Sailing In Summer – The 5 Top Australian Destinations

Australia is renowned for its sunbaked, wild and rugged natural beauty. The first thoughts that come to mind of Australia’s natural landscapes are the vast expanses of gold and red sunburnt country soil; of adventure and thrill; intense and extreme. But for those who prefer a gentler and more forgiving holiday, the Aussie shores are the perfect destination for a serene and relaxing holiday, and there’s no better way to experience them, than on a yacht with your family or friends.

So sailors, novices and experts all, join us in exploring the best destinations Australia can offer you this summer.

The Whitsunday Islands

Probably the most renowned sailing destination in Queensland and one of the best yachting destinations in the southern hemisphere, the Whitsunday Islands offer pearl white sands, clear azure seas and stunning corals and reefs.

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, this chain of 150 islands can be explored bareboating (where you’re your own captain) or on luxury crewed vessels that give you an even greater relaxing experience. There are booming towns to visit on Hamilton, Hayman and Daydream islands, as well as undeveloped islets, untouched by human expansion.

So chart a course for the Whitsunday Islands and scuba dive, bushwalk or find yourself a secluded beach to enjoy all to yourself.

The Great Sandy Strait

It is difficult to describe the unique and vibrant landscape that this estuary separating the World Heritage Site of Fraser Island from the mainland. Sandbanks, mangroves, ancient forests and distinctive wild life make this site simply breathtaking.

Enjoy the silhouettes of wild brumbies as they gallop in the sunset, explore the inland lakes and forests over centuries of years old, go bird spotting and find each of the 325 different species of birds that inhabit this one of a kind biosphere.

With the purest dingoes on the Eastern coast, echidnas, possums, wallabies and flying foxes, this is the perfect destination for those fascinated by Australian fauna. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, with great sand dunes that make for inspiring sights and great fun on dune buggies.

D’entrecasteaux Channel

D’entrecasteaux Channel is found between Bruny Island and the south-east coast of Tasmania. This southern paradise is a secret among sailors.

Sheltered by Bruny Island, this stretch of sea will provide you with an unmatched tranquillity and the beauty of the forests lining the horizon will give you an enduring peace. If you go in February, you’ll catch the famous Bruny Island Ocean Race, held yearly by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania.

The stunning beaches, friendly people and charming pubs, cafes and restaurants will make this a memorable trip.

Geographe Bay

Imagine yourself standing on a beach. Your feet are bare and the sand beneath you is as soft as velvet. You look out onto a sunlit sea, crystal clear where it meets the sand, but gradually growing bluer and bluer until it gradients into a beautiful turquoise as it touches the horizon. The sea is still and soft waves lap onto white sand. This is what Geographe Bay, off the coast of Western Australia offers you.

Simple and soothing. Do it.

Sydney Harbour

After so much relaxing, you might begin to crave the bustling city and busy waters. Set sail for Sydney Harbour for the iconic urban Sydney landscape and modern civilisation. Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on Earth and you can’t appreciate that better than with a view of the Harbour Bridge and the white sails of the Opera House from the sea.

Stay in the city, or head to Pittwater to explore wetlands, bushland, lagoons, rock platforms and beaches. Find a nice quiet bay to the stay the night or berth at d’Albora Marinas and enjoy the sea against the background of the beautiful modern cityscape of Sydney.