5 Whitsunday experiences not to miss when you #GoBareboating!
The term ‘bucket-list’ might be over-used, but when you #GoBareboating in the Whitsundays there are definitely more than a few must-do’s.
In preparation for the summer season ahead, we’ve put together our top 5, guaranteed to leave with you with lasting memories from a holiday of a lifetime.
1. Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach
Coming to the Whitsundays and not seeing Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach would be like travelling to Sydney and missing the Opera House.
These two natural attractions are globally recognised icons – for good reason.
With its pure, white silica sand, Whitehaven Beach is literally one of the world’s best beaches, consistently voted among the top 10 in a number of worldwide annual lists.
From the southern end with its new lookout and walking track, to the northern tip, where the sands swirl into picture perfect Hill Inlet, Whitehaven is heaven on earth.
Anchor anywhere along the 7km stretch to suit the prevailing winds, and tuck into Tongue Bay for easy access to the Hill Inlet walking track.
Top Tip: Timing your trip to the Hill Inlet lookouts with a half tide will give you those postcard photos of the white sands and varying shades of blue.
Photos: @luxuryyachtswhitsundays and @whitsundaysphotography
2. The Great Barrier Reef – on your doorstep!
Imagine waking up surrounded by one of the wonders of the natural world.
On a bareboat that’s exactly what you get to do.
The 74 Whitsunday islands are located at the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and each of the islands has its own individual fringing reefs.
Ask us for a list of the snorkelling hotspots when you book your charter or during your comprehensive boat briefing.
Many of the best spots are located conveniently close to public moorings so you can slip from the back of your bareboat straight into a magical world of coral and marine life beneath the surface of the sea.
Top Tip: Snorkel when the sun is high and at lower tides (when possible) for the most vivid colours and up-close experiences in our underwater gardens.
Photos: @johnny_gaskell and @thesailingyogi
3. Heart Reef
Want to fly over world-famous Heart Reef during your bareboat charter?
No problem – we’ll take you there!
A scenic flight with Air Whitsunday can be arranged from the convenience of your anchorage.
This stunning coral composition in the Hardy Reef system, is naturally formed in the shape of a heart.
Discovered in 1975 by one of Air Whitsunday’s pilots, seeing this phenomenon from the air is one of the ultimate experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
Top Tip: If you’re bareboating with that someone special, this could be the optimum place to pop the question!
Photos: @bestplacesqld and @photobohemian
4. World-class island resorts
Visitors to the Whitsundays get to enjoy our special brand of island time at world-class resorts like Hamilton and Daydream islands.
Visiting Hamilton Island by boat is arguably even more special than flying in or arriving by ferry.
Facilities at the Hamilton Island Marina are second-to-none, and the precinct is bounded by restaurants and shops servicing every conceivable need.
Stroll along Front Street to the impressive Walter Barda-designed Yacht Club or catch a free shuttle to the pools and watersports of Catseye Beach.
For something completely different on your bareboat charter, call into the idyllic Palm Bay Resort.
Located on the west coast of Long Island, this laid-back piece of paradise is a true tropical retreat.
Moorings can be booked with our help, as can berths at Hamilton Island Marina.
Ask us about a resort-stay option at any time during your trip.
Top Tip: When planning your provisioning allow for one night out, to enjoy dinner at an island resort.
Photos: @paultaddayphotography and @photobohemian
5. Friendly locals
Meeting the locals can be a highlight of any holiday and here in the Whitsundays we’re lucky to have both the human and animal kind.
Few people can say they wouldn’t want to snorkel with turtles, and in the Whitsundays there are places these beautiful sea creatures will even visit your boat.
Make friends with kaleidoscopic schools of fish and be amazed by the resident giant Maori Wrasse.
Natural encounters abound everywhere you look!
Top Tip: Time your visit for the winter months of June to September for the chance to see humpback whales.
Photos: @whitsundaysphotography and @mycolourfulworld_
If all this sounds enticing, let us help you tick these experiences off your list.
For more information or to book a charter holiday with any one of our five member companies, visit www.gobareboating.com.
