Explore a World Wonder | Hamilton Island to Dumbell Island

Day 1
Hamilton Island

One of 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island is the best-known and also the perfect place to embark on a cruise through the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. To get there, take a seaplane from the mainland airports of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne and board your yacht in the Hamilton Island Marina.

Day 2
Hamilton Island to Neck Bay (11 nautical miles)

Home to more than 1,500 species of fish and one-third of the world’s soft corals, the Whitsundays are the ultimate underwater world. Neck Bay is a favored anchorage spot renowned for its fantastic snorkeling opportunities. After a day exploring beneath the waterline, step ashore to walk across the bay and the “neck” from west to east.

Day 3
Neck Bay to Cid Island (25 nautical miles)

Cruise west towards Long Island Sound and on to Cid Island. Kayak through the mangroves or step ashore to discover untouched native bushland that is home to wallabies, sea eagles, goannas, ospreys and kookaburras. Take in the sunset from Katoomba Bank or cruise to Hill Rock Reef for a peaceful night’s anchorage.

Day 4
Cid Island to Whitsunday Island to Hook Island (10 nautical miles)

Cruise to Whitsunday Island and take the trail to the Whitsunday Peak for spectacular views over Cid Harbour. Spend the afternoon enjoying the yacht’s water toys anchored off the west coast, where jet skis and other personal watercraft are authorized. Cruise on to Hook Island for a sheltered anchorage. Separated from Whitsunday Island by a narrow, deep passage, the island is home to a wilderness resort and provides ample opportunity for shaded forest walks.

Day 5
Hook Island to Hayman Island to the Outer Reef (45 nautical miles)

Cruise to Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island for some of the best swimming and snorkeling in the Whitsundays. Cruise back towards Hook Island to explore Butterfly Bay’s underwater world covered in coral outcrops with shallow walls populated by small colorful reef fish. Discover ancient rock paintings at the cave of Ngaro – a reminder of the island’s Aboriginal past before the arrival of European settlers. Make your way towards the Outer Reef for rendezvous diving, followed by a safe anchorage at Hardy Reef.

Day 6
Hardy Reef and Hook Reef

Discover what all the fuss is about as you dive the outer reef. From a spectacular array of fish to turtles and reef sharks, the underwater world offers a myriad of intriguing reef species. Take a helicopter tour to view the world-famous Heart Reef from the air.

Day 7
Hook Reef to Dumbell Island and Whitehaven Beach (40 nautical miles)

Cruise on to Dumbell Island, populated by a wide diversity of birds, including sea eagles, before approaching the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Step ashore to the silica sand and enjoy your last dip in the stunning waters that lap the shoreline.

Talk to a Charter Specialist Our experts are ready to plan your next luxury charter experience

Yachts for charter in The Rest of the World

View More

Other popular itineraries

Travel Tips & Inspiration

View All

Travel the world

Explore yachting's hottest spots and off-the-beaten-path locations

The Holiday of a Lifetime Awaits

Our charter experts are ready to help you plan the trip of a lifetime

Luxury Yacht Charter Guide

The perfect guide for first-time charter guests