There are many ways to honeymoon in the Whitsundays, with famous places such as exclusive Qualia on Hamilton Island and The Intercontinental on Hayman Island being the most well-known. But for those looking for something a little more unique, you can’t go past hiring a private yacht and exploring the Islands together.
Read on to learn about bareboating for your Whitsunday honeymoon. We’ll include romantic things to do, secluded beaches to visit and places to dine.
Introducing the Whitsundays
It’s pretty easy to understand why many couples choose the Whitsunday Islands to honeymoon. Not only are the Whitsundays on Australia’s doorstep, but they also offer some of the most sublime and stunning scenery in the world.
Home to the famous Whitehaven Beach, the lush, green paradise of the Whitsundays offers fantastic views across the South Pacific, where migratory whales can sometimes be spotted making their way along the East Coast of Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef runs along Queensland’s coastline and makes up the fringing reef around the Whitsunday Islands. While on a yacht charter or tour, you can snorkel or dive, explore pristine beaches, secluded coves and hike to the most breathtaking views.
Charter a Bareboat for Your Honeymoon in the Whitsundays
What’s better than setting sail with your loved one on a beautiful yacht in paradise? Imagine a honeymoon spent cruising through the stunning Whitsunday Islands, surrounded by turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. A Whitsunday bareboat charter offers a truly romantic getaway, providing an intimate setting aboard a fully equipped sailing yacht or catamaran. You’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, creating unforgettable memories with your partner.
What Is a Bareboat Charter?
A bareboat charter refers to a fully equipped sailing yacht or catamaran, but the fun part is you get to skip the boat yourself. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or simply adventurous, this self-sufficient style of charter allows you to enjoy the Whitsundays on your terms. It’s an opportunity to explore this beautiful paradise at your own pace—whether that’s relaxing on deck, anchoring in hidden coves, or chasing the perfect sunset.
Say “I do” then Sail Away in Paradise
For couples looking for something even more special, you can take your romance to the next level with a small ceremony on board a catamaran. Picture this: you and your partner exchanging vows on a secluded island surrounded by crystal-clear waters. After your ceremony, Whitsunday Rent a Yacht can arrange for your celebrant and guests to return to the mainland, while the bride and groom continue their honeymoon aboard the yacht, exploring more of the islands.
Top Things to Do on Your Honeymoon in the Whitsundays
Whether you’re drawn to adventure, relaxation, or romance, the Whitsundays offers plenty of options for honeymooners to explore by boat, foot, or air. Here are some of the top activities to make your honeymoon unforgettable:
1. Visit Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach has maintained its reputation as one of Australia’s top bucket list destinations. With its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a romantic stroll or swim.
2. Scuba Dive
For couples who want to dive into adventure, the Whitsundays offers some of the world’s best scuba diving. Dive tours depart from Airlie Beach, and if you’re on a bareboat charter, Aqua Dive can deliver your gear directly to your vessel. One of the best dive sites is the famous Woodpile Dive Site on Hook Island.
3. Snorkelling
The Whitsundays is home to some incredible underwater sights. Snorkelling tours depart from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island, but if you’re aboard a bareboat, check out Whitsunday Rent a Yacht’s interactive snorkelling sites map for the best spots to explore.
4. Hiking the Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands are dotted with incredible hikes that offer stunning views and a chance to experience the local flora and fauna. For a cultural twist, try the Ngaro Sea Trail, which takes you through three islands, showcasing the heritage of the Ngaro people, the traditional custodians of the region.
5. Stop over at Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is a fantastic stopover for anyone visiting the Whitsundays. Bareboat visitors can book a berth at the Islands marina and enjoy access to the resort’s facilities. While on a honeymoon, enjoy a spa treatment, book a private tour, wine and dine or catch some live music.
6. Heart Reef Flights
Heart Reef is the Whitsundays’ most iconic photo op, and for good reason. You can take a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight for an aerial view of the famous reef, offering a romantic experience unlike any other. For an extra special touch, fly over the Great Barrier Reef as part of the tour. Talk to our team about adding private tours to your trip.
Romantic Beaches to Visit on Your Whitsundays Honeymoon
These romantic island beaches are tucked away, making them perfect for a honeymoon picnic or a quiet swim.
- Chance Bay, Whitsunday Island
- Neck Bay, Shaw Island
- Cateran Bay, Border Island
- Plantation Bay, Lindeman Island
- Butterfly Bay, Hook Island
Where to Dine on Your Honeymoon
There’s no shortage of incredible dining options in the Whitsundays Region. While out among the islands, you can’t go past a dining experience on Hayman Island or Hamilton Island. To spend time at one of these resorts while on a charter, talk to our reservations team. You can stay on your boat at the marina on Hamilton Island. Hayman Island will require some more planning ahead of time.
- Bommie (Hamilton Island)
- Pebbly Beach at Qualia (Hamilton Island)
- Private dining experiences on Hayman Island
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, arrange a seafood platter or catered meal to be delivered to your yacht or accommodation. Whitsunday Providores and Whitsunday Provisioning offer an array of gourmet options for an indulgent, private dinner on board.
When is the best time to visit the Whitsundays?
Located on the north coast of Queensland, the Whitsundays are a subtropical environment meaning it’s lush and warm for most of the year. Winter, spring and autumn are warm with hot summers.
The winter and spring temperatures are ideal, sitting at between 22-25 degrees. Generally, water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius for most of the year, making swimming possible no matter what the season (wear a stinger suit in “stinger season”)
The wet season runs from January through to March. The days can get humid, and there is often a passing tropical shower in the afternoon, which can be delightful.
Each season in the Whitsundays has something to offer. It will depend on the type of honeymoon you want to have. Learn more about the best time to visit the Whitsundays.
Getting to the Whitsundays
By Air
Two airports service the Whitsundays, Proserpine and Hamilton Island. Both airports have flights from Virgin and Jetstar.
Hamilton Island Airport: The Airport on Hamilton Island services flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns.
If you’re coming to the mainland from Hamilton, you will need to get a one hour ferry with Cruise Whitsundays to either Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Long-term parking is available at the Port of Airlie terminals and other parking within the precinct.
Proserpine Whitsunday Coast Airport: Proserpine is approximately 40 minutes from Airlie Beach. Shuttle bus and taxi services run regularly. We suggest you book a transfer in advance with either – Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours, Whitsunday 2 Everywhere or Heart of the Reef Shuttles.
By Road
The Spirit of Queensland runs five times a week return from Brisbane to Cairns, to Proserpine, with coach connections to Airlie Beach.
www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 872 467.
The 1,100km drive north from Brisbane to Airlie Beach takes around 12 hours non-stop. Follow the Bruce Highway to Proserpine, then exit Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour on the coast.
Start your journey today and make your honeymoon unforgettable. The Whitsundays are waiting. Get in touch with our staff and we’ll help you make the perfect plan.