Whitsunday Island Resorts

Scattered throughout the 74 tropical Island of the Whitsundays are several world-class Whitsunday Island resorts with each offering a range of accommodation options, attractions and charms.  From secluded eco retreats to flourishing resort islands full of family fun, there is a resort in the Whitsundays to suit those wanting luxurious relaxation or those with energy to burn.

For those enjoying a yacht charter among the islands, it's possible to berth for a night or two at some resorts, giving you access to the facilities and attractions.

Whitsunday Island Resorts

There are four Islands among the Whitsundays which have resorts, Hamilton, Hayman, Long Island and Daydream. Below we'll go into the main attractions of each resort and how to bring your private yacht into the marina or moorings to access the resorts.

Daydream Island - The Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island has recently undergone a $100 million redevelopment, and this family-friendly Island is better than ever! New additions to the Island include a small marina, a cocktail bar you can swim to and the largest outdoor aquarium in the world – the Living Reef Aquarium - complete with interactive displays within a fantastic discovery centre for all ages.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is the most popular Island in the Whitsundays, offering an array of activities and accommodation options. Whether you're a family looking for kid-friendly attractions, a couple looking for rejuvenation and relaxation or a group of friends looking for some fun, Hamilton is the Island with something for everyone.  

There are too many resort accommodation options on Hamilton island to list. Most famous is the exclusive award-winning Qualia, with many other bungalow, Airbnb and hotel options available.

Hamilton has a multitude of activities, tours and attractions including a golf course, ten pin bowling, a shopping and restaurant strip, three pools, several beaches, hikes, 'Breakfast with the Koalas' at Wild Life Hamilton Island and loads of water sport activities from Catseye Beach.

Hayman Island's Intercontinental is an exclusive 5-star resort which has recently been renovated, inviting guests to "experience Australia's most iconic private island resort re-imagined".  If it's luxury you're after, with fantastic pools, dining and even a kid's club to keep the kids entertained while you get a massage, then Hayman is the resort for you.
Many visitors to the Whitsundays plan to stay at Hayman before or after their charters because it is one of those bucket list experiences.

Long Island

Long Island is entirely national park with two eco-friendly resort options. Visitors to Long Island will enjoy a holiday immersed in nature, taking in stunning landscapes, private beaches, abundant walking trails and everything ocean-related.  

The Palm Bay Resort is suited to families and budget-conscious travellers looking for all the perks of resort island life. It's a uniquely self-catering resort, and guests are encouraged to BYO their supplies with full use of the resort kitchen. Facilities include a bar, shop, restaurant serving pizza, pool, tennis court and access to water sports equipment. With timber Balinese style accommodation nestled amongst private rainforest, it's the perfect private place to unplug.

Elysian Retreat is a secluded fully sustainable resort which caters to a maximum of 20 guests. The accommodation includes a fully catered holiday with meals sourced from the resorts veggie garden and seafood from the local area. If you want seclusion, luxury and nature, then this is the resort for you. (Please note that Elysian is adult only and not open to yacht charter guests).

Visiting a Whitsundays Island Resort on a Bareboat Charter

Four resorts in the Whitsundays welcome charter yachts, giving people on sailing holidays the opportunity to enjoy their fantastic facilities.

Stopping in at a resort for a day or a night or two can be a great addition to your bareboat charter. You can swim in the resort pools, dine out, go shopping and even enjoy activities such as ten-pin bowling, nature park exploring or a day of water sports.

For convenience, you can arrange for Whitsunday Rent a Yacht to deliver or pick up your vessel from any of the resort islands. Vessel delivery to the Whitsunday Island resorts can work particularly well for people who fly directly into Hamilton Island airport and don't need to visit the mainland.

Daydream Island

When you stay overnight at Daydream during a charter, you need to book and stay at the accommodation on the Island. Your boat will be berthed at the marina, but you're unable to sleep on it. Daydream encourages day visitors for those who don't want to book a room; however, you will still need to book your boat in at the marina.

Keep in mind when planning your itinerary, you'll need to be at your night's anchorage by 4 pm for your evening radio check-in with our base.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is a very popular inclusion on our bareboat itineraries. Overnight stopovers are allowed in the marina and attract a berthing fee. You will need to book your berth at the marina before arriving. You can do this over your boat's radio or using your mobile if you're in an area with reception.

The Island's airport has flights arriving daily from state capitals. Due to the airport, many charterers opt to start their bareboating holiday from the Hamilton Island Marina, arranging for their vessel to be either picked up or dropped off.

Hayman Island

Hayman Island is not open for day visitors. To visit Hayman during your bareboat charter, you need to book accommodation on the Island and a berth for your boat. Sailing visitors are not encouraged to sleep on their boats. Please ensure you book at least 24 hours in advance.

Palm Bay Resort – Long Island

The Resort at Palm Bay is the perfect place to escape and unwind away from tourist crowds. It's also an access point to enjoying the stunning beauty of the Long Island walking trails, forests and coats.
The resort welcomes day and overnight visitors with charters being able to pick up a mooring and stay the night on their boat. You will need to call ahead to ensure that moorings are available. Bareboat visitors are welcome to take advantage of the kitchen and facilities at the resort.  You can also organise provisioning and have it waiting for you.