Ideal for Summer Season
Located in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, the Whitsunday Islands emphasize everything you picture paradise to look like. Stunning sandy beaches and incredible views wait as your journey between the idyllic islands, taking the path that led to one of Captain Cook's most famous voyages.
- Day 1
Whitsunday Island
After meeting up with your charter yacht at Shute Harbour, head eastwards and leave the cosmopolitan districts behind you. While approaching your first port of call, Whitsunday Island, you will find your surroundings rapidly changing into a quiet and beautiful oasis.
Whitsunday Island is the largest of the Whitsunday archipelago and was named by Captain Cook in 1770. To enjoy the island's luxury at its fullest, head straight to Whitehaven Beach. As one of the most popular draws to the island, this beach is everything you imagine it to be. The glorious soft white sand is inviting and warm and is perfect for an afternoon of pure relaxation. At 7 kilometers long, the beach gives you plenty of space to set up your own spot for the day so you can enjoy the view in peace.
To cool off you can take your first dive of the trip to the Heart Reef around the coast. There are some fast-moving currents so less experienced divers are advised to stay closer to the surface.
- Day 2
Hayman Island
Enjoy the warm breeze as you cruise past Hook Island to the five-star resort on Hayman Island. Being at the most northern point of the Whitsunday Islands this resort is out of the way and has the highest level of indulgence.
Make the most of the resort's amenities by treating yourself to a session at the spa. For something unique and extraordinary book an Ocean Dreaming massage. Laying on a bed in the ocean is the ideal way to relax while listening to the water around you. While on the island enjoy the quiet, pristine beaches and pretty scenery before dining under the stars at the chef's table at the resort. Choose from a delicious selection of courses and enjoy a glass of something bubbly before retiring for the night on your luxury yacht charter.
- Day 3
Hook Island
Returning to Hook Island, you have a day full of exploring to enjoy.
Being primarily covered by the boundaries of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, the views on this island are spectacular as the isle is almost uninhabited. Hence, most of the scenery is entirely untouched. If you love to see some culture and history, visit the caves dotted around the island. These locations are archaeological sites that date back to when the Ngaro people habited the island from 7000 BC. Traveling to the Nara inlet, you will see the oldest indications of the Aborigine presence in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Chartering past the Nara inlet to the northern coast, you will be in the perfect location to witness the coral reefs below. Known across the area for having some beautifully colored coral displays, this is a dive that you will not want to miss out on.
- Day 4
Border Island
Continuing your journey around the eastern side of the Whitsunday Islands, your next port of call is Border Island.
Being one of the closest islands to the Great Barrier Reef, Border Island is one of the top three diving locations across the Whitsundays. On arrival at the island, start your exploration by going ashore. Sink your toes into the protected beaches before beginning your climb through the luscious greenery of the eucalyptus trees of the highest peak of the island. This will lead you to incredible panoramic views that allow you to see the very best of Whitsunday Island.
Once you're back at sea level, adorn your snorkeling equipment and plunge into the idyllic crystalline waters. Being so close to the Great Barrier Reef, you can expect to see an abundance of marine life waiting to be discovered. In the water, keep a look out for angelfish, reef sharks, rays and red snappers and don't forget your underwater camera!
- Day 5
Haslewood Island / Maher Island
This morning make your way to Haselwood Island. A very short distance from the popular Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, this island also sports some natural beauty spots.
The most sought-after spot is Chalkies Beach, a bay that boasts luxurious white sand and endless picture-perfect vistas. This beach encourages relaxation and provides a blissful ambiance for a picnic. In addition to the soft sand of Chalkies Beach, the surrounding waters hold adventures of their own. Plunging into the depths, you will witness some staggering coral gardens teeming with marine life. Butterfly fish and blue damsels greet you at every coral display, and if you're lucky, you will also encounter some green and Hawksbill turtles.
Moving on to Maher Island, there are some lovely natural caves to explore. Less known than other surrounding islands, you experience more isolation to enjoy the peace and tranquillity at your own pace. Finish the day by dining on your private yacht charter and watching the beautiful sunset.
- Day 6
Hamilton Island
Any trip to Australia would not be complete without a trip to Hamilton Island, one of the most desirable island getaways in the world.
Being the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island has many amenities and experiences to make this day one to remember. Relax on the palm-fringed sands of Catseye Beach before gathering the stamina and strength to climb Passage Peak to witness Hamilton Island in all its panoramic glory.
Back on land, you may be lucky to witness one of the annual tournaments or events which continue to bring tourists to the island. If you are on Hamilton Island at the right time of the year, you may see canoe racing, cross-country running competitions, or the famous Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.
Like all the other islands in the archipelago, there are adventures to be had underneath the water's surface. Snorkeling the turquoise waters, you will see thousands of brightly colored marine fish and equally vibrant coral displays. Moving further out at sea, keep your eyes open to catch a glimpse of some whales.
- Day 7
Long Island
Before saying goodbye to the Whitsunday Islands, make one last stop at Long Island.
Just a stone's throw away from your final destination back at Shute Harbour, Long Island will give you one last look at paradise before returning to reality. Long Island is protected within the national park, so you are guaranteed to see some staggering wildlife and picture-perfect scenery. Walking through the rainforest, hundreds of lush green trees provide a canopy from the warm sun. The native flora and fauna create an impeccable backdrop for some last holiday photographs and an enjoyable day of peace, solitude and pure relaxation.
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*All distances are approximate
