With the launch of the Ultimate Guide to Driving the Great Barrier Reef, it has never been easier to plan your journey through Queensland’s best destinations. And, what better way to break up the car trip than hiring a bareboat and exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands from your own boat?

Hiring a bareboat has been a popular choice for many of our road tripping past charterers, from grey nomads touring Australia to families taking a year hiatus with the kids and backpackers wanting an off-the-beaten track Whitsundays sailing adventure. Here’s how you can make your sailing dreams come true during your road trip with the help of Charter Yachts Australia.

Your Driver’s Licence is All you Need

To hire a bareboat from Charter Yachts Australia, you don’t need a marine licence – just some basic boat handling experience and coastal navigation skills.  So, if you have been able to navigate a high-top caravan through the city streets of Brisbane and can read a map, you’re half way there and we can offer additional training should your boating skills not be quite up to scratch.

When To Hit The Road

The Whitsundays cruising season runs from May to August and weather couldn’t be more ideal, not just for sailing, but for driving too (no hot steering wheels, thank you!).  Being our dry season, likelihood of rain is minimal in the Whitsundays and surrounding areas this time of year

South/south easterly winds, day temperatures averaging about 26 degrees and water temps sitting at approximately 23 degrees make for perfect, moderate conditions for sailing the Whitsundays. Think of it as Summer lite!

May & June not only offer clear & sunny days, but less crowds compared to other month.  Being our off-peak season, we also offer great deals through these months

July & August are fun filled with many local events taking place such as Hamilton Island Race Week and Whitsunday Reef Festival. If you are keen to get amongst the local culture this is a fantastic time to see what the Whitsundays does best – sail and have fun!

Don’t Unpack The Car!

All our boats come fully equipped, just like your home on the road, except we might offer a comfier bed! There is no need to bring your camping kit on the boat, we will supply everything you need from dishwashing liquid to linen and towels and everything you need to cook a feast in your galley. You may be so impressed, you trade in your caravan for a boat!

Long Time or Short Time, It’s Going To Be A Good Time

Through March, May & June we offer charters from 4 nights & this allows a good tour around the islands and popular spots, without digging too much into your road trip journey.

For other months we offer charters from 5 nights which would allow you that extra time to stay longer at each anchorage, go back to your favourite spots and undertake longer activities like hiking to Whitsunday Peak or spending a whole day at Whitehaven beach.

If time & budget permits, try a 7 or 10 day charter and see the really off-the-beaten track Whitsundays with time to explore further, sail longer, and snorkel the reef more!

Parking Options For All Shapes & Sizes

Whether your travelling with just the car, in a high-top camper van or towing a caravan or trailer, we have options available to accommodate all modes of transport!

Our home base, Abell Point Marina, offers long term parking for cars, caravans, camper vans and trailers. Park up for as little as $8 per day.

Should you wish to have your home on the road locked up securely while on charter, we can arrange secure offsite parking. They will pick up of your vehicle the day your charter starts and bring it back to the marina upon your return from sea. They can even clean & detail your ride, ready for you to hit the road again in sparkling clean wheels!

Making The Most Of The Journey North

While we like to consider the Whitsundays the jewel in the Queensland crown (we may be biased!) there are many spectacular places to discover along the Great Barrier Reef road trail – from historical Spanish castles like Paronella Park near Mission Beach to the beautiful beaches of Bowen just north of Airlie Beach. Spot cassowaries in the Daintree and watch kangaroos hop along the beach at Cape Hillsborough, not mention chasing waterfalls throughout the tropical north – there is so much to experience along your Queensland road trip! So, jump in the car & get going!