Sail from Airlie Beach, Australia to the Whitsunday Islands

Sail from Airlie Beach, Australia to the Whitsunday Islands

The sheltered waters of the Coral Sea off Queensland's tropical coast are best explored by boat. Here is our report on sailing the Whitsunday Islands

Home to 74 tropical islands, the Whitsundays are perfect for sailing. Along Queensland's beautiful tropical coastline, bordered and protected by the Great Barrier Reef, the picturesque islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The eye immediately falls on Whitehaven Beach, repeatedly named one of the best beaches in Australia and even the world. However, with 74 islands to choose from, there are secret beaches hidden around every secluded bay.

The only way to truly appreciate the islands is to explore them by boat - and a sailboat at that.

We recommend that you ignore the countless noisy, crowded speedboats that frantically hurl tourists back and forth across the water. We recommend sailing the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach aboard Amadeus, a 36ft sailing yacht captained by the exuberant Captain Dale of Airlie Beach Day Sailing.

We joined two other passengers on Dale's recently renovated yacht for a day trip to Nara Inlet, a well-sheltered anchorage at the southeastern end of Hook Island.

After a somewhat restless morning crossing the Whitsunday Passage, where we all had the opportunity to help hoist the sails and sit behind the wheel, we arrived in the picturesque Nara Inlet where we anchored.

Exploring the Whitsundays by traditional sailboat instead of a petrol-powered speedboat leaves a smaller environmental footprint and offers relaxed cruising at a slower pace. Additionally, a small, shallower draft yacht like the Amadeus allows access to shallower, more remote bays like Nara Inlet.

alt=“Sail from Airlie Beach 14 to the Whitsunday Islands”>Atlas & BootsAnchored at Nara Inlet on Hook Island

In Nara, Dale took us ashore to visit the Ngaro Aboriginal cultural site, just a short walk up the slope from Hook Island. In the hills of the island there are caves with ancient rock murals.

The Ngaro people have lived, hunted and fished on these islands for over 9,000 years. The Ngaro, also known as “the canoe people,” were skilled at spearfishing, boating and navigation.

Early European explorers described encounters with “natives” piloting simple canoes formed from a single layer of bark or in larger canoes made from three layers of bark bound together with roots. The larger canoes could travel longer distances between the surrounding islands - up to 21 km.

alt=“Sail from Airlie Beach 15 to the Whitsunday Islands”>Atlas & BootsThe beauty of a sailing charter is the ability to find true solitude

Protected from the elements in this once-hidden cave, Ngaro artworks still adorn the rock surface today. A series of interpretive and interactive signs explain the history and significance of the area.

The beauty of a sailing charter is the ability to find true solitude. At Nara Inlet we only met one other small group of tourists.

After our short stay, Dale picked us up on the shore and took us back to the Amadeus for lunch. Well, I've been on many sailing trips in the past and lunch is usually simple sandwiches and a bottle of lukewarm tea. On board the Amadeus, however, lunch is a truly epicurean affair.

Dale and his wife Tam managed to convince retired French chef Alain Antonius to create gourmet picnic lunches for their passengers. Needless to say, lunch on the Amadeus replaces any meal I have ever eaten on a boat.

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Atlas & Boots

Shortly afterwards we moved to another small cove on Hook Island for snorkeling. Depending on your route, there will usually be opportunities to go snorkeling in the water.

During stinger season – jellyfish are more common in the waters around the Queensland coast between October and May – Dale provided us with stinger suits and excellent snorkel masks for easy breathing. As you would expect in waters fringed by the largest coral reef system in the world, the snorkeling was exceptional.

It was soon time to return via the passage to Airlie Beach. Again we all took turns sailing, with Kia in particular giving the best impression of a competent sailor!

Dale is a man who clearly loves his job, and why wouldn't he? With the wind in your sails under a clear blue sky, it's hard not to get carried away.

There must be a million worse ways to spend your days than sailing to the Whitsunday Islands.

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Atlas & Boots

Sailing the Whitsunday Islands: the essentials

What: Sail from Airlie Beach in Queensland, Australia to the Whitsunday Islands.

When: The best time to sail the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach is during the low season of April to May and October to November, when the area enjoys warm and pleasant temperatures with longer days.

The area can be visited all year round, but summer (December to March) is hotter and wetter, while winter (June to September) is generally drier and cooler, although accommodation prices can skyrocket. Australian school holidays are busier, particularly the September/October holidays.

It's worth noting that October to May is stinging season (although there are always jellyfish).

Where: We stayed at Coral Sea Vista Apartments, a family-run apartment complex just 10 minutes from the center of Airlie Beach and the nearby Abell Point Marina, where the Amadeus is anchored.

The Coral Sea Apartments are set back on a quiet hillside street, just a few minutes' walk from the waterfront. All apartments have north-facing balconies with impressive views over the city and bay.

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The apartments are spacious and fully equipped for self-catering. They feature air conditioning, kitchenware, a dining area and a flat-screen TV. The complex also includes a swimming pool. The owner Scott and his family are always available to provide advice or help organize tours.

How: Book a trip with Airlie Beach Day Sailing using the online booking form, by calling +61 437 558 358 or by email. The cost per person is A$199 or the Amadeus can be booked for a private charter from A$1,500 per day for up to eight adults or 10 with children.

The cost includes morning tea, a gourmet lunch and snacks for the return journey, any non-alcoholic or hot drinks, snorkeling equipment and all parking fees. Feel free to bring your own alcoholic beverages for the cooler.

Airlie Beach and much of the Queensland coast are easily accessible with Greyhound Australia. We used our Greyhound Travel Pass to explore much of the country, including booking the Uluru Rock Tour, one of their outback experiences.

Car rental is also an option for visiting the area. We recommend Hertz Australia, with whom we did a road trip along the southeast coast from Adelaide to Sydney via Phillip Island, Kangaroo Island, Mount Kosciuszko and the Great Ocean Road.

The nearest airport is Whitsunday Coast Airport, Proserpine (PPP), which is approximately 30 minutes' drive from Airlie Beach. Book domestic or international flights with Skyscanner at the best prices.

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Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

If you'd rather hand off the planning, we recommend G Adventures and their small group Australia tours.

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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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