Australia Sailing Tours
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10 best sailing trips in Australia
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Australia: North Queensland to Uluru (With Sailing)
- 2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
- Ultimate Australia (With Kakadu Dreaming And Sailing)
- Great Barrier Reef Discovery Cairns → Cairns (2025)
- Great Barrier Reef Discovery with Tropical Queensland Highlights Cairns → Cairns (2025)
- Kimberley Coast Adventure Broome → Darwin (2026)
- Kimberley Coast Adventure Darwin → Broome (2026)
- Sailing Adventures through the Whitsunday Islands
- Whitsunday Getaway - Katmaran Sailing Torn
- Kakadu and Katherine Gorge (Short Break, 3 Days)
The pristine waters of the Whitsundays beckon aboard a converted racing yacht, weaving through 74 untouched islands. A stop at world-famous Whitehaven Beach offers prime snorkeling and swimming spots. Professional crew members enhance this 2-night adventure with freshly prepared meals, marrying luxury sailing with Great Barrier Reef wonders.
Duration 13 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Cairns, Kuranda, Kings Canyon, Uluru Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $4,500
10% Off- NZ$4,050+$985 upfront costsYou save $450
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The second snorkeling spot with the coral that was still alive was stunning.”
Sofie, traveled in November
Prosail's maxi yachts cut through Australia's premier sailing waters from Airlie Beach Marina. The route between Hook Island and Hayman Island features three premium snorkeling locations. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's diverse coral gardens unfold during this authentic sailing adventure.
Duration 3 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Hayman Island, Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Prosail Whitsundays From
10% Off- NZ$746
A converted racing yacht glides through the magnificent Whitsunday Islands. Whitehaven Beach welcomes visitors with its pure silica sand, while the Great Barrier Reef hosts 9,000 marine species for snorkeling enthusiasts. Fresh meals appear onboard as the vessel winds through 74 paradise islands.
Duration 25 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Cairns, DarwinSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $10,177
10% Off- NZ$9,159+$2,188 upfront costsYou save $1,018
Duration 8 days Destinations Cairns, Cooktown, Lizard Island, Ribbon Reefs, Fitzroy Island Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
10% Off- NZ$8,139+$781 upfront costs
Duration 13 days Destinations Cairns, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park, Atherton, Malanda, Paronella Park, Kuranda, Cooktown, Lizard IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
10% Off- NZ$13,159+$781 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Broome, Lacepede Islands, Talbot Bay, Prince Frederick Harbour, Naturalists Island, Mitchell Plateau, Mitchell Falls, Koolama Bay, King George Falls, Darwin Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
10% Off- NZ$12,155+$1,562 upfront costs
Duration 10 days Destinations Darwin, Koolama Bay, King George Falls, Mitchell Plateau, Mitchell Falls, Prince Frederick Harbour, Naturalists Island, Talbot Bay, Lacepede Islands, Broome Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
10% Off- NZ$12,295+$1,600 upfront costs
Experience 4 days aboard a Lagoon 440 catamaran, sailing from Airlie Beach through the Whitsundays. Explore Hook Island's underwater world, visit the iconic Hill Inlet Lookout above Whitehaven Beach, and paddleboard in turquoise lagoons near Hayman Island. All water sports equipment included.
Duration 4 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
10% Off- NZ$1,832
Duration 3 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
10% Off- NZ$1,465
Kakadu and Katherine Gorge (Short Break, 3 Days)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole trip was a great experience and day, I think I can speak for the whole 12 of us on the Tour.”
bruceMunro, traveled in August
Three signature cruises showcase Australia's remarkable waterways. The Adelaide River teems with crocodiles, Yellow Water Billabong presents a wetland paradise, and Nitmiluk Gorge reveals ancient limestone formations. Each waterway offers distinct views of Northern Territory's aquatic treasures.
No departure dates availableDuration 3 days Destinations Darwin, Adelaide River, Kakadu National Park, Katherine, Katherine River Gorge, Pine Creek Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings
What our customers ask about Australia Sailing Tours
What are the best routes and destinations covered on Australian sailing tours?
Australian sailing tours center on the Whitsunday Islands archipelago. Boats depart from Airlie Beach and weave through 74 islands stopping at key destinations like Hook Island Hayman Island and Tongue Bay. Most routes include time at Whitehaven Beach known for its pure silica sand and clear waters. Tours often visit three different snorkeling spots within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park where coral gardens teem with tropical fish. A TourRadar traveler noted "The Whitsundays are like a little piece of heaven with crystal clear waters and endless opportunities to explore untouched beaches and vibrant coral reefs."
What is the best time of year for sailing in the Whitsundays?
The prime sailing season runs from May to September when temperatures hover between 23-25°C (73-77°F). These months bring minimal rainfall stable seas and excellent underwater visibility. The shoulder months of April-May and September-October offer similar conditions with fewer tourists. Tour data shows July and August as peak season with 27-29 departures per month reflecting the reliable weather patterns during winter.
What type of accommodation can I expect on an Australian sailing tour?
Accommodation ranges from converted racing yachts to modern catamarans. The Whitsunday Getaway catamaran provides queen-size beds and private bathrooms while vessels like Prosail's Condor and Broomstick feature shared cabins with fans and USB charging points. Standard amenities include hot showers deck hammocks and sun protection. One TourRadar traveler shared "The converted racing yacht was surprisingly comfortable with all basic amenities - perfect for an authentic sailing adventure."
What activities are typically included during sailing tour stopovers?
Each stop brings new opportunities. Guests can snorkel at fringing reefs trek to scenic points like Hill Inlet Lookout or unwind on Whitehaven Beach. Many itineraries include visits to Aboriginal sites beach walks at sunset and wildlife watching. Prosail Whitsundays for instance schedules stops at three different snorkeling locations guided walks and swimming breaks. A TourRadar review notes: "From snorkeling with tropical fish to watching the sunset from secluded beaches every stop offered something unique and memorable."
What level of sailing experience is required for these tours?
These tours welcome sailors of all skill levels from complete beginners to experienced hands. Professional crews handle navigation and safety while offering guests chances to learn basic sailing skills or take the helm under supervision. Each Prosail maxi yacht carries three crew members including a skipper and two deckhands who ensure passenger comfort. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The friendly captain was happy to teach us about sailing and even let us try steering - it was a perfect introduction to sailing."
How many people are typically on an Australian sailing tour?
Tour sizes remain intimate to enhance the experience. Prosail Whitsundays' larger vessels carry 10-30 passengers while boutique options like the Whitsunday Getaway host up to 20 guests. These numbers allow for personalized attention from crew members and adequate space on deck. As one TourRadar traveler observed: "With around 15 people on board we had the perfect balance of social interaction and personal space."