Australians have for years enjoyed the northern tropical waters of the Whitsunday Passage off the eastern seaboard of Queensland, Australia. 74 islands, many uninhabited, make up the Cumberland Group or Whitsunday Islands and make a wonderful setting for sailors who just want to 'get back to nature'. Moderate temperatures and south-eastern prevailing winds set the scene for near perfect cruising grounds for Autralian and international yachties who can find calm anchorages and wonderful coves for fishing and fossicking in close proximity to the mainland and facilities.
Unlike more exposed coastal routes, the Whitsundays provide safe anchorages not too far from each other so small distances may be covered making it wonderful for new sailors and inexperienced tourists who wish to try their hand at sailing.
The combinations of bareboating, meaning "sail yourself", otherwise known as chartering, or getting on a fully crewed and managed vessel allow you to have your pick of the style of cruising that suits you. Some of the gorgeous yachts operating charters in the islands are ex-ocean racing champions with a real pedigree and they are truly exilarating to sail.
Yachts such as Southern Cross, Gretel, Apollo and Helsal II have sailed in the America's Cup and Sydney-Hobart races and are now fully fitted out for day and week long charters, mainly operating out of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. There are so many to choose from, you may have to come back again and again!
With all major airlines flying to Hamilton Island or Proserpine and bus shuttles only a step away, it is easy to get onto a boat and out to the islands in a short time.
Famous Whitehaven Beach and Nara Inlet are not far off the coast and allow anyone to swim safely in what must be arguably one of the most beautiful natural beaches and waters in the world complete with reefs, tropical fish and the bluest waters you will ever see.
Many islands have resorts and you can mix time in the pool, wonderful dining and waters sorts with island cruises. The Whitsundays are a must for visitors to Eastern Australia and are a great stepping off point to the Great Barrier Reef, only 1 hour away on the lighting fast motorised catamaran ferries.
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Contributor's Note
I have spent the last 18 years sailing these islands and personally recommend them for a great holiday. I go there at least once a year to sail my own boat.
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