Summer’s here! The sun’s out, the temperature is warming up and it’s time to whip out the cold drinks and head to the water ASAP. But if you’re tired of that public pool, the busy beach fronts, or just want something special to do to make your summer an unforgettable one: consider throwing the perfect summer party, spent sailing the Whitsundays.
Sailing the Whitsundays for your summer party
The Whitsundays are always a beautiful place to visit, anytime of the year. These islands are part of the world’s largest living ecosystem, located amongst the world-famous Great Barrier Beef. It features some of the best snorkelling locations, many picturesque beaches and lookouts, and acts as an ideal habitat for a wealth of beautiful marine life.
There’s always something for everyone, especially come summer. The sun does real wonders across the white-sand beaches and rich waters, and there’s nothing more rejuvenating than escaping the city, heading to the Whitsundays, and taking a sail through the islands with the people who mean the most to you.
It’s a popular event for summer parties, enabling groups to cool-down in the water, crack open a beer, take in the sights, sounds and smells of the islands, and enjoy everything that’s on offer in this incredible oasis.
Waltzing Matilda offers private charters across the islands, with a variety of different sails for you to choose from. We’ve hosted countless hens parties, bucks parties, Christmas parties, birthday parties and so much more and we have a great reputation for providing such a personal service.
(One that really makes a difference.)

We treat our guests as guests and not just a number and we know how to have a good time! The best part: we’ll help you avoid any crowds come this popular season.
“Thank you to Steve and Kev for a great day sailing on Waltzing Matilda! We had a group of 15 of us for my hens weekend and everyone said how relaxing it was. They put on a great lunch for us when we stopped to have a swim. Steve was so welcoming and made us all feel so comfortable. Am definitely organising a trip again to bring my kids on the boat for a few days. Thank you so much for a successful day out on the water!”
– Natasha
Summer parties in the Whitsundays: full day sail
If you’re up for a proper sail and time to enjoy the beaches of the Whitsunday Islands as well, book a full day sail. You’ll have time to really party it up on the deck, experience what it’s like to have the sails up and a knowledgeable local skipper looking after everything … so you can come back with plenty of photos, stories and memories to share!
There’ll be time for lunch ashore (which we’ll take care of while you do the fun stuff!), to enjoy a bottle of bubbly, and to dive in for a swim at one of the many amazing swimming spots dotted across the islands.
We couldn’t imagine a better summer than that!

“I would definitely recommend a Whitsundays sailing trip on the Waltzing Matilda. The trip massively exceeded my expectations, in large part due to the excellent crew of Alex and Noelle! Thanks for an amazing couple of days guys.”
– James
Summer parties in the Whitsundays: half day sail
If you don’t have time for a full day out? That’s no trouble! You can book a half day sail on Waltzing Matilda to enjoy a relaxed few hours on deck. With Airlie Beach so close to the islands, there’s heaps to see – even in a small time frame! Just pop on that swimsuit, pick up a glass of something cold and refreshing, and step aboard!
And don’t worry: a half-day sail on Waltzing Matilda means you’ll have just enough energy to hit the town that evening… Second wind, anybody?

“A great experience with a friendly and nice Crew. Relaxing atmosphere and great food. A Perfect sail for the family or with good friends.”
– Jesper
Summer parties in the Whitsundays: sunset sail/cruise
If you’re spending a day or two in Airlie Beach to make the most of your summer party (and give yourself a chance to heal before going home!) a sunset sail is just the thing. Who hasn’t dreamt of sailing off into the sunset? Except, with Waltzing Matilda, there’s no need to disappear properly: we’ll make sure you make it back, no matter how much fun you plan on having.
Late afternoon is one of the most magical times to be out on the water, and nothing beats sailing. Just look at how much fun these guys had:

“This is a must if your in the Whitsundays and want to see this incredible region in style !!! Absolutely gorgeous boat with the most amazing friendliest crew loved it!!! We can’t recommend it enough thanks guys.”
– Teena
Summer parties in the Whitsundays: overnight sailing charter
Now THIS is where the party can get to that next level … imagine anchoring for the night in a quiet bay after having fun all day, with a leisurely dinner on the deck, seeing the stars through the hatch, waking to the gentle sounds of the water lapping on the outside of the hull (it really is such a peaceful sound … especially after a night of partying) and knowing you still have loads of time to enjoy the playground that is the Whitsundays.
An overnight sailing charter for your summer party means you get to explore more and really unwind from the pressures of day-to-day life. We think it’s an experience like no other!
“One of the best experiences my friend and I have done in Australia so far. Relaxing on the boat, snorkelling on the reef and sunbathing at Whitehaven Beach make this adventure unforgettable. Shoutout to Alex and Ezra which made the trip even more enjoyable thanks to their expertise and funny stories. Highly recommended!!! Book it!”
– Francesca
Choose the summer party sailing adventure that fits your itinerary … and we’ll take care of the rest

How do you have the perfect summer party sailing in the Whitsundays? It’s easy:
- Choose the length of sail you want: half day, full day, sunset cruise or overnight
- Email or phone us to check your preferred dates are available
- Book it in so that nobody takes your spot!
- Show up ready to have a great time … we’ll look after your group and make sure it’s an experience you’ll love to look back on forever.
Book your Whitsundays sailing charter now
Booking a full day, half day, sunset or overnight sailing summer party really is easy – just phone or email Stephen Alred, the owner/skipper of Waltzing Matilda, and he’ll make sure every detail is looked after.
So all you have to worry about is having the best time this summer.
“Excellent 2 days. Friendly helpful crew. Just fun.”
– Michael
“Had a great time, even with the rain! Water was warm and was going to get wet anyway. The crew were fantastic as was the food.”
– Shaun