Guide to bareboating in the Whitsunday Islands

It’s warm, picturesque and lively, with the sounds of young foreign accents ringing out over trams carrying supplies to boats and tour operators shepherding tourists around.

The captain of our group, who has sailed before, stands tall and confident at the helm when we finally set sail. The mood is a mix of uncertainty and excitement, a wide sea in front of us, the wind refreshing our hair.

There are many ‘firsts’ on this trip and we wholeheartedly congratulate each of them. Our first order of business is to anchor in the beautiful Blue Pearl Bay. There’s plenty of yelling, pointing, advice, and muscle power, but we connect seamlessly enough that our efforts explode with cheers.

This is also our first chance to explore and a frenzy of activity ensues. The snorkel bag is removed, the boat is quickly lowered, the SUPs are deployed, and quick negotiations begin about who is using what, where and with whom.

It quickly becomes clear that a thriving and intriguing marine world lies beneath the surface of the deceptively quiet islands. We see countless turtles, stingray, tropical reef fishpods of dolphins or even an attack by a whale.

Blue Pearl Bay is just an introduction to getting a taste of the idyllic islands, bays and inlets we know, each with a story of mishap, misfortune or rare wildlife encounter.

The mighty Māori Wrasse ‘Elvis’ has us squealing with our snorkels at Mantaray Bay, and the youngsters love rock jumping at Butterfly Bay. The boat painstakingly returned to Coralita, rowing multiple times, and on a calm, warm morning we caught golden trevally for a barbecue lunch next to the mangroves on Macona Bay.

Our catamaran is arranged symmetrically with each other. family There are five in both hulls, two bathrooms each, a large saloon kitchen and two more living areas front and back. The boat looks larger and more spacious than we expected.

Our family is in a deep sleep and wakes up with the sun every day. One morning, while I’m napping in the early hours, I tap my husband to notice the sunrise, a beautiful, rich pink, with sunlight and fresh sea air filtering in.

I was surprised to find that almost all of the islands were covered with dense bush. Pine trees grow at indistinct angles among dull green gums, making way for towering rocky outcroppings. My oldest says, “It’s Jurassic,” and I agree. These islands appear impenetrable to barefoot sailors; They feel wild and distant.

It is against this backdrop that world-famous Whitehaven Beach emerges, drawing a bright white line across the turquoise ocean and green-grey she-oak trees.

We welcome the opportunity to stretch our legs for 7km and the silica-rich sand feels soft between my toes. The beach is wide, pure and clean, and extends to the swirling sands and aquamarine waters of the magnificent Hill Inlet.

Anchoring here is a great base for exploring, and one morning I took the SUP to do just that. I’m alone, except for the stingrays hovering over the patterned folds of the sea floor.

Later another catamaran approached with friendly faces. The music flows as we share drinks in the afternoon sun, watching our scantily clad youth perform against the water.

While not too far from the watchful gaze of the Whitsunday Escape, it’s wonderful to live freely at sea, alone and unimportant in the big, beautiful spaces of nature.

This trip and these islands exceeded my expectations. It’s like camping but better. And just like I’m camping, I’m ready to shower.

We’ve booked a three-night stay on Hamilton Island, the perfect destination for our Whitsundays adventure, and the sudden revelation of amenities is a feast for our nautical senses.

While some of our crew make their way to the lounges and Bob’s Bakery for their signature meal, I am content to look out at the superyachts that dwarf us, gazing out at the picturesque marina, lined with palm trees and buzzing with order and activity.

It’s easy to get into holiday life. We soon become very familiar with stunning Catseye Beach, its various pools and poolside menus, and are driving around in our neat little golf cart.

But our young people have a desire to step up the pace and the options are vast. From jetboating and wakeboarding ATV tours and we lock onto jet skis with helicopters, another first for all of us.

Like ducklings, we tentatively follow our guide Beau out of the marina. I’m driving, my oldest is sitting behind me.

As we circumnavigate the island, to our surprise and delight, I feel confident in laying down our skis, cursing its speed and appreciating the stunning beauty of the deserted waters and bays.

“Burn as much fuel as possible and have fun!” Beau cries as he drives us home, hitting the arrow inside me.

Everyone is hungry when we take our seats at Manta Ray, one of the impressive restaurants to choose from. Plates are best shared; We eat slow-cooked lamb shoulder and enjoy churros served with both chocolate and caramel sauces.

Another evening, my husband and I dine at Mariners. Its elegant setting, fine wines and delectable seafood plates make one feel far removed from the obstructions on the aft deck of our catamaran.

Our journey continues with our early morning hike to Passage Peak. At the top we are rewarded with 360 degree views and I see Hill Inlet in the distance.

As we walk home along Catseye Beach, we admire the new boutique hotel in the final stages of construction. The Sundays is a luxury family resort with 59 rooms on three levels. Each simply designed room features a soft, natural color palette blending with Coral Sea views and appears well designed to maximize space, style and function.

It’s time for us to go home, our mood is gloomy at best. There’s a five-minute shuttle to Hamilton Island airport and another 10 minutes before checking in and going through security waiting to board the plane.

This is the luxury of hassle-free travel that suits island life.

DETAIL

Book a bareboat charter with Whitsunday Escape. Our seven-night rental cost just over $1,000 per family per day. Prior sailing experience required; Alternatively, you can hire a skipper for $400 per day.

Bookings for The Sundays are now open for May 2025. Connecting rooms are available for families with older children.

whitsundayescape.com

The author traveled as a guest of Hamilton Island and with the assistance of Whitsunday Escape.