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Superyacht anchored at the Great Barrier Reef

Cruising the Whitsundays by Superyacht

August 4, 2020 |

By Dan Stapleton, thanks to Tourism Australia. You can read the original feature story HERE.

Wonders of the Whitsundays: chartering a superyacht in paradise

Incredible scenery, a sense of a seclusion and access to the Great Barrier Reef make the warm waters of the Whitsundays just about the perfect place to privately charter a superyacht.

Imagine a yachting destination with all the charms of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean – the picture-perfect scenery, glamorous ports, and dazzling diving and snorkelling – but with a fraction of the crowds. That’s the Whitsundays: a collection of 74 islands sprinkled along Australia’s north-eastern coast, right by the Great Barrier
Reef.

“It’s not a secret destination, exactly … but compared with the Med and the Caribbean, where the superyacht industry is predominantly based, it’s very calm,” says Michael Gooding, captain of the superyacht Silentworld, which is available for charter in the Whitsundays. “Over there, it’s wall-to-wall boats, but here you could be cruising past an island and find no other boats at all.”

Australia’s relatively small population and tucked-away location might keep visitor numbers down, but that doesn’t mean the Whitsundays is lacking in amenities or infrastructure. On Hamilton Island, for example, visitors can recuperate at qualia resort, or play a round of golf on a championship course. Nearby, at the coastal town of Airlie Beach, there are fabulous facilities for superyachts at Coral Sea Marina and a smorgasbord of excellent waterfront restaurants, including the critically acclaimed Italian option Sorrento.

“The Whitsundays offers a very broad variety,” Gooding says. “You can have lunch on a deserted beach and socialise at a five-start resort on the same day. It makes my job easier because I can adapt the itinerary depending on what sort of visit my guests want.”

Most superyacht owners visit the Whitsundays during the Australian winter: June, July and August. “That’s partly because June to August is the main holiday period for people who live in the Northern Hemisphere,” says Matthew Baily, captain of the superyacht One World, which is available for charter in the Whitsundays. “But it also happens to be the best time to be cruise here: the average temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius [82°F] and the water temperature is about 23 degrees Celsius [73°F]. It’s just beautiful.”

Another option is to visit in the Australian spring (September to November), or autumn (March to May), when temperatures are higher. The weather is generally fine in spring, autumn and winter. Summer in the Whitsundays, from December to February, is typical of tropical climes: it can bring monsoonal conditions and afternoon showers.

Whatever time of year you visit, chances are you’ll begin on Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays. This rainforest-clad gem has a small airport that accepts both private jets and commercial flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

“Depending on where they’ve travelled from, some guests might opt to spend a night at qualia,” Baily says. The resort, which covers the northern tip of Hamilton Island, comprises 60 secluded guest pavilions, an awardwinning spa, two restaurants and two bars. Alternatively, a string of waterfront restaurants and shops provide an ideal quick pit stop, before you set out to explore nearby waters.

After leaving Hamilton Island, your first port of call is likely to be the thickly forested, uninhabited Whitsunday Island, which lies a few kilometres due north. It’s here that you’ll set eyes on the most photographed spot in the Whitsundays: Whitehaven Beach, a blindingly white crescent of sand along the island’s eastern flank. “The sand has the highest silica content you’ll find anywhere in the world, so it stays cool even on very hot days,” Baily says. “You really can’t beat it.”

At the beach’s northern end, a tidal cove known as Hill Inlet is an ever-evolving vision of white and blue swirls, best viewed from the lookout at nearby Tongue Point. The island’s interior is also worth exploring on one of the several walking tracks.

“If you speak to any superyacht captain or to locals in the Whitsundays, they’re all going to say Whitehaven Beach is a must-see,” Baily says. “The downside of that is that it can get busy.”

Even during peak season (September and October), Whitsunday Island is probably the only spot in the entire region that can feel this way. The advantage of visiting on private charter is a higher chance of having the beach all to yourself – especially if you arrive early in the morning, or are visiting the region outside peak months (as visiting guests from the Northern Hemisphere often are).

Alternatively, chart a course for one of the dozens of islands that receive few – if any – visitors. Gooding says the Lindeman Group, to the south of Hamilton Island, attracts few tourist boats. “The beaches there are just stunning,” he says. “There’s Lindeman Island itself, Maher Island, Thomas Island … On Thomas Island, we’ll often do a beach barbecue and our guests will be the only ones there. It’s incredibly tranquil.”

Baily is a fan of the Lindeman Group, too. “Shaw Island has a couple of hidden beaches that are stunning,” he says. “The south-eastern side of the island, in particular, is a place where not many people spend a lot of time. When there are northerly winds, we like to sneak up there.

“Because it’s quite far away from any man-made structure, you really feel like you’re immersed in the national park. Not many people travel that far south. It’s a very quiet, unique place. You can generally have a bay to yourself and a beach to yourself.”

