The Most Amazing Bushwalks and Lookouts in the Whitsundays

Visiting the Whitsundays and doing a bareboat charter will be an experience to remember. Discovering secluded beaches and bays, ancient Indigenous rock art, white as white sand on beaches, towering hoop pines with resident Sea Eagles circling above and coral reefs are only scratching the surface of what you'll find.

Explore a little further and you will find a number of bushwalks both on the mainland as well as the Whitsunday Islands with most of them offering amazing and gobsmacking views that only a photo can describe. Walk a little or a lot - choose from easy short walks to longer more difficult walks but the reward, in the end, is worth it. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have a comprehensive 'Visitor Guide' that covers all of the bushwalks and lookouts across the various National Parks and State Forests in the Whitsundays with a copy provided on board your bareboat. Here are Luxury Yachts Whitsundays favourite bushwalks and lookouts of all time.

Whitsunday Island

Whitsunday Peak, 2.5km one way ( 4 hrs return)

One of the most challenging yet rewarding walks around the islands, the peak of Whitsunday Island reaches an elevation of 437m offering spectacular views over the islands and mainland. Access is from the Sawmill Beach picnic area at Cid Harbour and climbs through steep dry, rocky rainforest requiring a reasonable level of fitness.

Whitsunday Cairn, 2km one way (4 hrs return)

This marked track travels through dry woodland and rainforest to lookouts and beaches. Walk uphill to take in the views of Hook Island and beyond to Border Island. The track is also steep in places so a reasonable level of fitness is required to walk this track. At the top, you are rewarded with numerous vantage points to take in the views.

Whitehaven Beach to Chance Bay, 3.6km one way (2.5hrs return)

As the name suggests, you can walk from Chance Bay to Whitehaven Beach which is perfect to anchor your bareboat in northerly winds and still be able visit world famous Whitehaven Beach. It branches off the Solway Circuit and and winds through some of the Whitsundays finest forest and woodland.

Solway Circuit, 1.2km round trip (40min)

Departing from the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, this track winds through impressive grass and pandanus trees with senstational views over Solway Passage, Pentecost and Haselwood Islands.

Hill Inlet, 1.5km one way (1hr return)

Starting from either Betty’s Beach at the northern beach of Hill Inlet, or from Tongue Bay, this track is superbly marked out to take in the vistas over Hill Inlet. A lot of day charters include a visit to Hill Inlet, so if you want the place to yourself, avoid visiting between the hours of 10am - 2pm to stter clear of the crowds.

Hook Island

Ngaro Cultural Site, 170m one way (30 min return)

Short and initially moderately steep, the track climbs the banks of Nara Inlet to a cave containing Aboriginal artwork of the local Ngaro people dating back to more than 9,000 years ago. The site includes a boardwalk, viewing area and interpretive displays.

Langford Spit

Langford Island, 300m one way (20min)

A new lookout was completed in 2019 with views overlooking Langford Spit towards Bali Hai and Hook Island. At the top of the lookout is an impressive boab tree distinctive by its swollen trunk.

Border Island

Border Island, 1km return (30min)

Head ashore and explore Cataran Bay before embarking on a steep climb to the island’s saddle at the top and enjoy views from two different lookouts looking to the south and north.

Haselwood Island

Chalkies Beach, 275m (20min)

Leave Chalkies Beach behind as you walk uphill to the island’s rocky headland. Passing through a natural gully of shady eucalyptus and grass trees, you are rewarded with spectacular island and sea views from the lookout.

Tips:

• Wear sensible shoes and carry plenty of water

• Stay on the designated walking track at all times

• Always tell someone where you are going and when to expect you to return

• Take only photographs and leave only footprints

5 Top Tips and Essential Items for the Ladies on a Bareboat Charter

Apart from the obvious essential items required on a bareboat charter such as fuel, provisioning, a good sense of direction and basic boating experience, there are other items (or habits) that we become accustomed to living in the comforts of our own homes. Long hot showers, washing clothes, blow-drying hair and charging appliances are just some of the luxuries that you realise you take for granted until you can't have them when you want them.

Whilst all charter boats are fitted with water tank capacities between 260L - 1000L, everyone on board should be conscious of how much water is being consumed by showering or washing up in the galley sink. If you run out of water, you'll need to either come back into Abell Point Marina, or Hamilton Island to refill the tanks and this can take a few hours to do depending on where you are around the islands.

If the bareboat isn't fitted with a generator, a small or large invertor is supplied which will convert 12volt electricity into 240volt suitable to power most appliances such as mobile phone chargers, however the use of such appliances come at the expense of battery storage.

So in the name of comfort and sanity for the ladies out there, here are our 5 top tips and essential items of making life on a bareboat charter more comfortable.

2 PAIRS OF SWIMMERS OR BOARDSHORTS

You'll be spending most of your time either in the water snorkelling and swimming, or on the boat so let one pair of swimmers dry while you wear the other.

BACK DECK SHOWERS

To conserve fresh water, leave it until the very end of the day after your last swim and have a quick shower in your swimmers on the back deck of the boat using the deck shower. Then dry off and get changed into something comfortable for the evening. Live like a real sailor and get in to the spirit and save the hot water showers for the middle and end of your charter.

COMFY CLOTHES

Unless you plan on walking the red carpet during your bareboat charter, pack a light bag with a couple of pairs of long cotton pants or shorts and loose singlet, 2 sarongs and a slip dress. Trust us, that's all you'll feel like wearing after a day sailing and being in the sun.

BEAUTY ITEMS

For most, guys don't mind growing a 3 day growth but for woman, we still want to feel clean and comfortable. Forget about make-up! Bring a pack of face wipes (which are excellent to use after a day in the sun, especially if they've been kept in the fridge for the day), after sun gel, toner, body and face moisturiser and spray leave-in conditioner for your hair. Viola!

POWER BANK BATTERIES

Precharge a few power bank batteries and bring with you on your charter. Not only will your appliances be forever charged, but you won't drain the boat batteries of their charge. (Sorry ladies, but a hairdryer is not an essential item on a charter. They are not supplied on the boats so you'll have to dry your hair in the warm balmy breeze of the Whitsundays)

By following these simple tips will have you packing what you need and ditching the rest, conserving water and battery power and still feel like you have the usual luxuries of being at home.

7 Reasons Families Love our Sailing Holidays

Every year, we introduce hundreds of families to sailing holidays as well as welcome back families who have been chartering with us for years, whose children have now grown up and are bringing their children on a sailing holiday in the Whitsundays. Whether you decide to charter a bareboat and skipper it yourself, or hire a Sail Guide and Host to do the navigating and meal preparation for you, here are 7 reasons why families love chartering a bareboat in the Whitsundays with us.

1. THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO

It doesn't matter what age the children are, there is no chance of them getting bored as there is always something for them to see and do. From sailing the yacht to snorkeling off the back of the boat, discovering secluded bays and anchorages on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, they're bound to stay occupied during the charter, without the need for their noses to be stuck in an iPad.

Exploring the Whitsundays is a memorable experience. Choosing your next location for the day is something everyone can get involved in depending on what activities take everyone's fancy. Visit an ancient Aboriginal cave painting anyone?

2. JOIN IN AS LITTLE OR AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE

The wonderful thing about a sailing holiday is you can join in or do very little and this goes for parents and children alike. Take the helm, hoist the sails, or kick back and relax with a good book in the sun, listening to the water lap the hull as you sail from one destination to the next. Helping prepare meals in the galley is a social occasion and there's nothing like cooking on the back deck BBQ as you watch the sunset over the horizon on another magical day in the Whitsundays.

3. IT'S MORE ABOUT THE HOLIDAY ITSELF

What many don't realize is how close all the islands are to each other in the Whitsundays. Wake up in one bay, have a morning snorkel off the back of the boat before having breakfast and a short journey to the next bay. You typically don't need to sail or motor for more than an hour to get to your next spot, with many islands having bays one after the other and taking you no more than 10 minutes to get to. You can choose to sail longer if you're heart was set on it, but the benefit of a sailing holiday in the Whitsundays is that there is so much choice in a relatively small region and this is great for the kids!

4. IT'S A MEMORABLE HOLIDAY THE KIDS WILL NEVER FORGET

Trust us - the kids will remember sailing around the Whitsundays on their own yacht, for the rest of their life. Not many kids get the opportunity to go on such a holiday and the kids at school will be hanging off their every word as they tell tales of exploring caves, bushwalking in a rainforest and standing at lookouts with views as far as the eye can see.

5. IT'S NOTHING LIKE A LAND-BASED HOLIDAY

Choosing to stay at a resort on the mainland doesn't give you or the kids the opportunity to snorkel and swim straight from your back door, have 360-degree views from your bedroom window, wake up to a different location each day, all while only having to unpack your bag once! You can travel at your own pace, choose your own activities and more often than not, have an overnight anchorage all to yourself with a million stars as your ceiling.

