Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands of Australia have been my playground for 15 years and I have owned and sailed three yachts in that time and cruised the region. Tourists from around the world come to the eastern shores of Australia via Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island to experience the Great Barrier Reef and the warm, tropical waters.

Sailing around the islands is undoubtedly the best way to see the area and there are numerous ways to do this. Many people hire their own yacht. Bareboat or Skipper Yourself Charters offers the freedom and flexibility to create your own holiday itinerary depending on how YOU feel. It's the ideal holiday choice for a group of fun seeking friends, a couple looking for a romantic break or just a good old-fashioned family holiday.

For those who are not experienced yachties or wish to lay back a little, crewed overnight sailing vessels provide an excellent collection of classic and modern vessels for you to enjoy as you sail around the Whitsunday Islands.

Spend a few days of sailing adventure aboard a square-rigger tall ship or climb aboard an America's Cup legend, a classic yacht, a high-tech catamaran or a performance racing yacht.

Great food, great company and comfortable accommodation go with an unforgettable experience and one that you can take an active part in from hoisting the sails or taking the helm or simply kick back and soak up your surrounds.

A long time sailor in the cold waters of Port Phillip, our local Melbourne bay where I grew up sailing a Mirror class dinghy, my first rip to the azure waters of the Whitsunday group of islands with the family at age 16 was a memorable trip.

We chartered a Compass 28 keelboat from Whitsunday Rent-A-Yacht, the first pedigree charter group in the area and were welcomed by Bernie and Yvonne Katchor, the founders of yacht charters in these islands in the 1970's.

Bernie was an ex-pharmacist who was an old pharmacy college mate of my dads from Melbourne. Bernie made the exodus from Melbourne and probably single handedly placed the Whitsundays on the map for a lot of boaties, even naming some bays and coves himself as he explored every nook and cranny of the local waters, eg Yvonne's cove.

We had a great week in the Compass 28 and soon learned what bommies (coral heads) and tidal ranges were all about. Coming from the sandy beaches of Mt. Eliza in Port Phillip, tropical coral waters were an education, not to mention the strong tidal flows and drops that range up to 2-3 meters in a 6 hour period.

Every newcomer eventually finds themselves run aground when the tide drops in the middle of the night and Refuge Bay found us up on the hard and no exception to the crowd. An uncomfortable night on a 40 degree slant caused no injury except to our egos and we floated off on the morning tide.

Such gorgeous settings as Nara Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and Manta Ray Bay were enough to whet the appetite and I knew I would be be returning to these waters when I was older and able.

Some 15 years after my early cruise in the islands, I bought a share in a syndicated 34' sloop called De Brut. She was a Columbia 34' design built in Melbourne, wonderfully spacious and like a floating caravan. I sailed her around the islands for several years and had incredible adventures and fun on her.

Interestingly, De Brut came from the stable of the ex-Whitsunday Rent-A Yacht fleet where we had hired from years before and though she was a little tired, De Brut was sound and stable. As we came alongside another yacht one day, skippered by a very able young lady, I recognised the name of the the yacht, Shiraz, as being another ex-charter boat from the same fleet.

Imagine my surprise when it turned out this seasoned sailor was no other than Bernie Katchor's daughter, all grown up, since I had chartered from him some 16 years before. Born from good sailing stock!

I sailed De Brut from the southern reaches of Thomas and Lindeman Islands around the seaward shores of Whitsunday and Hook Islands to the incredible northern beaches of Hook where wonderful snorkelling was enjoyed in Manta Ray and Butterfly Bays.

Huge mauri wrasse with big "Mick Jagger" lips swim around the snorkellers and are used to feeding on lunch scraps. Big batfish feed from your hand and you can immerse yourself amongst the parrot fish and small colourful reef fossikers for hours.

Famous spots like Blue Pearl Bay on the western shore of Hayman Island and Longford reef are not far away and picking the lowest tides for snorkelling is always the best strategy.

Sheltered anchorages like Stonehaven Bay and Nara Inlet provide good south-easterly protection from the prevailing winds. If you don't pick the wind changes and it swings on you during the night, the north wind will rock you all night in the swell and the galleys will ring with the sounds of clashing jars and crockery!

We had wonderful times dining in Macona Inlet, watching the sea eagles dive on fish. We swam in Cid Harbour, sailed up and down the Whitsunday Passage, climbed the steep hills of South Molle and drank the nights away at Contiki on Long Island.

