Whitsunday Island is a popular tourist destination from Airlie Beach, Australia’s east coast. This is one of the “must-do” activities in Australia.

A multi-day sailing cruise is the best way to see the islands. These tours usually last for three days and two nights. It’s more like two days and two nights because you travel from midday on the first day to return in the morning on the third. Every backpacker that travels up the east coast takes a sailing cruise to the Whitsunday Islands.

Include me.

We set out on a cloudy Sunday and boarded Freight Train, our boat. Freight Train was an older boat. It was built in the 1980s to be a German racing boat. It can accommodate 18 people and three crew. I would have chosen a larger boat if it were up to me. The ship is fine, but if you are looking for a traditional “sailboat,” Freight Train is an excellent choice. I wouldn’t say I like small boats.

You went with your friends, and my friends were there. Although Phil, my friend, was on that boat, I also picked it because Caitlin, my friend from Sweden, and two other girls from Sweden I had met in Noosa just a few weeks earlier were on it. It’s a small world.

The boats depart at midday on the first day, so you can only make one snorkel trip before setting anchor at night. The snorkeling was poor due to the rain and weather. The water was very murky and didn’t have much fish. We could not do anything about it, so we moved on and set up camp for the night.

The funny thing about being on the water is how your perception of time changes. You start to feel late after the sun sets and spend hours on the deck. Someone would respond, “It must be around 1 am!” It’s 10:30 pm, and it’s time to go to bed.

The second day of sailing was much better. For a swim, we headed to Whitehaven Beach. Whitehaven is the beach you’ll see in all the Whitsunday magazines and postcards. It is a long, white beach. The beach was stunning until it started to rain, and we had to return to the boat. We went to find a spot to stop and snorkel in for a while.

Due to the season, there were only a few places to visit. According to our captain, the bay where we stopped might only see boats ten days per year. This makes the reef and fish system even more impressive. I chose to snorkel instead of diving. We saw beautiful coral, many fish, and even a turtle. This was the absolute highlight. After following the turtle for quite a while, we realized that we had to get to the surface and waved goodbye.

Although the Whitsunday islands are stunning, I was unfortunate to visit them during Queensland’s rainy season. The trip was filled with thunderstorms and clouds, except for a few hours of sunlight. The rain fell every time I tried to get a tan.

It’s hard to imagine what the islands would look like if it were sunny and beautiful every day. The place was lovely when the weather was good. You can enjoy the water, stop swimming, or explore a few islands. The Whitsundays are a great place to spend a few days sailing.

Sailing the Whitsundays – Suggested Companies & Logistics

It is easy to sail the Whitsundays. Any of the major companies can be booked directly. You can save money by booking through a tourist office, hostel, or other similar organization. You might find deals that save money, so compare prices before buying.

Except for snacks and alcohol, everything on the boat is provided. Before you leave, make sure to stock up on these items. Also, make sure you choose a ship that departs early or late on the third day to maximize your time on the islands.

Expect to pay 379-499 AUD per head for a two-night sailing trip. Prices vary depending on how large the boat is and what the amenities are. You will often get a lower rate if you book with a couple or a group. Ask about any discounts.

Airlie Beach is the main jumping-off point. It’s approximately a 7-hour drive from Cairns and a 12-hour drive from Brisbane. You can fly from Cairns to Brisbane, Hamilton Island, or the Whitsunday Coast if you are planning to fly.

There are many other ways to see the islands besides sailing. Although accommodation can be expensive, you can still stay on the islands. Hamilton Island hotels are available starting at 200 AUD per night. Some islands have a lower cost, starting at 125 AUD per person for eco-lodges and mid-range hotels. Airbnb is an option that is more accessible to the islands and a little cheaper. For as little as 75 AUD, you can rent a private room or an entire apartment. Apartments start at 150 AUD. If you book early enough, expect to pay twice as much or more.

This might be the right option if you don’t want parties on the sailboats but prefer a more private, relaxed stay.

Camping is an option if you are looking for a way to save money while visiting the islands. Camping permits are available for as low as 7 AUD per night. This is an option if you own a tent and want to save money.

To get to your campsite/island, you will need to use a water taxi. Round-trip transportation to the islands will cost you at least 80 Australian dollars. You can also camp on the grounds of some hostels in Airlie Beach, such as Nomads Airlie Beach. For a hostel dorm in Airlie Beach, expect to pay between 30-60AUD per night.

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The Whitsundays is one of the most beautiful regions in Australia. The stunning beaches and crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays are worth seeing up close. The Whitsundays are worth the money, whether you’re looking to spend a long-term sailing trip or a few days camping on the islands.