Cruises in Australia

Barefoot Cruises (Sailing Adventures)

Join our 3 to days Barefoot Experiences, how can can you the Whitsunday Islands better than by cruise. We offer small group cruising, fully serviced by our experienced crew. 

Choose from the above three exciting Sailing Adventures and discover the Whitsundays. The Whitsundays, made up of 74 islands, are located in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef and situated between Mackay and Townsville off the North Queensland Coast. The waters surrounding these islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Using the guidelines set for its management as a World Heritage listing site, the reef survives today without the threat of oil rigs and mineral exploitation and is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.

Here we offer fun-filled holidays in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. No need to bring a watch, or fancy clothing: all you need is a swimsuit, camera, and a sense of adventure.

The "Coral Trekker" is a traditional Norwegian square rigger built in 1939. With topsails, t'gallants and yardarms, she has all the olde world charm and romance of yesteryear. A cruise truly suiteble for all ages. For more information on this ship and on the cruise itinerary, please go to: Coral Trekker Cruise

The "Windjammer", with her classic lines and timeless elegance, is a 72 foot schooner considered to be one of the most beautiful yachts ever built in Australia. She is luxuriously appointed with an interior adorned with New Guinea rosewood and fittings from a bygone era. For more information on this ship and on the cruise itinerary, please go to: Windjammer Cruise

The "Apollo III" on the other hand, is at its most exciting. A blue water thoroughbred designed for speed and power. You will be amazed at the ease with which she glides through the water. For more information on this ship and on the cruise itinerary, please go to: Apollo III Cruise.

During your time onboard you will make new friends and explore some of the most exciting islands in the world.

^ Coral Trekker

^ Windjammer

^ Apollo III
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
  • Advanced or delayed sailing schedules: The right is reserved to delay, postpone or substitute any scheduled sailings without notice. The Captain's judgement on any action or inaction is considered to be final.
  • Itineraries: Itineraries published are dependent on weather conditions and the Captain's discretion.
  • Medical Condition / Dietary Requirements: Any medical condition or dietary requirements must be reported at the time of booking. Special requirements can only be catered for if notified at time of booking.
  • Gear Requirements: It is advisable to bring T-Shirts, swimwear, a sweatshirt for the occasional cool evening, sandshoes for reef walking, plenty of sunscreen, a good hat, and one set of smart casual gear for resort visits. Please pack into a soft bag. Additional luggage you may be travelling with can be stored at our office.
  • PRE & POST Cruise Accommodation:

GETTING TO THE WHITSUNDAYS
  • By Air: Domestic airlines have daily flights into Proserpine and Hamilton Island from all major cities, including Cairns. Proserpine is serviced by a shuttle bus service which meets every flight and transfers to Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Cost: approx. AUD$13.00 each way; Time: 45 Min. Taxis are also available at approx. AUD$35.00 each way, Time: 30 min.
  • From Hamilton Island, daily flights are scheduled from Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney.
  • Connections from Hamilton Island Airport
    • Water Taxi: Cost: approx. AUD$42.00 each way, Time: 1.5 Hrs
    • Air Taxi: Cost approx. AUD$45.00 each way, Time: 10 Min.
    • Taxis are available from Shute Harbour to Abel Point Marina at approx. AUD$12.00, from Whitsunday Airport approx. AUD$7.00. All costs quoted are approximate only.
  • By Road: Alternatively there are several bus lines offering services to the Whitsundays from all capital cities

SCUBA DIVING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef and fringing coral reefs of the islands during your trip on Coral Trekker. For passengers aboard Windjammer or Apollo III wishing to dive, this can be arranged by a rendezvous with Coral Trekker or a contract dive boat. A highlight of the 7 day cruise is an overnight stay at the Outer Barrier Reef where you can snorkel and scuba dive amongst the brilliant coral and tropical fish.

Qualified Divers: For those intending to dive, a "C" Card and log book is a requirement. Coral Trekker is fully equipped with a compressor and dive gear. Diving is supervised by our resident dive instructor.

Novice Divers: If you would like to try Scuba diving for the first time our resident dive instructor will take you for an introductory dive allowing you a glimpse into the magnificent underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. An experience of a lifetime. All Scuba diving is conducted aboard Coral Trekker.

The Whitsundays
Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays share the same climate as the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Tahiti. Nature has left a collection of islands - actually drowned mountains - rising from a turquoise sea. The fringing Coral reefs, tropical rainforests, pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, all unspoiled by man, makes this one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. 

Part of the world's largest National Park with World heritage listing, the Whitsunday Islands are primarily uninhabited. However if you pine for civilisation there is always one of the internationally renowned island resorts to choose from. 

The warm aquamarine waters range between 20 and 25 degrees C so the fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, which provide a glimpse into the magic of these Great Barrier Reef Islands, can be enjoyed all year round. The Whitsundays with its safe anchorages and coves, sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef, is one of the world's finest cruising areas and will capture your heart and imagination.

The Climate
Lying in the tropics close to 20 deg south the Whitsundays has an excellent climate. The waters are protected by the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef and most islands are surrounded by a fringing reef system. Summers are warm with frequent rain showers. Winters, considered perfect by many, are warm by and cool by night. July is the coolest month and January the warmest. Cyclones if they do occur at all are most likely between February and March.

For current cruise rates, go to: Australian Cruise Rates