Those late night drinks were always enough to make me forget the tide and walking the dinghy several hundred meteres out for from the dried beach at 2am trying to find the water at low tide in the dark was not exactly fun...neither was trying to find an yacht at anchor in the dark when the crew left the masthead light off.

After 3 years, De Brut was sold to make way for adventures further north in a 39' steel Alan Payne designed sloop and coastal cruising to Dunk Island.

Though I said goodbye to the Whitsundays around 1993, it was not to be long before I yearned for those gentle, sheltered coves again after learning how vast the northern Queensland coast can be and how a quiet bay and a good night sleep are not to be taken for granted.

Voyages north of Townsville to Dunk Island and between Gladstone to Great Keppel Island were memorable but I soon came back to the Whitsundays and bought a share in Cervantes II, a Peter Cole designed Nantucket 33.

Some 10-12 years later, I still sail this yacht and find myself in the islands enjoying the sunshine, the natural beauth of the area and wondering at the reef life. There have been changes over the years. The marine park authority have implemented more moorings to save the reef from anchor damage, there is less human waste pumped out into the waters and coral bleaching is gradually showing itself.

Those of us who know and take pride in the area are far more protective than we used to be and attempt to minimise dinghy anchors near beaches and using our boat anchors near reef areas. Hamilton Island has increased its berth numbers and villas and a huge number of boats and yachts call the Whisundays home.

The serenity of waking up in the calm waters of Gulnare Inlet or Cid Harbour never fades and the squeaky clean sand of Whitehaven Beach is as surreal an experience as it first was 30 years ago. The sole palm tree at Whitehaven has not changed and only the increase in navigation beacons and markers signals that time has moved on.

The monumental 'lions head' of Pentecost Island, named by Capt James Cook in 1770 still towers over the waters south of Hamilton Island. Shute Harbour has grown and the number of yachts rocking on the moorings under its hills have increased.

More and more crewed charter yachts ply the waters with day trippers and visitors and many of these boats are famous America's Cup and Sydney-Hobart racers. Backpackers from around the globe drink their beers as they relish in the experience of their first sail on a maxi yacht from Airlie Beach to a nearby reef.

So, you are planning to visit the fabulous Whitsundays and sail around the blue Quennsland waters. Believe me, this will be a most exciting trip and one that will not be forgotten.

Imagine youself flying in to Hamilton island with Qantas or Virgin Blue.When you step put of the plane onto the tarmac, you feel the balmy breezes and realise that you have arrived in a beautiful place.

After collecting your baggage, you take a mini-bus taxi down to the Hamiton Harbour marina, a full five minutes away. On the way you pass by the small village shopping centre which includes a great bakery,pharmacy,restaurants and laundry.

On leaving the minibus taxi, you will then pick up a trolley and place your baggage on it and wheel it down to the designated arm of the marina where you have been told your yacht will be waiting for you.
You may choose to charter through Sunsail or The Moorings or perhaps go with friends who have their own yacht.

After boarding and stowing away your baggage and changing into a pair of shorts and tee shirt, you will feel as if you have already been on Hamilton Island for a while. Hear the wind in the rigging, feel the gentle rock of the vessel and the lapping of the water at your hull. Time to prepare to leave.

It is now time to sit down with a chilled glass of chardonnay and read "The Hundred Magic Miles of the Whitsundays" by David Colfet. This is virtually "the bible" of the area and come complete with full descriptions of the local tides, reefs,
sandy beaches and winds. Pull out the local chart and see where the local islands, reefs and bays are.

You are ready to start the sailing journey of a liftime. As you ease out of your berth and leave Hamilton Island harbour astern, you might like to go north in the direction of Whitsunday Island. There you can stay overnight in Cid Harbour, a beautiful and quiet anchorage where you can swim at Sawmill Beach and amongst the turtles.

From there you might travel onwards to Hook Island to see the underwater aquarium or go to Blue Pearl Bay off Hayman Island. This is a great place to snorkel and see the wondrous coral and coloured fish of the region.

Other areas to see include Hook Island with Butterfly Bay and of couse you wouldn't miss the white sands of Whitehaven beach, almost 5km of pure fine silica washed daily by the Pacific Ocean.

It is best to plan your sailing trip before you leave home, preferably using The Hundred Magic Miles as a guide book, By doing this, you will not miss out on seeing the very best that the Whitsundays has to offer. Happy sailing !

