Sailing the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays continues to a 'bucket list' favourite on every travellers list, and why wouldn't it be?

The Whitsundays is a sailing mecca with 74 tropical islands, scores of sandy white beaches, aqua waters of the Coral Sea and special native wildlife and marine creatures.

But there is also much, much more than this.

The Whitsundays is also home to some of the most famous islands resorts including the famous Hamilton and Hayman island, and who could miss the most iconic island of all - Whitsunday Island.

Whitsunday Island is of course renowned as the home of Whitehaven Beach which is famous because of its pure silica sands and remains protected by the Whitsunday Islands National Park.

Because it is protected, millions of visitors from around the world are able to witness this incredible beach and island in its natural state and enjoy a magical bushwalk to the equally famous Hill Inlet Lookout.

As one of the most photographed places in the world, Hill Inlet Lookout offers a spectacular panoramic view of the beach below, blue water and tropical islands. The view is at its best during low tide, when you can see the swirling white sands emerge through the shallow water.

Not only this, the Whitsundays notorious as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and there is no better way to the experience the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park then on a sailing vessel.

With countless reef sites, the region has plenty of moorings and anchorage places available where you can stop explore the underwater world with some snorkelling or scuba diving and indulge in some of the familiar creatures including Nemo the clownfish, green sea turtles and friendly Mouri Wrasse.

While the fringing reefs along the islands offer fantastic sites, the best view of the reefs is certainly at the outer Great Barrier Reef so jump onboard Kiana or Reefsleep and head out there, or jump on a scenic flight to get a bird's eye view of the reef, including the famous Heart Reef.

Whether it's on your own private vessel, a bareboat charter, or the most popular choice of them all, on an overnight sailing tour, everyone who seriously wants to enjoy a slice of paradise MUST go sailing in the Whitsundays.

For those abroad, an overnight sailing tour is best option because visitors have the flexibility to choose a boat ideal for them and fortunately, the Whitsundays have plenty of options - from backpackers, couples, catamarans, diving and small group sailing trips.

All of these trips include a skipper, crew, meals onboard, accommodation and linen, so all you have to pay is for any alcohol you would like and extra activities such as diving which may be available.

So what are you waiting for? Go sailing in the Whitsundays!