Where to go sailing in Queensland

Skim your way above the coral by setting sail on the high seas of Cairns and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef. This global icon belongs on every bucket list, with cruising along its waterways offering you a chance to get even more intimate with the vibrant array of coral and marine life sitting just under the surface. But a word of warning - the rich population of reef beds can make navigating this much-loved tourist attraction difficult, and sailing best left to the professionals. Join an experienced crew like Passions of Paradise for a foray through the reef. Hop aboard a sleek catamaran with a particularly eco-friendly edge - Passions of Paradise is part of the Eye on the Reef program which allows them to give feedback to the Marine Park Authority, contributing to its long-term protection.

Or live the glamourous life with Port Douglas’ Sailaway, a curated tour for smaller groups. Join them for a snorkel and a sail around the outer reef and the idyllic coral cay the Low Isles. Though the most popular journey is the adults-only sunset tour, where you’ll toast the day’s end with a crisp Champagne and an unbeatable view.

Sunshine Coast

Experience the serenity of the adored Sunshine Coast from offshore, cruising your way up the coastline and along the world famous surf breaks and resort towns, from Caloundra to the furthest reaches of Noosa’s North Shore. When it comes to where to go sailing in Queensland, this is a fast-growing new favourite for the local community and visitors to our shores.

Go your own way, embracing a life on the sea with a trawl through Noosa and its surrounds. Or embrace the easy life, setting sail from Mooloolaba with Saltwater Eco Tours. Their Indigenous Culture Tour will see you cruise your way through the traditional waters of the local Kabi Kabi (or saltwater) people aboard a restored 100-year-old traditional timber sailing vessel dubbed Spray of the Coral Coast. You’ll find yourself fully immersed in local culture along the way, connecting with the local indigenous through storytelling, didgeridoo and entertainment provided by your guides.

The Whitsundays

When it comes to where to go sailing in Queensland you can’t go past the boat capital of the Whitsundays. This cluster of 74 idyllic islands overflowing with rainforests and reefs makes for the ultimate playground for boating enthusiasts. And even better, it’s one of the only places globally where you can bareboat with your nearest and dearest without a boat licence.

Whitsundays Rent A Yacht and Cumberland Charter Yachts are two of a handful of well-regarded companies providing a treasure trove of different vessels to cater to sailing parties. Though you are equally welcome to sail alongside a pre-organised crew. Join Providence Sailing for a yacht-based tour around the district’s key sites taking an authentic tall ship o the bone white sands of the iconic Whitehaven Beach and its surrounds. After the best of both worlds? Make way for Explore Whitsundays instead. The company is well-versed in tours of all shapes and sizes as well as a curated list of charter vessels for special events, where you’ll be taken care of by an experienced team of staff.

Fraser Coast

When it comes to where to go sailing in Queensland, many would suggest floating beside the Fraser Coast, stopping in at the quaint fishing villages scattered along the way. Begin your adventure in the whale watching capital of Hervey Bay, the northern gateway to the illustrious Great Sandy Strait. Separating the mainland from K'gari’s (Fraser Island) sand dunes, this strait is a popular thanks to it being a sheltered waterway - but while it’s idyllic, take care while you’re navigating these parts as it’s dotted with a collection of sandbanks, though thankfully channels are well marked and charted.

You can be your own skipper with Sweet Escape Yacht Charters, based in Hervey Bay. Explore your way along this postcard-perfect coastline at your own pace, guided by the team’s knowledge of anchorage locations and which boat is right for you. If you’re in need, they also offer an option of sail training, and the potential to hire a skipper, guide, or instructor for local and extended cruises. Also Hervey Bay-based, the eco-accredited Blue Dolphin Marine Tours is the longest-running sailing operator in the region, offering everything from private sailing charters to champagne sunset sails to exclusive whale encounters, plus a half-day eco-sailing adventure exploring the waters surrounding K'gari (Fraser Island) outside of whale-watching season. There’s also Fraser Island Boat Charters further north, where both bareboat and skippered charters are an option among its bevy of catamarans. Fishing fans will be particularly fond of this company, with self-drive yacht and fly and sports fishing packages available.

Magnetic Island and Townsville

There’s little better than getting a chance to greet the natural wonders of Townsville and surrounding Magnetic Island with a sail. Within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef, this region has become popular for its water-borne potential. Just a short boat ride from town you’ll be able to submerge yourself in the coral at neighbouring Magnetic Island, where you’ll find the unique natural environment of palm-fringed beaches, large granite boulders, hoop pines, sandy beaches and fringing coral.

Pilgrim Sailing is one of the best-known options when it comes to finding a vessel, with an array of sailing cruises and private charters to enjoy. The Magnetic Island-based company focuses on tours that will whisk you away for the day (or just lunch) with its most popular offering the Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise. Partner your views of the horizon with bottomless Champagne and cheese boards.

Brisbane

Keep closer to the capital, sailing your way around Brisbane’s outskirts in the stunning waters of Moreton Bay and the neighbouring southern islands en route to the Gold Coast. This place is considered one of the country’s best kept secrets when it comes to sailing around the Sunshine State, mainly thanks to a hefty array of anchorage options, as well as some outstanding snorkelling sites.

First and foremost is the famous Tangalooma Wrecks at Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), where the ruins of a handful of sunken ships attract a steady stream of colourful marine life. On the eastern side of the island you’ll find another opportunity to drop anchor especially if you’re a passionate fisherman - the historic islands of St Helena, Green, North Stradbroke and Peel boast excellent fishing and sheltered bays so bring your rod and your snorkel both. Join Aria Cruises for a series of half day tours, or make your way to Brisbane Boat Charters to grab a vessel to call your own.

Seek Queensland’s best sailing events

Or take it easy instead, kicking up your feet to watch one of the armful of Queensland sailing events. There are a trio of stand-outs in particular, all hosted far north of Brisbane. The closest is Airlie Beach Race Week, held at the gateway to the Whitsundays. Picture six days of yachting offshore among the surrounding islands, accompanied by seven nights of events.

In September, you can make your way to the SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week, watching the boats race across the pristine waters of Cleveland Bay surrounding Townsville. While the annual regatta tempts many, the accompanying live bands and promised parties tempt even more. Not to mention, Hamilton Island Race Week, one of the most popular yachting events across the country (if not globe). The on and off-water carnival sees racing take places around holiday favourite Hamilton Island, and the surrounding 74-strong collection of Whitsunday islands.