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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