Many visitors to the Whitsundays come from overseas, southern Australian waters and low tidal range areas near their own homes. Consequently, they have a learning curve when anchoring in Nth. Queensland areas where the tidal range of 2-3 metres is extensive and must be factored in.

It is also a fact that with so many boats in marina pens, some sailors have rarely used anchor and chain and poorly understand the ratios of chain to water depth required to safely anchor overnight where swells, tidal flow and changing winds occur.

A ratio of 3:1 chain to depth is oft quoted but 4:1 or 5:1 is even safer. I have often dragged anchor using 3:1. Chain is so heavy in itself that it performs part of the holding as well as keeping the optimal horizontal pull on the anchor shank.

Read the tide tables properly and allow the right chain length for the highest tide you will experience that day or night which might be 2 metres more than when you actually set anchor. If the wind is blowing, let out even more.

Generally in the Whitsundays, 30 metres of chain is a good idea at most spots, even sheltered areas like Nara and Macona Inlet where the depth is 4-6m. If you have a reef (or other boats) nearby, ensure your swinging circle does not allow a collision to occur if the wind changes direction.

Lastly, line up a visual sight with two prominent headlands, trees or markers and ensure you have not dragged in the first 1-2 hours before your judgement is impaired by cocktail hour. Once your anchor digs in, you are ensured a restful night.

The Whitsundays are located in central Queensland, approximately 1,100km north of Brisbane and 700km south of Cairns. Getting to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, is easy with a variety of Air, Rail and Road options available.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY AIR

The Whitsundays are serviced by two domestic airports, Whitsunday Coast Airport on the mainland at Proserpine, and Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island. Proserpine is situated about 20kms inland from Airlie Beach with shuttles meeting all flights to take you to in to the beach town.

International access to the Whitsundays is available via connecting flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. Airlines servicing the region are Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar.

Approximate flying times:

Sydney - 2 hours 15 minutes
Brisbane - 1 hour 30 minutes
Melbourne - 2 hours 45 minutes

RESORT CONNECTIONS

Cruise Whitsundays operates Resort Connections connecting Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Coast (proserpine) Airports to Daydream Island Resort & Spa, South Molle Island, Long Island and all Airlie Beach properties. We have a dedicated coach with a meet and greet service at Whitsunday Coast Airport. Resort Connections provides a seamless, hassle free and fast connection for arriving and departing guests with two brand new vessels. With Resort Connections you can choose which way to come based on the flight time and deal that suits you.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY RAIL

Queensland Rail's 'Sunlander' and 'Queenslander' services to Proserpine depart Brisbane and Cairns several times weekly. The Great South Pacific Express also services this area.

Discover Queensland's tropical beauty in comfort and style aboard the country's most innovative train, the Tilt Train. The new Tilt Train services Proserpine Station, with two return services weekly between Brisbane and Cairns. The Tilt Train departs Brisbane Monday and Friday afternoons, and Cairns Sunday and Wednesday mornings. Daylight running of the Tilt Train allows passengers to enjoy the picturesque landscapes in a convenient and comfortable environment.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY COACH

Coach company Greyhound offers regular services between major cities and Airlie Beach. Greyhound has several daily services that run northbound from Brisbane and southbound from Cairns.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY CAR

If you choose to drive to the Whitsundays the roads are in excellent condition with some beautiful scenery along the way. The Bruce Highway runs from Brisbane to Cairns. The turn off to Airlie Beach is one km north of Proserpine (150 km north of Mackay, 300 km south of Townsville) and is then a 20km trip into the beach town.

Approximate travel times:

From Brisbane - 13 hours
From Cairns - 8 hours
From Mackay - 90 minutes
From Bowen - 50 minutes
From Proserpine - 15 minutes

I have spent 17 years sailing in this wonderful cruising ground and like any open water, it can get rough and tough out there. While the Whitsundays are protected by the outer barrier reef lying some 20 miles seaward and don't really get the large ocean swells from the Pacific lying offshore, winds of 30 knots still produce a solid swell running up the passage from the S-SE of 1-2 metres.

When tide and wind are in opposite directions the conditions can be quite lumpy and seas tend to be more raised. Of course, with the tides in a 6 hour cycle, one can always wait a few hours when tide and wind run together and flatten out the seas more.

Back to the question often asked. The charter companies will certainly give you a solid briefing and test your knowledge and skills before giving you their gorgeous vessels. If needed, they will spend a few hours or a day, longer if necessary on a paid basis, to get you upskilled.

The locals all have stories of vessels scraping the reef, dragging anchor and sailing in circles with crews yelling at each other, tripping and falling, losing their hats and sunnies overboard and making less then gracious entries into marinas at high speed.

I have seen dozens of charter boats with brave captains of doubtful experience takig their virgin crews out for the week and one hears their radio calls for help and reports of damage over the VHF airways - always good for a laugh in the afternoon!

Experience is always helpful and every boat is different. Bay and dinghy sailors can take time to adjust to keelboats and the anchoring and navigation required in a coral coastal region is quite different to the sandy beaches experienced in southern Australia.

So, experience is best but not mandatory. After all, newby snow skiiers survive their first efforts too! It would be elitist to say that someone who has never sailed could not charter and have a safe holiday...and many do!

But it is also fair to say that if the weather blows up, your engine gives you trouble and you need to reef in your rig...some experience is a good thing and you will feel much more confident if you are not out of your depth!

So many visitors to the island group are there for a limited time and typically are bareboat charterers with no local knowledge. You will be based at either Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach and rarely Shute Harbour. You want to see the highlights and use your time effectively. One week gives you about 6 nights and you will need to select your anchorages to give you shelter from the winds which are usually south to south-east, though they certainly switch to the north for days at a time.

Leaving from Airlie Beach, the choice is to best head eastwards to Hook Island and either go straight to the northern areas around Butterfly Bay or Blue Moon Bay on Hayman Island, or even Stonehaven Bay on the west side of Hook Island. You can visit the gorgeous bays on the north side of Hook Island swimming and snorkelling in the protected bays.

Do stop at Langford or Black Island for a swim and snorkel tying to a public mooring buoy for lunch.

After a night or two two at Hook Island, many crews elect to go around the top and sail down the east side then to Whitehaven beach in the south, a good days sail. Essentially, you are doing a clockwise tour of the islands taking in Hamilton Island, Cid Harbour, Macona Inlet and Nara Inlet before heading back to Airlie Beach, perhaps via South Molle Island on the way.

Half way to Whitehaven is Border Island, a good sail a little further offshore but with marvellous reefs and a great lunch spot. A bit rolly at night so lock down all the jars in the galley!

Read the tide table to find when the tides are with you and your trip will be easier. Since the tide floods to the south, any southwards sailing is best done when the tide is rising or flooding. Trying to sail southwards against an ebbing or falling northerly tide will slow your progress and heap the seas.

Ensure your anchorages are in the lee, or shelter, of the prevailing winds. Eg. the southeast winds blow from the south-east side of Whitsunday Island so Cid Harbour being on the opposite side is very sheltered. If you tuck in under the steep hills off Sawmill Beach, you will rock gently in the breeze and calm waters while further out the wind may be blowing hard up the Whitsunday passage.

More exposed spots are fine for short lunch time visits eg. the north-west tip of Daydream Island, but don't stay overnight. If in doubt, look for other yachts. Cid Harbour and Nara Inlet become quite crowded at times and over 50 masts can often be counted in these spots simply because they are calm, safe and protected.

If you have enough time, the west side of Long Island has a sheltered bay off the resort and this guarantees you an easy night at anchor. This is not far from South Molle Island and can will allow you to stop for a hike to the top of Spion Kop where you will be rewarded by outstanding views!

On March 8th 2009, Cylcone Hamish was written up in national newspapers as a one in 30 year storm expected to cause massive damage and flooding. 'The Australian' is quoted as saying "Residents of the central Queensland coastal areas around Yeppoon and Gladstone are preparing for the worst cyclone to hit the area in almost thirty years. Tourists holidaying in the Whitsundays are being advised to evacuate as category 5 Cyclone Hamish could cross the coast shortly.

The Cyclone also brushed past the Whitsunday island resorts, causing trees to bend and holidaymakers on the exclusive Hayman Island to bunker in their rooms.
Many guests chose to leave the resorts. Other stayed. On Hamilton Island, guestw were sheltered in cyclone-proof buildings."

After the day passed, Hamilton Island reported it is getting back to business as usual after Cyclone Hamish threatened last night and this morning. The island went into its most advanced state of preparedness at around 10.30pm last night when all guests and residents were requested to remain inside their accommodation buildings. Hamilton Island management provided guests with free meals for breakfast, morning tea and lunch as well as offering free in-room movies. The Hamilton Island airport is closed today, however restaurants are expected to open for dinner service tonight. Due to the unpredictable nature of cyclones, the island will remain on cyclone alert until it has completely passed the area. There are currently around 1180 guests on the island plus a resident base of around 1000 people.

Hamilton Island, the largest resort island in Queensland's Whitsundays is getting back to business as usual after Cyclone Hamish threatened last night and this morning.

The island went into its most advanced state of preparedness at around 10.30pm last night when all guests and residents were requested to remain inside their accommodation buildings. Around 11pm last night winds gusted last night to 51 knots and reach 50 knots again at 5am this morning but have been moderating since.

Last night Hamilton Island chief executive officer Glen Bourke says staff were securing boats and property.

'We're into cyclone warning blue, which means some of the residents moved into the Reef View Hotel which is the principal safe haven,' he said.

Hamilton Island management provided guests with free meals for breakfast, morning tea and lunch as well as offering free in-room movies.

The Hamilton Island airport is closed today, however restaurants are expected to open for dinner service tonight. Due to the unpredictable nature of cyclones, the island will remain on cyclone alert until it has completely passed the area.

There are currently around 1180 guests on the island plus a resident base of around 1000 people.

However the category five Cyclone Hamish is now forecast to pose the greatest risk to central Queensland and the Wide Bay region of the state.

Lady Elliot and Heron Islands, off the coast of Gladstone, have been evacuated as a precaution against a tidal surge but Fraser Island is now in danger.

The cyclone warning has been extended south to Bundaberg, with a cyclone watch through to Tewantin on the Sunshine Coast, as Hamish continues to run parallel to the coastline - it has travelled further south than initially anticipated.

Premier Anna Bligh told Brisbane media this morning, 'All of the central Queensland areas now have to take precautions.' Ms Bligh said Fraser Island's residents would being evacuated off the island. 'At this stage, the evacuation is proceeding smoothly and people are moving off their campsites and heading down to get off the southern end of the island.'

by Sail-World 2:37 AM Sun 8 Mar 2009 GM

In Feb 2009, the Whitsundays Times gave this fishing report.

ISLANDS

Coral trout has been abundant around the islands. Plenty of fish have been caught using pilchards fishing the fringing reefs. Large giant trevallies are on the bite around the headland points using poppers and top walker lures. Sweetlip are also in very large numbers around the islands with Whitsunday Island towards Whitehaven Beach being the best of them.

REEF

The reef edges have been fishing very well for good numbers of coral trout and red throat emperor. In the deeper water red emperor and nannygai have been taken but can be a bit harder to get on the bite. The best baits for these are squid.

ROCKWALLS

Queenfish and grunter are still in good numbers around Abel Point. Use live garfish for queenfish and cut garfish strips and fresh peeled prawns for grunter. The sailing club wall has some good barramundi fishing in the early morning. This is best around the bottom of the tide using live mullet and ten plus diving lures.

DAM

Peter Faust Dam is starting to fire up with some anglers catching up to 15 fish in a session. The only down side is not many fish have been over the metre mark, they are mainly around the 60 to 80cm, which are still lots of fun. Sooty grunters are in good numbers around the dam wall and there are plenty of red claw still about. Those chasing the barramundi will get best results from the mouths of the creeks using surface lures and shallow divers to fish the drop offs.

Trawling and casting is proving successful in Peter Faust Dam at the moment with plenty of barramundi biting.

CREEKS AND RIVERS

Creeks and rivers still have a lot of fresh water and are a bit slow on the barramundi scene; this should improve as the rain slows down. Mud crabs are in good numbers but are being caught around the mouths instead of the usual hot spots up river. This is because the crabs have been flushed out. Prawns are in good numbers out the front of Proserpine River and will increase in size over the coming weeks. Other spots to try are the Thompson, O'Connell and Gregory Rivers mouths.

Proserpine river is proving a happy hunting ground for barramundi and salmon at the moment. This may be short lived so it's a good idea to get in quick before the tides get bigger. Lures and live baits are good options for these two with herring, mullet and prawns all worth a go.