6. THE HOLIDAY IS COMPLETELY BESPOKE

Each charter is designed to suit your needs. Choose from sailing yachts, sailing catamarans or power catamarans suited between 2 and 12 people and choose how long you would like to charter for. Each day, Cumberland Charter Yachts will keep in VHF radio contact with you and help you choose the best locations to visit depending on the prevailing wind and sea conditions. If you decide to have a Sail Guide to do the navigating for you, decide what activities you'd like to do and they'll sail the boat to the best locations for you.

7. BAREBOAT CHARTERS ARE SUITABLE FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

For the comfort and safety for all onboard, life jackets are supplied on board complimentary - even for infants, we have one to suit. Catamarans provide a stable surface that is easier to walk around than a monohull that heels (leans over) while under sail, which makes it suitable for all ages to enjoy. If the kids are seasoned sailors a sailing yacht might be right up their alley, but whatever takes your fancy, a bareboating holiday in the Whitsundays is suitable for kids of all ages - both the young and young at heart.

Contact us today and let us find the perfect bareboat for your next holiday in the Whitsundays.

10 free things to do in Airlie Beach

So you've saved up for a well-earned break in the Whitsundays, chartering a beautiful bareboat with Luxury Yachts Whitsundays to sail around the 74 islands on. Everything is booked and paid for, and you're counting down the days until you step off the aeroplane at the airport, and step onto your bareboat. But what is there to do in Airlie Beach that doesn't have you reaching into your pocket to keep you, or the kids, entertained? Look no further, as we show you some little hidden secrets that only a local would know.

1. AIRLIE BEACH LAGOON

Located in the centre of Airlie Beach, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is open 365 days of the year with lifeguards patrolling the two swimming areas, between 9am-9pm. Dotted with palm trees, and beautifully manicured grassy knolls it is the perfect place to go for a swim (stinger free) and catch some rays. Temptations from the nearby takeaway cafes and eateries will surely have you munching on some fish and chips after frolicking in the clear cool water.

2. SATURDAY MARKETS

Every Saturday morning between 6 am-1 pm, you'll find a colourful mix of arts, locally handmade clothes and jewellery, fresh produce and home-style food stalls at the Airlie Beach Markets. Situated between the Esplanade and Whitsunday Sailing Club along the foreshore, it is a great place to kick off your weekend with a nice takeaway coffee in your hand as you stroll through the market stalls listening to the local musicians play in the amphitheatre.

3. SAILING AT THE SAILING CLUB

If you're a sailing buff who is a little competitive, the Whitsunday Sailing Club hold Twilight Races every Wednesday from 4:30pm. If you make your way to the sailing club a little earlier in the day and make yourself known to the sailors at the club, more often than not they are looking for extra crew and will happily invite you on board for the afternoon. The races are generally around a triangle course, sailing three laps then sailing a beat to the finish line. While it may seem competitive once you're out sailing, it's all very much light-hearted fun and a great way to learn how to sail or brush up on your sailing skills and terminology.

4. BUSHWALKS

The Whitsundays has over 67km of walking tracks, both on the mainland as well as the islands, so there is plenty to choose from. Catering to people of all fitness types, walks range from short and easy to strenuous full-day walks, or the adventurous can challenge themselves on a multiple night walk. Be sure to take plenty of water with you, good walking shoes, and of course your camera as the vistas from some of the lookouts are breathtaking.

5. BICENTENNIAL BOARDWALK

Starting from the Airlie Beach Lagoon and stretching for 3.5km's to Cannonvale is the Bicentennial Boardwalk. Following the shoreline, the walk is flat and easy, taking you past beautiful beaches and through lush parks. Stop along the way to take photo's and say hello to the many locals who use the boardwalk to walk their fury kids or catch up with friends.

6. AIRLIE BEACH PARK RUN

Every Saturday morning at 7am, starting at Abell Point Marina, is the Airlie Beach Parkrun. It is a fun, free event organised by volunteers with the track consisting of two laps of a 2.5 km course taking in the Abell Point Marina, Shingley Beach and the iconic Cannonvale boardwalk with stunning views of Pioneer Bay. Every runner gets given their time score to compare future run times, and afterwards, all runners gather at the Bohemian Raw Cafe for a post-run coffee.

7. BBQ'S

There are literally dozens of beaches, bays and public parks throughout Airlie Beach that have free to use BBQ's. As most of them are on the shoreline, they have amazing views overlooking the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. Some of them have a jungle gym nearby for the kids to enjoy, so grab some sausages and friends to soak up the afternoon sun. Be sure to clean the hot plate afterwards for the next person to use.

