Whitsunday Islands - Great Barrier Reef

The Cumberland and Northcumberland Island groups, commonly called the Whitsundays are located approximately Latitude 20 degrees South, off the sunny coast of Queensland, making it the perfect location for a bareboat charter holiday. Fringing coral cays surround many of the 74 islands that form the largest off shore island chain on the East Coast of Australia.

The Whitsundays are many things to many people. Close to the Great Barrier Reef, diving, sailing and cruising the blue waters or exploring the many uninhabited Whitsunday Islands. Others enjoy the luxury Whitsunday resorts and fine dining in Airlie Beach. This area is, without a doubt, one of the top holiday destinations in Australia.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays are remnants of a coastal range which submerged when sea levels rose at the end of the last ice age. You'll find world class resorts on Daydream, Hayman, South Molle and Hamilton Island to name a few. While not equipped with resort facilities other Whitsunday islands boast pristine beaches, rainforests and walking trails. Most have National Parks status.

Click here for Whitsunday Resorts

Click here for some suggested anchorages

Click here for a map of Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach

The cosmopolitan hub of restaurants, shops and accommodation that form Airlie Beach attest it's role as a major tourist centre. Airlie Beach is popular among many tourists as a base from which to explore the Whitsundays. Whether you stay in Airlie Beach or on one of the major Whitsunday islands, like Hayman or Daydream, you're still within easy reach of popular attractions like the Great Barrier Reef.

Holidaymakers considering a bareboat charter at Airlie Beach should make the short trip across to Shute Harbour, where Whitsunday Rent A Yacht's range of vessels and head office is located.  Whether you would like to enjoy an Airlie Beach sailing holiday or explore the full expanse of the Whitsundays region, Whitsunday Rent A Yacht can tailor a package to suit you.

Click here to view a map of our location for when you are ready to arrange a bareboat charter at Airlie Beach and would like to explore the options available from Whitsunday Rent A Yacht, located around the corner at shute Harbour.

The Great Barrier Reef

Stretching for over 2000 km, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest in the world and a true natural wonder. Located just 39 nautical miles (around 72 kilometres) from the Whitsundays the Great Barrier Reef is too close to ignore. Dive beneath the tropical waters and see the astonishing beauty of this world heritage listed marvel. The Great Barrier Reef is a must see for any traveller to the Whitsunday region.