Whitsundays Sailing Itinerary

More than seventy tall, green islands shelter inside the Great Barrier Reef — a national park afloat in the Coral Sea where the sand between your toes is as soft as silk.

The 74 Whitsunday Islands, discovered by Captain Cook in 1770, are scattered between 20° and 21° South. The main charter base sits at Hamilton Island or nearby Airlie Beach. From the deck of a 50-foot monohull or cat, you sail past Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, and Hamilton Marina — the Great Barrier Reef itself is a day-sail east.

Sheltered by the Reef, the tranquil ocean surrounding the Whitsundays makes for ideal sailing conditions: steady SE trade winds at 15–25 knots, water temperatures that rarely drop below 22°C in winter (your summer), and a thousand anchorages to choose from. The Whitsundays are a play park for water sports — sailing, snorkelling, scuba, paddleboarding — and adventurous outdoor activities ashore.

1. Day 1

   Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach

   Arrive at Abell Point Marina, the largest marina in the southern hemisphere, and the gateway to the Whitsundays. Provisioning, briefing, and your first night aboard with the lights of Airlie Beach across the water.

   SailChecker Tip

   Stock up at Coral Sea Marina's IGA for fresh provisions — choices thin out once you head into the islands.

   Overnight: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach

2. Day 2

   Macona Inlet, Hook Island

   18 NM

   Set sail north-east for Hook Island. Drop anchor in Macona Inlet — a long, sheltered fjord-like bay with calm water and good holding. Spend the afternoon snorkelling the fringing reef on the eastern shore.

   Overnight: Macona Inlet anchorage

3. Day 3

   Stonehaven Anchorage

   4 NM

   Short hop to Stonehaven, one of the most popular anchorages in the Whitsundays. The reef here is alive with parrotfish and clown anemones. Take the dinghy ashore for a hike up to the Hook Island Lookout.

   Overnight: Stonehaven, Hook Island

4. Day 4

   Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

   12 NM

   The headline day of the itinerary. Sail south to Tongue Bay, then dinghy ashore for the short walk up to Hill Inlet — the shifting tidal sands create a beautiful fusion of turquoise and white. Walk the length of Whitehaven Beach in the afternoon; the silica sand is so fine it squeaks underfoot.

   SailChecker Tip

   Time the Hill Inlet walk for a rising tide for the best sand-pattern photos.

   Overnight: Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island

5. Day 5

   Cid Harbour

   8 NM

   Cid Harbour is one of the most protected anchorages in the group — a wide, sheltered bay between Whitsunday Island and Cid Island. Hike to the summit of Whitsunday Peak (450m) for a panoramic view of the whole island chain.

   Overnight: Cid Harbour, Whitsunday Island

6. Day 6

   Hamilton Island Marina

   10 NM

   Sail south to Hamilton Island for a night ashore. Restaurants, a small village, and the chance to refuel and refresh. Hamilton has its own airstrip — handy if you want a day flight to the outer reef.

   Overnight: Hamilton Island Marina

7. Day 7

   Lindeman Island & return to Airlie Beach

   20 NM

   Final sail past Lindeman Island and back to Abell Point Marina. Time for one last swim and the chance to circumnavigate Long Island on the way home. Hand back the keys mid-afternoon.

   Overnight: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach