Queensland Coastal Cruise 2025
Whitsundays to Yepoon
Yepoon to Hamilton Island

Be part of the crew for an unforgettable adventure along some of Australia’s most remarkable coastline.  You will enjoy fishing, snorkelling and swimming along the way as we island hop along the Queensland coast and islands. Take a turn on the helm, navigate through some challenging waters and build your experience and sea miles.

Typically this time of year offers perfect conditions, with trade winds, and the reef protecting us from swell. The following itineraries, which are subject to the conditions, is for our northerly expedition, just read it in reverse for our southerly sojourn. 

Coastal Cruise 1: Mooloolaba to Yepoon (North)

After arriving and provisioning in Mooloolaba (14 July) we eat at a nearby pub and prepare to depart early on day 2 and sail the Sunshine Coast, entering the Wide Bay Bar. Overnight in Pelican Bay, then on day 3 work the tides as we motor up the Great Sandy Straight to Kingfisher Bay. Day 4 is a free day to enjoy the Kingfisher Bay Resort, or hire a 4WD and explore Fraser Island. Next day we cross Hervey Bay for the Port of Bundaberg. From here we sail to the stunning coral atoll of Lady Musgrave Island on day 6. Next morning explore the atoll before sailing three hours to Fitroy Reef, entering the narrow passage into this magnificent lagoon. Regarded as Australia’s best ‘get-away-from-it-all reef anchorage’ we have the whole of day 8 to swim, snorkel and fish. Day 9 is a longer sail (82 NM) to Rosslyn Bay, near Yepoon. Next morning transfer to Rockhampton airport for flights home. This leg is 313 NM and includes 4 days with over 9 hours sailing.

Coastal Cruise 2: Yepoon to Hamilton Island (North)

Arriving at Rockhampton Airport on 24 July, transfer to Rosslyn Bay ready for your coastal adventure. On day 2 we sail the stunning coastline to Port Clinton. Next day is a shorter hop via the picturesque Pearl Bay to Supply Bay. From here we sail along the island chains to the Duke Group where you can explore the island at your leisure. A 3 hour sail brings us to the popular Middle Percy Island, where the A-Frame structure has welcomed yachties since the 1960s. There’s plenty to see here, and you can take a 2 hour return hike to the historic homestead. Another short hop on day 6 brings us to Digby Island with its crystal clear water. Day 7 is a longer (44 NM) as we reach the southern Whitsundays and the delightful anchorage of Refuge Bay at Scawfell Island. Here you can snorkel or explore the sandy beach. On day 8 we continue north to Thomas Island 25 miles away. This unspoilt island is bursting with lush vegetation fringed by spectacular beaches. Our final day is a three hour sail to Hamilton Island where you can enjoy the pool and other facilities, as well as dinner ashore for our final night. Fly out on 2 Aug or stay a few days and soak in the sun. This leg is 223 NM with generally shorter legs.

We will sail with just 4 crew plus the instructor, so we are not too crowded.