#GoBareboating in the Whitsundays' season of events!
Winter is a wonderful time to #GoBareboating in the Whitsundays, not only for the mild, tropical weather, but also because it’s the start of the region’s season of events.
Whatever floats your boat – be it arts, environment, music, sport, food, or friendship – the Whitsundays has an event for you.
Some events can be combined with a bareboat charter by adding a night’s onshore accommodation to the beginning or end of your trip.
Others can be experienced from the convenience of your bareboat.
For a list of the upcoming events and how best to experience them, read on…
Celebrate at the Coral Sea Marina | Resort
On July 1, two of Airlie Beach’s iconic identities will join forces under a new brand.
Abell Point Marina – where four of our five member companies are based – is officially merging with the Coral Sea Resort to become the Coral Sea Marina | Resort.
Marking the occasion is a weekend of activities from July 5-7, culminating in a Long Lunch on the Jetty (pre-bookings required).
Tag this event onto the beginning or end of your charter, or head into port for a day or two to experience the vibrance of the Whitsunday mainland.
For more information visit https://abellpointmarina.com.au/marina-news/join-in-the-coral-sea-marinaresort-celebrations/
The Coral Sea Marina | Resort - Photo @shazatsea
Blast off with the Bowen Offshore Superboats
Hire a car for the day at the start or end of your charter and take the drive north to Bowen at thetop of the Whitsundays for the Bowen Superboat Festival from July 19-21.
Featuring helicopter joyrides, activities for the kids and of course a round of the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships, this is an event for thrill seekers with a need for speed!
For more information visit https://www.tourismbowen.com.au/bowen-offshore-superboats/.
Bowen Offshore Superboats - Photo @bowenoffshoresuperboats
Run to Paradise with the Cruise Whitsundays Airlie Beach Running Festival
If you’re feeling sporty why not run to paradise at the seventh annual Cruise Whitsundays Airlie Beach Running Festival on July 21.
Heralded the ‘event of the year’ by Athletics North Queensland, the courses are some of the most scenic you’ll ever see.
Information and registrations are at https://www.runairlie.com.au.
The Cruise Whitsundays Airlie Beach Running Festival - Photo @runairlie
Be a part of something great at the Great Barrier Reef Festival
From August 1-4, you can be a part of something great – the Great Barrier Reef Festival, proudly supported by Cruise Whitsundays.
A celebration of what it means to live in and visit the region at the physical and spiritual heart of the reef, this festival results in one of the liveliest Whitsunday weekends of the year.
Most events are free of charge and take place around Airlie Beach, with the highlights being foreshore fireworks on Friday, August 2, and a colourful street parade on the afternoon of Saturday, August 3.
Comedy, classic cars, carnival rides, fashion, art, food, live music, sport, environmental initiatives, reef education and on-water activities are also part of the four-day mix, enjoyed by about 10,000 people from all walks of life.
All information, registrations and sales for ticketed events can be found at www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au
The Great Barrier Reef Festival - Photo @vampp_photography
Set out to sea for the Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing
The Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing is recognised Australia-wide as an exciting week of on and off-water action, mixing six days of spectacular sailing with seven nights of free entertainment on shore.
Most of the off-water action takes place at the Whitsunday Sailing Club from August 8-15, with the exception of a Family Fun Day at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill on Tuesday, August 13.
This event is one you can experience as a spectator from either the mainland or your bareboat.
The race starts are all in Pioneer Bay, with racing to the nearby islands and back.
All event information can be found at https://abrw.com.au.
Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing - Photo @shirleywodsonphotography
Hob-nob with the elite at Hamilton Island Race Week
Billed as Australia’s largest offshore sailing regatta, Hamilton Island Race Week is an on-water visual feast.
Ask us for the course locations when you radio in each day from August 16-25 and get set up for a ringside seat.
There is no more spectacular sight than the line of spinnakers jostling for position against the backdrop of the Whitsunday islands and fringing coral reefs.
If you’re lucky you might even see the odd humpback whale tail or breach in amongst the fleet!
For more information visit https://www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au
Hamilton Island Race Week - Photo @kurtarrigo
Go to Rio for the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club Rendezvous
On the last weekend of August every year, cruising sailors from around the world converge on the Gloucester Passage in the northern Whitsundays for four days of fun and frivolity.
The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club Rendezvous isn’t just a party with no purpose – all funds raised go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
A little further afield than the traditional bareboat charter routes, this event is one you can also reach from the shore, with regular bus runs to the Cape Gloucester Resort from Airlie Beach.
The theme for this year’s Rendezvous from August 22-25 is Rio Carnivale.
For more on the SICYC or to become a ‘Shagger’ visit https://www.sicyc.com.au
The SICYC Rendezvous - Photo @shazatsea
Enjoy our winter wonderland…
Our Whitsunday events can be a great value-add to a bareboat holiday, but if it’s solitude you seek, winter is also the perfect time for that get-away-from-it-all break.
The winter weather is warm and welcoming for all those who’ve been shivering down south but not too hot for anyone who still likes to snuggle under the stars and a blanket at night.
The sunrises and sunsets are some of the most spectacular all year, and there are manta rays and migrating whales to add to Mother Nature’s show.
For more information or to book a charter holiday with any one of our five member companies, now or at any time of the year, visit www.gobareboating.com.
