the world-famous Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef appeal to all levels of sailors. The Tranquill and turquoise waters surrounding Queensland’s Whitsundays Islands and Great Barrier Reef are rated as one of the world’s most beautiful cruising destinations. The Whitsundays, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, comprise 74 tropical islands and islets, most of which are unspoiled national parks. The islands are renowned for their lush rainforests, dazzling deserted beaches, and spectacular fringing reefs.

Cruising notes

Hamilton Island
Perhaps the most commercialized of all the Whitsundays and its ever-developing marina is a major draw for sailing enthusiasts. Still retaining its tropical charm, the island is home to Sunsail’s Whitsunday base. With everything you would expect from a resort, the shops, restaurants, bars, take-aways, sports centers, nightclubs, and fauna parks are all within easy reach of the base. There is also an extensive choice of land, air, and water-based activities.

Hook Island
Directly north of Whitsunday Island and very similar in appearance. Two magnificent inlets cut into the southern end of the island providing all weather anchorages for yachts, and Nara Inlet is very popular for a trip to the small cave displaying Aboriginal Paintings on the roof and the more recent graffiti additions close by!

South Molle
The largest of the North, Mid, and South Molle Island group and the only one with a resort. A source of stone for Ngaro Aborigines, tools made from this material have been found elsewhere and have helped track their old trade routes. It's a hilly continental island known for its prolific bird life and excellent walking paths. The trails behind the superb nine-hole golf course lead to gum trees, rainforest, and encompass stunning views of the islands from the top of Spion Kop and Mount Jeffreys, plus some of the quieter south side beaches.

Airlie Beach
Cast off from South Molle and chart a course for Airlie Beach on the mainland. A lively little town with an even smaller beach, it’s perfect for stocking up or letting your hair down. Take advantage of the busy high street lined with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops or hire a car and explore the scenery inland.

Diving and snorkeling are a must when in the Whitsundays and dive companies can be found in almost every resort. Explore colorful coral atolls teeming with rainbow colored fish and get an underwater perspective on your yacht!