The Floating Hotel Whitsundays
Dreaming up a hassle-free summer in the Whitsunday Islands yet wanting to build your own itinerary? Searching for an all-inclusive Whitsundays package for your next family, group, solo, or romantic island getaway?
Introducing the Whitsundays one and only Floating Hotel, Solway Lass!
A world-first initiative in the Whitsunday Islands, the tall ship Solway Lass will anchor within the Whitsunday's tranquil coves this summer to provide a hotel accommodation experience to hundreds of adventure-seeking travellers. Offering guests the opportunity to design their own Whitsundays itineraries from a selection of full-day tours and sun-soaked activities, the Whitsundays Floating Hotel boasts more choice, flexibility and fun than ever before!
Simply choose from a 1, 2, or 3 night stay aboard the Whitsundays Floating Hotel, select an AM or PM departure time, and confirm your first full-day activity - it’s really that easy!
Let's dive right in and give you a taste of what a summer stay aboard the Whitsundays Floating Hotel Solway Lass looks like!
- What is the Whitsundays Floating Hotel?
- Whitsundays Floating Hotel Itinerary
- Whitsundays Floating Hotel Accommodation
What is the Whitsundays Floating Hotel?
Anchored this summer within dazzling bays of the Whitsunday Islands, Solway Lass is a traditional tall ship with over 100 years of rich sailing history. A Whitsundays first, Solway Lass will transform into an all-inclusive floating hotel, offering guests an abundance of full-day tours and daily activities to choose from each day aboard!
Featuring full-day tours aboard Whitsunday Bullet and Southern Cross Langford Day Sail, in addition to a selection of Solway Lass Day Activities, guests can explore, island-hop, and snorkel to their heart's content by day and enjoy their Whitsundays Floating Hotel accommodation by night!
By returning to your Floating Hotel base by the afternoon, you don’t have to waste time travelling back to the Whitsundays mainland in between day tours - plus, you get to sleep on the Great Barrier Reef!
Where is the Floating Hotel located in the Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays Floating Hotel will be anchored in quiet, protected coves around the Whitsunday Islands, such as Nara Inlet.
Located on the southern side of Hook Island, Nara Inlet is a secluded bay boasting iconic turquoise waters and rich surrounding forestry - choose to cruise around the Whitsundays highlights or sit back and enjoy the island vibe aboard, it’s up to you!
Please note Solway Lass' highly experienced skipper and crew will determine the best anchorages for the day's weather, wind and tidal conditions.
How many nights can you stay aboard the Whitsundays Floating Hotel?
The Whitsundays Floating Hotel offers 1 night, 2 night, or 3 night accommodation options, all including a flexible selection of full-day tours, day activities, and a delicious menu.
For those selecting an AM departure time, rest assured that you’ll be cruising out to the tropical islands bright and early, whilst those departing in the PM will arrive at the Floating Hotel in perfect time for some indulgent happy hour fun. You will arrive back at Airlie Beach by mid to late afternoon on the final day of your stay, ensuring each guest makes the most of their time in the Whitsundays!
Whitsundays Floating Hotel Itinerary
Unique to the Whitsundays, the itinerary aboard the Floating Hotel Solway Lass offers ultimate flexibility! Simply select your first full-day tour aboard either Whitsunday Bullet or Southern Cross when booking and choose to fill your following days aboard with another full-day tour or Solway Lass day activities. Or, if your chasing a day of tropical downtime, choose to stay aboard and catch some rays!
Each full-day or Solway Lass activity will return back to your Floating Hotel accommodation by the afternoon, where a vibrant happy hour and glistening sunsets await!
Sample 2D1N Itinerary - AM Departure
Perfect for guests that are already in Airlie Beach or have arrived the day before departure.
Day 1 - AM Departure
- 8:00 am departure from Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina.
- Depart on your island adventure aboard Whitsunday Bullet at 8:30 am.
- Arrive at the Solway Lass Floating Hotel by 3:45 pm.
Day 2 - AM Departure
- Depart on your sailing trip aboard Southern Cross at 8:30 am (option to stay and enjoy Solways Lass's many tropical activities).
- Return to the Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina by 4:00 pm.
Sample 2D1N Itinerary - PM Departure
Perfect for guests arriving in Airlie Beach on the day of departure or with a late accommodation check-out time.
Day 1 - PM Departure
- 2:30 pm departure from Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina.
- Board Solway Lass Floating Hotel by 4:00 pm.
Day 2 - PM Departure
- Choose to depart on a Full Day Tour or participate in Solway Lass Day Activities.
- Return to the Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina by 4:00 pm.
Whitsundays Floating Hotel Full Day Tour Selection
Whitsundays Floating Hotel Day Activities Selection
Substitute either or both full day tours for any of the Solway Lass activities, so long as they are booked 48 hours in advance.
Breakfast or Lunchtime Kayaking
Nestled amongst the lush tropical landscape of Hook Island, Nara Inlet is best explored by cruising smoothly along the serene surface by kayak. Guests can wake early and enjoy a breakfast kayak as the Whitsundays come to life, or experience a longer lunchtime kayak following a relaxed morning!
Island Walking Tracks
Dotted around the Whitsunday Island National Park is an abundance of hikes and walks that reveal untouched and diverse natural ecosystems, leading to some of the most panoramic views in the Southern Hemisphere. Walks on South Molle Island and Long Island are offered and suit a variety of ages and fitness levels.
Snorkelling at Northern Hook Island
With exotic coral walls at your doorstep, the Whitsundays Floating Hotel boasts seemingly endless opportunities to pop on a snorkel and dive deep into the reef wonder! The transfer vessel Explorer visits some of the best snorkel sites nestled amongst the northern ends of Hook Island!
Fishing
As the majority of the Whitsunday Islands National Park is green-zoned, a fishing trip to the sheltered waters of Cid Harbour is a must-experience for avid fishers! A biodiverse harbour brimming with Coral Trout, Queenfish, Trevally, and Mackerel, Cid Harbour is one of the premier fishing locations in the Whitsunday Islands.
Ngaro Cultural Site and Waterfall
During your adventures within the Whitsunday Islands on Ngaro Country, there is no better way to learn, reflect, and pay respect to history than by visiting one of the oldest Indigenous sites on Australia’s East Coast, the Ngaro Cultural Site. Located amongst Nara Inlet's forestry are Indigenous cave paintings and rock art that will transport you back thousands of years.
Solway Lass and Chill
There’s nothing better than exploring the islands by day, and then simply relaxing in the sunshine with friends and loved ones aboard the sleek and spacious Solway Lass tall ship. Enjoy a cool beverage on the top deck, start a good read in the saloon area, sunbake in the front bow nets, or have a laugh on the rope swing!
Whitsundays Floating Hotel Accommodation
Originally launched in 1902, Solway Lass boasts over 100 years of sailing and captivating history of adventure and triumph all over the globe! Making her way to the Whitsunday’s island archipelago in 1999, Solway Lass’ interior was freshly remodelled for overnight cruises with classic cedar and oak timbers, air-conditioning, and comfortable accommodation for 32 guests.
Accommodation options aboard the Whitsundays Floating Hotel
Shared Cabin - Single bunks in shared cabin accommodation.
Double Twin Cabin - Double bed accommodation with shared bathrooms.
Double Twin Ensuite Cabin - Double bed accommodation with private ensuite.
Family/Group of 4 Cabin - Two double beds with single bunks above in a family cabin.
