See full version: Guide to the Great Barrier Reef
Warm cobalt waters swirl with a tornado of colour and life in the vast expanse of the world’s largest coral reef. Lying in the Pacific Ocean like a submerged Garden of Eden, the Great Barrier Reef’s mesmerising natural beauty is unsurpassed.
Island hopping between the myriad of islands boasting exquisite white ribbons of beach, lagoons and coral cays is best experienced from the luxury of your charter yacht, with the nearby Whitsunday Islands offering even more spectacular cruising grounds. For something extra-special, take a seaplane or helicopter flight out over the Great Barrier Reef and marvel at the astonishing aerial views.
Justifiably one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a kaleidoscope of astounding marine life whilst above the water hundreds of spectacular islands sprawl out like a scattering of exotic jewels. It stretches for more than 1,250 miles along the Queensland coast, from Cape York in the north to as far south as Bundaberg, and is sprinkled with more than 600 idyllic islands. This glorious chain of coral, rainforest and lush island landscapes is one of the world’s most exciting yacht charter destinations and is perfect for those with a yearning to explore beyond the more predictable cruising grounds.
Back on shore, explore a network of walking trails and spot the monitor lizards as they work feverishly to create nesting tunnels around the island. Walk in the footsteps of Captain Cook as you hike to Cook’s Look, where the intrepid explorer once climbed in search of safe passage through the reef. At 360m high, the lookout offers spectacular panoramic views of Lizard Island, Watsons Bay, and the outer reef. Get a new perspective on the Great Barrier Reef with a tour of the internationally recognised Australian Museum Research Station and hear from the station’s professional marine researchers about this amazingly complex ecosystem. [links]
Lizard Island
Located at the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island offers unparalleled tranquillity, privacy, and luxury.
Relax in one of 40 luxury beachside villas, indulge in world-famous local sea food at the Salt Water Restaurant, and visit the private cellar at the Driftwood Bar to sip on rare, specialty wines. If you’d prefer a little time to yourselves, arrange a gourmet picnic basket from the resort and be ‘marooned’ on one of 24 pristine white beaches to enjoy a romantic adventure in your own private paradise. For the ultimate romantic gesture, arrange a Sunset Beachside Dinner: an exceptional seven-course, wine-matched customised dining experience for couples. here
Step ashore on Fitzroy Island to enter an enchanting world of casuarina and pandanus palms populated by sulphur-crested cockatoos, kingfishers, and emerald doves.
Surrounded by fringing reef, Lizard Island is the only island resort where you can snorkel the Great Barrier Reef straight from the beach. Complimentary equipment and lessons are available from the resort, and you can hit the water whenever you like. Visit Watsons Bay to snorkel at the renowned Clam Gardens, home to enormous giant clams and a wide variety of vivid corals. In the outer bay, divers can encounter a unique array of marine life, including feather stars, sea pens, sponges, and a range of solitary corals. [links]
Take a dip in one of the Great Barrier Reef’s largest swimming pools at Lady Musgrave Lagoon to see a remarkable range of marine life, including friendly leopard and whitetip reef sharks. Then, visit Lady Elliot Island, home of the amazing Majestic manta ray. If you’re lucky enough to find one, be sure to take a photo of its underbelly. A manta’s underbelly markings are like its fingerprints: no two mantas are alike. If you discover a new ray, you can name it yourself! If you’re not a diving enthusiast, take a glass-bottomed kayak tour and enjoy a birds-eye view of thousands of starfish, anemones, sea cucumbers, turtles, and stunning reef fish that inhabit these pristine waters.
Picture yourself on the foredeck of a luxury charter yacht, anchored just metres off a dazzling sandy beach soaking up the sunshine, relaxing on the flybridge reading a book or chilling with a cocktail "in beach mode" while watching your friends and family swim in a secluded anchorage, during your charter vacation aboard THE COVE. Learn more.
ONEWORLD includes a wide array of toys and tenders for the charter guest including a Funair slide, five-person jacuzzi and dive and snorkelling equipment. Along with her six crew, ONEWORLD’S onboard Chef is well-known for his personally tailored menus to suit every guest’s requirements. [links]
The expansive deck space, including a massive aft deck for alfresco meals, 8-person Jacuzzi on the bridge deck level at the bow and a great free-flowing layout make her an excellent choice for charter – whether for families or groups interested in cultural immersion, adventure or pure relaxation. [links]
The eight professional charter crew aboard INFINITY PACIFIC are highly regarded for their passion and dedication. They are energetic and enthusiastic to share the wonders of Australia, including instruction in watersports and fishing.
In these turquoise waters, as well as diving and swimming with an amazing array of marine life you can jet ski or kayak amid coral cays, or take in the panorama of that this landscape from a seaplane or helicopter! It is a tropical paradise of unspoiled beaches, reef islands, crystal clear waters and colourful coral.
This 114ft (34.7m) Dutch-built explorer-style superyacht was custom-built as a go-anywhere yacht with 4,000nm range and a wide beam which creates exceptional space onboard.
During your superyacht voyage, be sure to stop off at Dunk Island. It’s considered to be Australia’s most stunning rainforest island with virgin rainforests, golden sands, tropical gardens and crystal clear waters. There are plenty of outdoor activities here too. Check out the walking trails. One of the most popular crosses the island’s suspension bridge and goes to Mount Koo-Tal-Oo Lookout. When you reach the summit, don’t forget to capture those memorable holiday photographs.
Set sail for Hamilton Island with its all year-round sunshine, clear blue skies, beautiful blue waters and spectacular coral-fringed beaches. Located in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands Hamilton has the only airport in the Great Barrier Reef. On the island have a game of golf on the 18-hole green before eating in one of the popular restaurants. Visitors from around the world enjoy this luxury resort which also has a yacht club. If you intend dropping anchor here on your yacht charter vacation, during July-September, you may be lucky enough to see migrating whales. more
Laid back is what best describes Long Island. It’s one of the most stunning isles of the Whitsundays and takes its name from the island’s long narrow appearance. Lying near the shore of Airlie Beach, Long Island has 13 sq km of National Park and tropical forest as well as 20 km of bush walking paths. You’ll have no problem finding exotic beaches and remote lookouts. Spend your days relaxing under the palm trees on the white coral beaches or swim in the turquoise waters. You never know you might find yourself swimming alongside dolphins, turtles and colourful fish.
For a sub-tropical climate and outstanding natural beauty, Great Keppel Island offers both. The island is a peaceful sanctuary for a huge range of flora and fauna, as well as more than 100 species of birds. If you enjoy snorkelling, then you’re in luck. It’s one of the best snorkelling spots in the Great Barrier Reef. Check out Monkey Point, Clam Bay and Shelving Beach which have an abundance of underwater marine life. What’s more you’ll have your pick from one of the 17 tropical white sandy beaches where you can relax, heaven. [links]