100 Magic Miles of the Whitsundays

From the top 10 snorkelling sites, bush trails of Hamilton Island, to the best cruising places for yachts, the famous ‘100 Magic Miles The Whitsunday Islands’ book is a must have for travel enthusiasts who want to see and experience this incredible destination on the Queensland coast.

Written by David and Carolyn Cofelt, this handy book is a complete guide to every nook and cranny of the Airlie Beach region, the Whitsunday islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

It is also a go-to guide not just for Whitsunday locals and visiting sailors, it is also an incredible read for travellers who are visiting the region and want to learn more about their surroundings.

The book covers it all; from snorkelling and diving, fishing, boating, camping and bushwalking in depth, as well as the general weather conditions.

Sailing

Known as a sailing mecca, the Whitsundays attracts people from around the world wanting to experience the magic of sailing around the islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 100 Magic Miles explores the tips and hints of where to sail and how to do it. Some of the most common ways to do this is with a bareboat charter, which entails renting a vessel and skippering it yourself. Travellers can also join one of many crewed overnight sailing tours on offer in the region. 

Weather

The Whitsundays is fortunate to have good weather conditions almost all-year round. Summer is also known as the 'wet season'  for the region, and though it is not always glorious weather, the wetter conditions can offer some relief from the tropical heat. On the other hand, autumn see cooler weather conditions and come winter, the days are sunny with clear skies and the opening of whale season in the region. This period is often the best time for sailing with a light breeze and cooler yet sunny days. Spring is also another popular time for sailing with almost ideal weather through the season.

The Whitsundays is sheltered by the islands meaning the ocean is generally calm with many sheltered bays to retreat from the wind.

Ngaro Sea Trail

The history of the Ngaro people also holds a special part within the book as the author explains the culturally significant Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. Opened in 2010, this self-guided trail walk leads the way through Hook Island, Nara Inlet and along the walking tracks on Whitsunday Island and South Molle Island.

Island Camping

Camping is permitted at South Whitehaven Beach, Chance Bay, Dugong Beach (Whitsunday Island) and Sandy Bay (South Molle Island). 

More more information visit the National Parks website for regulations, restrictions and permits.

The Islands

And course it features plenty on the incredible Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island and Great Barrier Reef and dates back to the local origins and discovery of the region and the geology.