Home DESTINATIONSAUSTRALIA 5 beautiful Australian boating holidays

5 beautiful Australian boating holidays

by Fiona Harper

We’re spoilt in Australia. Particularly those water babies amongst us. Boating in Australia is simply magnificent. With one of the longest coastlines in the world, Australia is blessed with countless yachting opportunities. If you’re a bit like me and love feeling the sun on your face (lathered in sun-screen naturally!) and hearing the splashing of waves while sailing over them, listen up. At Travel Boating Lifestyle we’ve got five Australian boating destinations that will knock your socks off. But before you dive into any of these beautiful boating places, you might want to check that you’ve got all the right equipment for a great time afloat – check out MOTackle to see if you’re missing anything.

1. The Whitsundays

Dent Island, Whitsundays, QueenslandOne of the most popular yachting destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, the Whitsundays are an island archipelago smack in the heart of Queensland’s World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Perpetually sunny, the Whitsundays are a mecca for those looking for fun on the water.

2. Lord Howe Island

If you’re looking for a longer trip and have a blue water-capable vessel, Lord Howe Island is worth considering. 600km off Australia’s east coast, Lord Howe Island combines some of the best beaches and snorkeling in the country with rugged, rainforest-covered mountains – perfect for the intrepid boater! Sure, you’ll need your sea legs to get there, but it’s sure to be worth the effort. Plus, with only 400 visitors allowed on the island at any one time, peace and quiet reigns.

3. The Kimberley’s

The Kimberleys, West AustraliaChasing a more rugged coastline? Look no further than the Kimberley’s! This remote region of Western Australia is full of spectacular landscapes. From sandstone gorges to rocky islets and unique fauna, The Kimberley’s has it all. Navigating this maze of inlets and estuaries is a challenge for even the most experienced boater. But its raw rugged wildness is one of its major charms.

4. Sydney Harbour

Southern boaters looking for a splendid day trip would be hard pressed to find a finer harbour than Sydney’s little beauty. It really is one of the greatest natural harbours in the world. Seeing Sydney Harbour from a boat offers an unforgettable unique perspective on icons like the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Central Business District. The best part? It can be completed while you’re lazing on the deck, champagne in hand. No sea legs required!

5. Ningaloo Reef

Ever wanted to go swimming with the largest sharks in the world? Yep, me too! At Ningaloo Reef, at certain times of the year it’s entirely possible. Plunge off the deck of your yacht into a fringing reef system that rivals the Great Barrier Reef. It’s one of the most diverse and colourful coral wonderlands on the planet. Australia’s largest fringing reef is located 1,200km north of Perth and is home to over 500 species of fish alone (including Whale Sharks!). A site that’s definitely worth multiple cruises to, you’re sure to see something new each time.

Where will you be going for your next boating adventure down under? Will you be sailing the high seas over to Lord Howe Island or staying closer to shore in Sydney Harbour? Or are you more interested in the islands of the Whitsundays or reefs of Ningaloo? Australia has plenty of so many exciting boating playgrounds. Why not share your favorite spots in the comments below.

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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we live, work and travel. As people who seek meaning and knowledge through storytelling, we recognise that the First Peoples of this land have been doing so for over 60,000 years. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.