Then, there is the Outer Great Barrier Reef, which can be reached in a little over an hour. Highlights are numerous, including Heart Reef (shaped like a romantic love heart), the fishing hotspot Black Reef, which sits just outside the protected green zone, and far-flung Agincourt Reef, which has 16 scuba dive sites. “Many of the Whitsunday islands have fringing reefs, too, which provide excellent snorkeling,” Baily says.

Because the Great Barrier Reef is so vast, experienced superyacht captains can all but guarantee you’ll have certain spots to yourself. Baily won’t reveal the exact location of his favourite patch of reef, but says: “We take guests out there for a couple of nights. You can’t see land – all you can see is the reef under you. It feels utterly remote, but it’s only two hours’ cruising back to the islands. That’s the beauty of the Whitsundays.”

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Shingley Drive
Airlie Beach
QLD 4802
07 4946 2400
marina@csmr.com.au
Mo,Tu,We,Th,Fr,Sa,Su 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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The local marine life saying hello 👋 This scho The local marine life saying hello 👋  This school of fish enjoyed visiting vessel 'Escape with Rhapsody' here at the marina this week - just some of the many fish you will get to enjoy watching from the comfort of your marina berth 🐠  As a Fish Friendly marina, we strive to maintain a healthy fish habitat! Keep your eyes peeled and you can spot many species of fish and rays exploring the marina waters  #coralseamarinaresort #fishfriendly #greatbarriereef #stayplayexplore
Searching for something fun and unique to do this Searching for something fun and unique to do this week?  Why not unleash your inner creativity with this Art Class by True Heart Connections, located at Ocean Club, Coral Sea Marina, with the Coral Sea Academy.  Capture moments of joy from your day and then using materials provided you will be able to create a colourful picture of the things that made you smile, a creative way to lift your spirits and connect your mind, body, and soul.  All materials provided, no experience necessary. Suitable for all ages!  Course fee $49.99 per person.  Book your tickets via whitsundaytickets.com  #coralseamarina #coralseaacademy #lovewhitsundays
Some of our marina-based Superyachts are heading o Some of our marina-based Superyachts are heading over to Fiji & Vanuatu next month and we are collecting much-needed supplies for them to take with...  All donations welcome - every donation counts. Good condition items only please! 🙏
Stuck for plans this weekend? Join us and *STEP UP Stuck for plans this weekend? Join us and *STEP UP TO CLEAN UP* this Clean Up Australia Day 🌏  💚Sunday 5th March 
💚8.30am - 10.30am
💚Coral Sea Marina (meeting point D, Coral Sea Gardens)  Spend the morning on land or take your own boat and head out on the water, collecting any litter you can find along the way.  All litter collected will be sorted by Tangaroa Blue and volunteers on the day. The data collection will contribute to their Australian Marine Debris Initiative.  A family friendly event. Bring your hats, sunscreen and plenty of water!  #coralseamarinaresort #lovewhitsundays #stayplayexplore
Did you know? We are home to a seagrass nursery! Did you know? We are home to a seagrass nursery!  In partnership with @reefcatchments and @cquniversity as part of the Reef Island Initiative the test site is part of a bigger project to rejuvenate the seagrass meadows in Pioneer Bay adjacent to the marina 💚  #enviromentalscience #reefprotection #seagrass #research #sustainability #cleanmarina #coralseamarina
Beautiful sunset captured by night security last n Beautiful sunset captured by night security last night at the marina. ✨  #sunset #marinalife #coralseamarina #lovewhitsundays #thisisqueensland #sunsetsofinstagram #marina #yacht #boats
We are thrilled to announce that Coral Sea Marina We are thrilled to announce that Coral Sea Marina Resort is the naming sponsor of the @airlie_beach_triathlon 2023 🏊🚴🏃‍♀️  On the 29th and 30th July 2023, Airlie Beach will come alive as competitors join us to push themselves in paradise!  Registrations are NOW OPEN ---> Enter now at airliebeachtriathlon.com.au  #coralseamarinaresort #airlietriathlon #lovewhitsundays #stayplayexplore
🌞 Sunday sunshine 🌞 . . . We can't get enoug 🌞 Sunday sunshine 🌞
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We can't get enough of those marina views from our private guest lounge, The Lookout Lounge  #coralseamarinaresort #lovewhitsundays #stayplayexplore
Time for the weekend! Why not pop down to Ocean C Time for the weekend!  Why not pop down to Ocean Club? Enjoy the sunshine, fire up the BBQ, soak up those views and relax... ⛵  #coralseamarinaresort #stayplayexplore #lettheadventurebegin
