About the Whitsundays

Where are the Whitsunday Islands?

The Whitsunday Islands are found in the warm, calm Coral Sea, off the sunny east coast of Queensland, Australia.

They are part of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; Home to fringing coral reef systems, a plethora of marine life including turtles and whales during the breeding season.

Sailing the Whitsundays

Calm seas, light winds and pristine, tropical weather almost all year make sailing in the Whitsundays easy and unforgettable. When you embark on your self-sail holiday in the Whitsundays, you will experience an adventure, unlike any other.

The 74 Whitsunday islands are protected by the Great Barrier Reef, making this region a safe playground for your boating holiday.

Famous Attractions in the Whitsundays

Within the islands find world-class resorts on Daydream, Hayman and Hamilton islands, to name a few. Other islands boast pristine beaches, rainforests and walking trails and most have National Parks status. 

Whether you are looking to indulge in fine-dining experience or chill out on a completely secluded beach, there's an island for you.

Some of the “must-see” spots in the Whitsundays include:

• Experiencing the world-famous Whitehaven Beach
• Snorkelling around Hook Island for a variety of amazing snorkelling sites
• Berthing at Hamilton Island marina for a night to enjoy the resort facilities and attractions
• Seeing the most famous view in the Whitsundays from the Hill Inlet lookout
• Spending a protected night at the stunning Nara Inlet and hiking to see the Ngaro cultural site
• Playing cricket and go snorkelling off the sandspit at Langford Island (seen below)

Your Whitsunday Island Itinerary

Here at Whitsunday Rent A Yacht, we will help you plan the perfect itinerary for your sailing or motoring adventure around the islands.  

All itineraries need to be flexible, considering where you go will be dependent on the wind conditions and length of your charter.

Resources to help with planning a trip to the Whitsundays include:

• Downloadable sample itineraries for 5, 7 and 10 nights
• View our interactive recommended anchorages map
• Check out this blog on Cruising the Whitsundays: 20 places charterers love for some lesser-known pockets around the islands.
• Discover the best beaches in the Whitsundays
• Learn about the Island resorts which are open to charterers stopping over
• View our interactive map for dive and snorkelling sites around the islands

Is the Great Barrier Reef in the Whitsundays?

The Whitsunday Islands are located between the mainland and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. When you charter a yacht around the islands, will enjoy the fringing reef ecosystems of the Great Barrer Reef. 

It's not possible to sail to the outer Great Barrier Reef on a bareboat charter. If you wish to see the famous Heart Reef or corals at Hardy Reef, you can arrange a day tour from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.  Alternatively, for something exceptional, talk to us about adding a seaplane flight to your charter.

Whitsunday Climate & When to Visit

The Whitsundays provide the perfect sub-tropical climate for island getaways, the warm days and sea breezes make for ideal boating weather.

It’s possible to sail in the Whitsundays all year round with different seasons offering different experiences. The best time to visit will depend on the type of adventure you want to have and your budget.

Since we’re located in the tropics, we have a wet season which generally runs from December to March. It's a great time of year to enjoy waterfalls and fewer crowds and to let you in on a little secret; it doesn't rain all of the time. 

Our dry season is in winter, running from June to August and it coincides with whale season, where humpback whales migrate to have their babies in the shelter of the islands. The shoulder seasons are always a great time to visit too.

Average Monthly Temperatures (°C)

December - February: Maximum 35 - Minimum 24
March-May: Maximum 29 - Minumum 20
June - August: Maximum 24 - Minimum 17
September - November: Maximum 29 - Minimum 17

Airlie Beach

It's worth spending a few days at Airlie Beach, the service town to the Whitsunday Islands while visiting the region. The cosmopolitan village has the atmosphere of a buzzing holiday town with colourful shops, cafes and bars and an assortment of motels and self-contained apartments.

Airlie Beach is a sailing holiday destination in its own right. Whether you stay here or on one of the islands, you're within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef.

Our staff here at Whitsunday Rent A Yacht are all knowledgeable locals if you’d like any hot tips on what to see, do or eat in Airlie Beach, absolutely hit us up!

Shute Harbour

We are so fortunate to have Shute Harbour as our base for your self-sail holiday! A 10-minute drive from Airlie Beach, and here we are in the closest mainland port to the Whitsunday Islands. 

Our private jetty provides easy access and tranquil surrounds - perfect for acquainting yourself with your vessel and the area. Because our base is closer to all the islands than any other mainland harbour, you will save yourself time and money. Within an hour of leaving the dock, you could be moored at one of three resorts, or anchored in a secluded bay.

Chat to us about staying a night on your chartered boat in Shute Harbour before or after your adventure; you might even have some luck catching a fish for dinner!