As well as being a fantastic area to sail, the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef are well known as having some of the best diving and snorkelling locations in the world. For many years people from around the globe have traveled to the area to witness the stunning coral gardens, swim with the turtles and more recently, trying to find Nemo. The following is a list of some of the better Whitsunday diving and snorkel locations.

Hook Island

The Pinnacles
Widely considered to be one of the best Whitsunday snorkel & diving sites, The Pinnacles offers some great hard corals, Giant Maori Wrasse, Parrot Fish and the majestic Manta Rays are common between May and October. Sloping from 5 to 21 metres, the bommies will rise to within 3 metres of the surface making the site good for both snorkellers and divers. Located on the North Eastern corner of Hook Island, Pinnacle Bay is subject to some uncomfortable anchoring during strong South East winds and Northerlies over five knots.
Location: 20°0.3', 148°50'

The Wood Pile
A great Dropoff dive but not really suitable for snorkelling. The fish life is similar to that of The Pinnacles with a good number of Black and White Tip Reef Sharks. The Wood Pile is located at the opposite end of Pinnacle Bay to The Pinnacles and the area is protected from South East winds up to 15 knots.
Location: 20°03.6', 148°57.6'

Mantaray Bay
Mantaray Bay is one of the most well known snorkelling and diving locations in the Whitsundays particularly with charter boats, mostly because it is so well protected. Anchoring is prohibited and during the day a two hour limit applies to the moorings. Hand feeding fish is common and don't be to surprised as the Batfish swarm the back of your vessel when you arrive. Diving is best straight from the boat but there is not a great deal below about 15 metres.
Location: 20°03.7', 148°57.4'

Luncheon Bay
Luncheon Bay provides a nice bommie for Whitsunday diving and some nice shallow reefs for snorkel. Again the area is very popular with the charter boats so don't expect to have the bay to yourself. The area is subject to strong currents so keep this in mind when planning your dive.
Location: 20°03.8', 148°57.3'

Maureen's Cove
Maureen's Cove is not the best choice for snorkelling in the Whitsundays but offers some great shallow dives with some nice caves and ledges from 12 to 15 metres. You are likely to find Angelfish, Butterfly Cod, Coral Trout and Sweetlip. It is very well protected, except from northerlies.
Location: 20°04.1', 148°56.2'

Saba Bay
Saba Bay is located on the eastern side of Hook Island and is a popular spot for diving in the Whitsundays during northerlies but is rather exposed to southerly winds. Good diving on bommies at 7 - 12 metres and good coral cover in shallow water.
Location: 20°07.2', 148°56.6'

Hayman Island

Dolphin Point
Located on the northern tip of Hayman Island, Dolphin Point offers a great diversity of marine life and some spectacular undulating terrain. Scattered bommies and fallen blocks litter the bottom at about 18 metres. Trevally, mackerel and clown fish are present and you may also come across the occasional hammerhead shark.
Location: 20°03.3', 148°52.8'

Blue Pearl Bay
Blue Pearl Bay is very popular for both Whitsunday diving & snorkel. Especially with charter boats. A diverse range of tropical fish life is always present and a vertical wall at 15 metres offers some good coral cover, tunnels and overhanging ledges.
Location: 20°03.9', 148°52.8'

Cataran Bay, Border Island
A great snorkelling location in the Whitsundays as almost everything worth seeing is above six metres. There is a good cover of very colorful coral which becomes very shallow at low tide, making the shore only accessible during high tide.
Location: 20°09.5', 149°02.0'

Hannah Point, North Molle Island
In interesting dive, often used for a night diving spot in the Whitsundays. The visibility is usually not as good as Hook or Hayman Islands but there is some good corals and fish life. Watch for the current off the point.
Location: 20°12.9', 148°48.4'

Whitsundays Island Resorts include Hayman Island, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island Resort & Spa, Hook Island, Long Island, Club Med Lindeman Island...the choices are endless. While luxurious, sailing the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef aboard a bareboat or private crewed charter yacht or cruiser is a great experience, quite different than spending one's time ashore. Enjoy the day or an extended stay on one of the many sailing adventures available.

Stay on one of the magnificent Whitsunday Islands or use the mainland at Airlie Beach as a base to explore the rainforest coast, the islands, the reef, to fish, dive, or just laze about. There are many packages and specials everywhere. Check online to see where the best value of the month may be. For my money, a dive boat out of Airlie Beach spending 2-3 days on the outer reef is good value and the experience is different to the closer Whitsunday islands with their surrounding reefs.