South Pacific by Superyacht... 🛥️ Even more South Pacific by Superyacht... 🛥️  Even more than its own diverse cruising grounds, Australia is a launch pad for further adventures throughout the South Pacific 🌏  In Episode 7 of @superyachtsdotcom Australian InDepth Series, they uncover the thrilling experiences available for superyachts in the wider South Pacific region, visiting Tahiti, Fiji, and New Zealand.  As an alternative yachting season to the Mediterranean and Caribbean, the South Pacific is increasingly sought after by Owners and guests embracing an adventurous spirit  Watch the full episode here —> https://bit.ly/3XcTB5k  #AustraliaInDepth #AusID #SuperyachtAustralia
Date for your diaries!!! Sunday 5th March is 🌏 Date for your diaries!!!  Sunday 5th March is 🌏Clean Up Australia Day🌏  Join us from 8.30am at Meeting Point D and do your bit to help keep our backyard beautiful and help the environment!  #coralseamarinaresort #coralseaacademy #stayplayexplore 
@tangaroablue
⛵🌞Summer sunshine🌞⛵ It's certainly a wa ⛵🌞Summer sunshine🌞⛵  It's certainly a warm one today in the #lovewhitsundays but when the views are this beautiful we can't complain!  #coralseamarinaresort #stayplayexplore #visitwhitsundays
Episode 6 of @superyachtsdotcom Australia InDepth Episode 6 of @superyachtsdotcom Australia InDepth series asks the country’s experts about the keys to curating the perfect experience both on land and at sea...  With such a diverse range of experiences throughout the country, it is important to understand the key drivers behind each charter group.  The episode then steps ashore to visit the Luxury Lodges of Australia, the country’s collection of premium luxury resorts. Whether deep in the Red Centre or overlooking the reef, the Lodges deliver unrivalled luxury experiences amidst the country’s spectacular natural scenery.  Watch the full episode here: https://bit.ly/3HItyyp  #AustraliaInDepth #AusID #SuperyachtAustralia
Searching for something fun and unique to do this Searching for something fun and unique to do this week?  Why not unleash your inner creativity with this Art Class by True Heart Connections, located at Ocean Club, Coral Sea Marina, with the Coral Sea Academy.  Capture moments of joy from your day and then using materials provided you will be able to create a colourful picture of the things that made you smile, a creative way to lift your spirits and connect your mind, body, and soul.  All materials provided, no experience necessary. Suitable for all ages!
Course fee $49.99 per person.  Book your tickets via WhitsundayTickets.com.au  #coralseamarina #coralseaacademy #lovewhitsundays
Wondering what to do on a tropical WetSundays day? Wondering what to do on a tropical WetSundays day? ☔ Why not come and discover our new marina gym! 💪 
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Located at The Lookout Lounge, our private marina guest gym is the perfect place to push yourself in paradise  #coralseamarinaresort #stayplayexplore #tropics
Have you heard of the Ditch The Flick campaign? C Have you heard of the Ditch The Flick campaign?  Cigarette butts are plastic and are one of the many items of single-use plastic litter which impact the reef.  How can you help?  🗑️ If you are a smoker – bin your butts!
♻️ Pop in to the marina office and pick up your very own Pocket Butt Bin – so there’s no need to litter again! 
📣 Spread the word and do your bit to encourage people to “Ditch the Flick”  @TangaroaBlue @reefclean 
#positivechange #makeadifference #coralseamarinaresort #ReefClean #TangaroaBlue
🎉 We are proud to be reaccredited as a 5 Gold A 🎉 We are proud to be reaccredited as a 5 Gold Anchor Platinum Marina 🎉  We are always striving to ensure that we exceed expectations and we continuously look for ways to improve the Coral Sea Marina Resort experience!  To receive this accreditation through the Marina Industries Association for another three years is an incredible achievement for our entire marina team! 🙌  #coralseamarinaresort #stayplayexplore #loveCSMR
📣 JOB VACANCY 📣 We are searching for a Gro 📣 JOB VACANCY 📣  We are searching for a Grounds Officer to join the team here at Coral Sea Marina...  The role of Grounds Officer is to maintain the landscape of our marina and grounds, including mowing, planting, pruning and ensuring the grounds look beautiful year round 🌞 🌺  Does this sound like the job for you?  APPLY NOW!!!  ⭐️Full time permanent position
⭐️Weekdays only - Have a great Whitsunday work/life balance
⭐️A great opportunity to start a career at an award-winning marina in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef!  If you want to join the team, apply now via the link above at Seek, or contact laura@csmr.com.au
Swinging into the weekend... 🌞 . . @coralseares Swinging into the weekend... 🌞
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@coralsearesort
#coralseamarinaresort #lovewhitsundays #stayplayexplore
Happy New Year!!!☀️💙⛵ From our family to Happy New Year!!!☀️💙⛵  From our family to yours - #lovecsmr
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#coralseamarinaresort #stayplayexplore #lovewhitsundays
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