Abel Point Marina in the heart of the Whitsundays
Located just ten minutes walk via a waterfront boardwalk from downtown Airlie Beach, Abel Point Marina has all the services and facilities a boat owner requires. Whether you’re visiting for pleasure or for an extended layover to attend to vessel maintenance, you’ll find a thriving boating and entertainment hub. Positioned at the heart of the cruising grounds of the Whitsunday Islands, Abel Point Marina upgraded and expanded their facilities in 2007 to become one of the largest and most modern marinas on the Queensland coast. There are comprehensive haul out and maintenance services attached to the marina, plus the area has a well supported marine and tourism industry.
But it’s mostly because of the close proximity to the Whitsunday Islands that causes the marina to buzz with excitement. The marina is well geared to cope with the vessel and passenger traffic that this industry creates, and indeed can readily accommodate superyachts up to to 60 metres. But it’s not just charter boats and superyachts that frequent the marina, as cruising vessels stop in to re-provision as they cruise the islands and further afield along the Qld coast.
Abel Point Marina is a priority on the cruising itinerary of vessels that flock to the area to enjoy a balmy winter climate combined with the magical Whitsunday Islands and outer Great Barrier Reef. The closest islands (Daydream, North and South Molle Islands) are just a few miles from Abel Point Marina, but there’s actually 74 islands to explore nearby. Many anchorages have free public moorings, though these are highly sought after and do have time limitations. With a large bareboat fleet operating in the region, grab yourself one of the recommended cruising guides to find an uncrowded anchorage. The outer Great Barrier Reef is within a day sail from the islands, with free public moorings located at Bait and Hardy Reef.
While the islands are the jewel in the Whitsundays crown, Airlie Beach itself is often overlooked in the rush to experience the islands and the reef. However it’s worth taking your time to explore the town which has upgraded many facilities and services to cope with the increasing population and tourism industry. It has become a dynamic destination in itself, with plenty of entertainment, dining and accommodation options just a short walk from Abel Point Marina.
Abel Point Marina
Superyachts are well catered for, with superior fuel and docking facilities custom designed to service the needs of oversize vessels. Indeed, many international and locally owned superyachts are based at Abel Point Marina simply because it is one of few marinas able to cope with the needs of superyacht Captains. Airlie Beach is conveniently located for fly in, fly out owners, with airports at both Proserpine and Hamilton Island serviced by major domestic airlines with connections to all major Australian cities.
Service providers in Airlie Beach are accustomed to working with charter and private vessel owners to meet the demands of boat owners and Captains, regardless of vessel size. It is a thriving hub of boating activity, that will continue to grow as more visiting vessels discover the magnificent cruising grounds of the Whitsunday Islands.