The Whitsunday Islands, made famous by their white sand beaches, dense rainforest and marine life, is a region best enjoyed while out on the water. It’s an especially popular playground for people who live in the surrounding regions: Mackay, Townsville, the coal fields, as well as a truly spectacular destination for travellers from all over the world. And sailing – whether it’s for just a day or a week – remains one of the most relaxing ways to appreciate all that this special area has to offer. If you’re planning a holiday in the Whitsundays and want to go sailing, use these tips to make it the trip of a lifetime!
Decide whether you want a day sailing charter, or overnight
Some people love nothing better than waking up to the sound of water gently lapping on the hull of a yacht, and enjoying dinner on the deck as the sun goes down. If that’s you, then an overnight charter is perfect. Overnight sailing charters on Waltzing Matilda mean you get to really take your time and see more of the Whitsundays, as well as completely unwinding from day-to-day life.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the stars, the peace and the sunrise before setting sail to the next incredible beach?
“I spent the most amazing days on Waltzing Matilda as part of my backpacking trip around Australia! We saw the most incredible nature, went snorkelling, took an evening swim and enjoyed the most beautiful sunset from the stillness of the water (hard to capture that experience in a picture). I even got to steer the boat! At night, the stars were clearer than I’ve ever seen before due to lack of light pollution ”
– Charlotte Averhoff
But if you have a tighter schedule, a full or half day charter is a better option. Any excuse goes: family, friends, hens and bucks parties, renewing wedding vows, or just to take in the pristine surroundings … a full or half day charter means you’re back in town by the end of the day, ready for your next adventure.
Whatever you do, don’t get stuck on the mainland – decide whether full day, half day, sunset or overnight is your thing, and get out on the water!
Choose whether you want to sail yourself or enjoy having someone do that for you
The Whitsundays boasts a number of bareboat charter companies, where you literally get to take the yacht (after a thorough briefing) and go! There’s usually a minimum duration, and you’ll need to feel confident in knowing which way the wind comes from if you’re to skipper yourself.
If you prefer having someone do the work for you (we are entirely into this approach!) Waltzing Matilda Sailing is the perfect choice for skippered full, half day or sunset cruises. All you need to do is step onboard, grab a drink and relax … oh, and you might want to jump in and explore what’s under the surface too!
Celebrate life’s moments!
This is where it gets fun: Waltzing Matilda Sailing is fast becoming known as the “go to” for hens parties, bucks parties, footy finals celebrations, weddings (and renewing those vows), and for families that want to charter a yacht just for themselves.
Having the yacht available just for your group, at an affordable price, means you get the best of everything: incredible location, away from all the crowds, and personal service.
“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 Bidle
Sailing in the Whitsundays with a bunch of mates is an unforgettable experience, and means you’ll have a treasure trove of images for your Insta feed.
“I highly recommend Waltzing Matilda Sailing. They made our whole trip that much better. The captain is a champion of a bloke and his offsider is awesome too. Anyone heading to Airlie Beach should take a trip with Waltzing Matilda Sailing – you won’t regret it.”
– Shane Buzz Burridge
Book your Whitsundays sailing charter now
Booking a full, half day, sunset or overnight sailing adventure is easy – just phone or email Stephen Aldred, the owner/skipper, and he’ll make sure every detail is looked after.
“My time on Waltzing Matilda was the best! I honestly felt like the rich and famous for a weekend. Tasty, delicious food. Certainly a weekend to treasure. xx”
-Sheryn Glasspool.
“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.”
-Francesca Bandini