Whitsunday Sailing Holidays

Like glistening jewels in the Coral Sea, the Whitsunday Islands offer countless holiday resorts amongst swaying tropical palms and clear blue water. The 74 islands in the group were once part of a mountain landscape, now covered by sea and tipped with spectacular coral reefs.

Surrounded by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the islands are only 50km out from Shute Harbour, the main port for day-trips and ferries on the mainland. Nearby, Airlie Beach is the main town and a good starting point for your Whitsunday adventure with plenty of travel agents, tours, accommodation and shops.

Whitsunday Passage weaves between the mainland and islands and is a haven for cruise boats and sailing holidays, with its many hidden alcoves, cays and secluded beaches for easy anchorage. Bareboat sailing, crewed charter-boats and luxury cruises provide popular holiday escapes around the islands and stunning Whitehaven Beach. The diverse region is a natural wonderland filled with national parks and rainforests.

Only seven islands are developed for tourists while the others remain uninhabited. All but a few are totally national park, except for popular Hamilton, Hayman and Daydream Island.

Hayman is quite exclusive and the most northern island of the group, offering a secluded 5-star holiday resort experience. Daydream Island and Brampton Island are more family-friendly with plenty of activities, beaches and rainforest. Hamilton is the only island with an airport offering a village like atmosphere, with plenty of accommodation styles for various budgets.

Whichever island you choose, you will love the unique beauty of the Whitsundays, boasting some of our best Australian beaches.