8. CEDAR CREEK FALLS

A short 25 minute drive towards Conway Beach, is the picturesque Cedar Creek Falls. Set in a natural rock amphitheatre, you will enjoy spectacular waterfalls in the wet season with colourful butterflies and many beautiful birds surrounding the falls. Find a shallow rock pool to chill out in, or swim in the larger body of water under the falls. It is an easy walk from the car park which has toilet facilities nearby.

9. KIDS PLAYGROUNDS

If you've got the kids with you, you're going to need to know where to find the jungle gyms, so they can be entertained and you can wear the kids out for an afternoon. There are 5 different playgrounds to choose from in Airlie Beach and are all easily accessible by foot or public transport. Logan's Adventure Playground located on the Coral Esplanade between Airlie Beach and Cannonvale is probably the most popular with its 30m flying fox, giant swing, pipe tunnels and explorer dome.

10. FISHING

While there are firm restrictions on fishing in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, there are numerous jetties, rockwalls and beaches which are great for fishing with rods on the mainland. The most popular spots are the Shute Harbour Marina public jetty, the VMR rockwall and Cannonvale Beach. Be sure to check the rules about fishing in certain zones of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Unique Dining Experiences During Your Bareboat Charter in the Whitsundays

When it comes to meal time on your bareboat charter, there are lots of ways you can create unique dining experiences. Forget sitting at the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get creative and make the most of the beautiful settings you're in and make your dining experiences truly memorable. Here are our top 4 ideas for 'stand out' meal settings during your charter.

SEAFOOD PLATTER AND CHAMPAGNE ON WORLD FAMOUS WHITEHAVEN BEACH

Imagine sitting on the pure white soft silica sand of the world famous Whitehaven Beach. Champagne in hand. Sun setting over the horizon. Loved ones sitting beside you. If there was one thing to tick off your bareboat bucket list, this would be one of them.

LOOKOUT PICNIC

There are a variety of bushwalks for you to enjoy on the islands. Walk a little or a lot - choose from easy short walks to longer more difficult walks, but each one offer world-class views at the very top. Pack a little picnic and enjoy it once you get there.

BBQ FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

Each bareboat comes with a BBQ on the back deck. It will become your favourite way to cook every meal during your charter and if you are lucky enough to catch your own fish, cooking it on the BBQ is the only way you should prepare it! Mmmmmm, sliced lemon and fresh herbs anyone?

CHEESE PLATTER ON THE BOW

Have Whitsunday Provisioning prepare a gourmet cheese platter for you, grab some cushions, drinks and head out on to the bow of the boat. Get comfortable on the tramp and indulge in fine food as you watch the sunset on another day.

Whitsunday Provisioning can take care of all your provisioning needs or you can 'Click and Collect' from Woolworths or Coles. Be sure to familiarise yourselves with the Whitsunday Zoning Maps so that you know where you can and cannot fish.

Contact us today to discuss your next bareboat charter and start planning your own unique dining experiences in the Whitsundays.

Aquila 44's take the Whitsundays by storm

In as little as 12 months, Cumberland Charter Yachts, the parent company to Luxury Yachts Whitsundays, have welcomed their second Aquila 44 power catamaran into their fleet this week, making them the only bareboat company in the country that holidaymakers can charter one through.

The Aquila 44 was first launched at the Miami Boat Show in America in 2014 and went on to win the Active Interest Media (AIM) Editor’s Choice Award for ‘Best Multihull’ in the same year, highlighting boatbuilding achievements, innovative technology, and design.

Working closely with Multihull Central, Cumberland Charter Yachts welcomed their first Aquila 44 into the fleet in February 2017 and has been well received by people looking for large, luxurious vessels of choice to experience whilst bareboating in the Whitsundays.

General Manager, Sharon McNally said demand for the Aquila 44 was strong therefore a second Aquila 44 was required. It offers customers a whole new level of luxury, space, and comfort. It also provides more choice through our Luxury Yachts Whitsundays’ brand.

“Having the only two Aquila 44’s in the country available for charter positions Cumberland Charter Yachts as industry leaders providing a unique luxury offering to those who are new or seasoned bareboat charterers.” Said Sharon.

“It’s a brilliant addition to our luxury yacht fleet. They’re extremely popular charter vessels in the Caribbean and we hope to keep expanding the fleet to meet the needs of those looking for premium choices”

Brent Vaughan from Multihull Central is very pleased to see yet another Aquila 44 in the Whitsundays with Cumberland Charter Yachts, reflecting the brand’s position as the world leader in power catamaran production.

“The Aquila represents the absolute ultimate in luxury bareboating holidays and the design lends itself perfectly to the cruising waters of the Whitsundays,” said Brent.

