I may be biased but I think Australia has some of the best beaches and islands in the world. It’s impossible to have a great Australian holiday without enjoying the scenic coastlines that are major attractions for tourists and locals alike. A day at the beach is not just a day at the beach, with visitors treated to stunning blue waters that are teeming with an array of sea life. If you’re planning on going out to sea, consider taking a sailing tour that can show you the best places to scuba dive and snorkel around Australia’s most world-renowned reefs, especially the Great Barrier Reef. If sailing is your passion, then you will quickly fall in love with Australia’s stunning coastline and islands!
Regular readers will know that we fell in love with sailing when we sailed around Croatia a few years ago! Our love for sailing was further cemented when we spent a week sailing the Turkish coastline on a luxury gulet! I mean, is there honestly a better way to travel?
Whitsundays
This location is a part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. When out on the water, you might catch a glimpse of sea turtles, colourful fish, and multi-coloured coral, whether kicking back on deck or deep-sea-diving. The area is popular with sailing enthusiasts and one only need look for boat moorings for sale and then find space to dock your boat. Considered one of the best popular yachting destinations, sailors will find the location a great place to unwind and relax.
Hamilton Island
Another island in the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns. The island is a popular sailing spot for its excellent hotel accommodations, but more importantly, there is the Hamilton Island Yacht Club for sailing enthusiasts. This island is for the eternal vacationer, as its hospitality industry has both long and short-term rentals in some of the most beautiful holiday homes.
Lord Howe Island
This low-key island offers sailors the experience of being surrounded by exotic wildlife but without the usual buzz found in other popular tourist destinations. Described as a “biological ark”, the island can provide peace and quiet for those who are not particularly drawn to the crowded waters of some of the more popular spots. Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage listed destination and there are restrictions on the amount of people who can visit the island at once. This means you can explore the coral gardens in the lagoon, or the island almost all to yourself!
D’entrecasteaux Channel
This secret hideout is a favourite of sailors. Tucked in between Bruny Island and the Tasmanian coast, this island has a few charms that are very attractive to sailors. February is a great month, which features events like the Royal Yacht Club’s Bruny Island Ocean Race. Host to pubs, restaurants, and other quaint establishments, this is a spot for hard core sailors!
Darwin and the Tiwi Islands
If you want the experience of being out on the water but you don’t want to commandeer the boat, consider a Sail Darwin tour, which allows you to tour the Tiwi Islands. Aboard the catamaran Sundancer, you can tour Bare Sand Island while taking in the wildlife and the local artists who call Bathurst and the Melville Islands home. This is the perfect relaxing getaway for those who want to experience local culture, enjoy the sea, and have an overall relaxing time.
The great thing about sailing is that it can take you into some nooks and crannies off the coast. With your yacht, you can visit any popular paradise, or alternatively, you might find your next secret island getaway. Either way, the rich, diverse wildlife and sea creatures that make up Australia’s coastal areas promise an unforgettable experience.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with Hidden Harbour Marina.
All opinions, as always, are our own.
