Seven Day Itinerary for the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsunday Coast and Islands are a very special part of Australia. Centrally located on the Queensland Coast 150km north of Mackay and 300km south of Townsville yet right in the heart of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Flights depart most cities daily with direct access to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays or Whitsunday Coast Airport 45 minutes from Airlie Beach.


Day One:
Guests fly into Hamilton Island and board yacht. Depart 1300 for Hook Island, Nara Inlet. Distance 15 miles. Make a short walk up to an aboriginal cave with paintings.


Day Two:
Remain in Nara Bay for the morning. After lunch depart for Butterfly Bay. Distance 5 miles. From here visit neighboring bays, head to Manta Ray Bay for afternoon snorkeling. Anchor for the night.

Day Three:
Depart Early for Bait Reef. Distance 18 miles. Enjoy diving, snorkeling, fishing and reef exploring. Weather permitting remain here for the night, or depart 1600 for Boarder Island. Distance 20 miles. Good diving and snorkelling.

Day Four:
Head to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island and close to Haslewood Island. Distance 7 miles. Head to northern end of beach and be dropped off at inlet to visit lookout over bay. Enjoy the long white sandy beach, and pottering around the bays and coves of Haslewood Island.

Day Five:
Head to Lindeman Island. Distance 10 miles. Most of this island is national park. Enjoy the walking tracks with lots of butterflies and bird life. Possibly visit the local resort.

Day Six:
Head to Turtle Bay on Whitsunday Island. Distance 8 miles. Snorkel and explore the coves and bays along this southern stretch of the island.

Day Seven:
In the morning return to Hamilton Island. Distance 8 miles.