“It has three large entertaining areas and very spacious accommodation, something that you would normally only see on a 60-foot motor cruiser, but with more stability”

Cumberland Charter Yachts are a multi award-winning company and have been operating for 30 years from Abell Point Marina in the Whitsundays, offering bareboat holidays on sailing yachts, sailing catamarans and power catamarans across a fleet of 28 vessels.

Cumberland Charter Yachts Win National Tourism Award

Cumberland Charter Yachts is the parent company of Luxury Yachts Whitsundays, who took out the silver award for Unique Accommodation at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held at the Perth Optus Stadium on Friday night.

They were one out of ten winners from Queensland and is the third accolade won by Cumberland Charter Yachts in 2017 after winning silver at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

Being able to skipper your own boat in the best cruising area on the planet is a truly memorable experience and Cumberland Charter Yachts has proven to be a leader in the bareboating industry.

Managing Director Charlie Preen and General Manager Sharon McNally celebrated alongside BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday, Abell Point Marina, Island Jetboating and Ocean Rafting all representing the Whitsundays after winning gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards in their respective categories.

"Receiving this award is an absolute honour," said Sharon.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months whilst recovering from Cyclone Debbie and getting on with the general day to day business. We also could not have done this without each and every one of our boat owners. Investing their boats with Cumberland Charter Yachts helps us make the magic happen. This accolade goes out to them".

Charlie Preen stood proudly on the night and was ecstatic at winning silver after being up against six finalists from other states and territories who were all winners at their state tourism awards in the same category.

"Winning gold at the Queensland Tourism Awards was something special but winning silver at the Australian Tourism Awards is simply amazing." Said Charlie.

"We'd also like to congratulate Ocean Rafting for winning gold in the Major Tour and Transport Operator category, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday for winning bronze in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category and of course Abell Point Marina and Island Jetboating for being finalists at national level".

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays was created in 2017 after Cumberland Charter Yachts started seeing an increase in demand for larger and more luxurious vessels. Their pride and excellence in customer service and tourism is carried through to the Luxury Yachts Whitsundays brand and are proud to be able to offer luxurious experiences whilst bareboating in the Whitsundays.

General Manager Sharon McNally and Managing Director Charlie Preen accepting the silver award for Unique Accommodation at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards at the Perth Optus Stadium on Friday evening.

Chartering a Luxury Bareboat or Crewed Charter with Kids

Taking your kids on board a luxury bareboat or crewed charter can certainly be a rewarding and memorable experience. They learn new skills, discover another beautiful part of the country, jump off the back of the boat into azure waters, climb hills to spectacular views and discover marine life like they've never seen before.

A memorable experience could turn out to be one all for the wrong reasons if the children aren't prepared for what life is like living on a boat and what to expect. With a little forward thinking and preparation before your charter, you can help ensure it's an enjoyable experience not only for them but for the parents as well.

Prepare them for life on a boat

Start using boating terminology when speaking to them, and around them, about the holiday. Get them use to words such as 'port', 'starboard', 'tender' 'galley' so that when you are on board the boat it'll become 2nd nature to them and understand various aspects and parts of a boat and understand what you are talking about.

Get them involved

If they're not already seasoned sailors, get them use to being out on the water. Take them to a local sailing club and see if you can get them on board for a twilight sail, or if you have a friend with a small tender with an outboard, take them cruising on local waterways. This will help them feel comfortable once on the charter.

Onboard safety

A thorough briefing on the area and any hazards, as well as onboard safety, is provided before you depart the marina on your first day.  It is important to run those details over with the rest of the crew including the children so that everyone is aware and can help keep an eye on each other.

Drinks and snacks

Be sure to take plenty of snacks and drinks on board. Being out in the sun and wind, swimming, snorkelling and sailing, works up quite an appetite for both adults and kids. Think muesli bars, fruit, crackers and dips and plenty of water. Have them fill up their water bottles and keep them handy at all times.

Entertainment

There will be times when cruising, swimming and snorkelling have come to an end for the day and you may find them looking for things to do before or after dinner. Pack some travelling board games, books and playing cards so they can entertain themselves and give the adults some peace and quiet.

Island Resort Activities

Getting them off the boat and on to dry land helps break the charter up a little and gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs. There are many island resorts in the Whitsundays that you can berth at or pull up a mooring, and head ashore and take part in the many activities (most a free) the resort offers.

At the end of the day, you want everyone to enjoy their charter holiday and there's nothing worse than having bored children or don't understand the hazards of being on a boat. Educate them before the charter which will make it so much easier once you step on board.