Unique Dining Experiences During Your Bareboat Charter in the Whitsundays

When it comes to meal time on your bareboat charter, there are lots of ways you can create unique dining experiences. Forget sitting at the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get creative and make the most of the beautiful settings you're in and make your dining experiences truly memorable. Here are our top 4 ideas for 'stand out' meal settings during your charter.

SEAFOOD PLATTER AND CHAMPAGNE ON WORLD FAMOUS WHITEHAVEN BEACH

Imagine sitting on the pure white soft silica sand of the world famous Whitehaven Beach. Champagne in hand. Sun setting over the horizon. Loved ones sitting beside you. If there was one thing to tick off your bareboat bucket list, this would be one of them.

LOOKOUT PICNIC

There are a variety of bushwalks for you to enjoy on the islands. Walk a little or a lot - choose from easy short walks to longer more difficult walks, but each one offer world-class views at the very top. Pack a little picnic and enjoy it once you get there.

BBQ FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

Each bareboat comes with a BBQ on the back deck. It will become your favourite way to cook every meal during your charter and if you are lucky enough to catch your own fish, cooking it on the BBQ is the only way you should prepare it! Mmmmmm, sliced lemon and fresh herbs anyone?

CHEESE PLATTER ON THE BOW

Have Whitsunday Provisioning prepare a gourmet cheese platter for you, grab some cushions, drinks and head out on to the bow of the boat. Get comfortable on the tramp and indulge in fine food as you watch the sunset on another day.

Whitsunday Provisioning and Slice of Nature can take care of all your provisioning needs or you can 'Click and Collect' from Woolworths or Coles. Be sure to familiarise yourselves with the Whitsunday Zoning Maps so that you know where you can and cannot fish.

Contact us today to discuss your next bareboat charter and start planning your own unique dining experiences in the Whitsundays. https://www.luxuryyachtswhitsundays.com/

Airlie Beach Race Week

The Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing is in full swing with only a few days left to go, and the whole town has been buzzing with excitement!

Sailing boats of all shapes and sizes race for a week of offshore sailing races and onshore entertainment.

The organisers have had over 130 entries, and it has bought in over 2000 crew, support teams and followers!

It’s been a busy and exciting week so far here at the Coral Sea Marina and throughout Airlie Beach. This Whitsunday event is one you can experience as a spectator from either the mainland or your bareboat. The race starts are all in Pioneer Bay, with racing to the nearby islands and back. 

If you are in town check our all the entertainment that is on offer onshore. The Whitsunday Sailing Club is known as race week central and has live entertainment and presentations each night during the event.

Special events over the weekend include wine tastings, a long lunch, a beach fun day and other activities for locals and visitors. 

Have you been dreaming of an Whitsunday holiday? – Why not explore by bareboat?
Let our friendly, helpful, knowledgeable Reservations Team help you find the perfect boat for your holiday. 

Book today!

2019 Airlie Beach Festival of Music

The 2019 Airlie Beach Festival of Music is set to be a mind blowing event this year!

Beginning on the 8th November, Airlie Beach comes alive and has both domestic and international acts.

The event sees 74 bands playing over 3 days at 15 different venues and there is definitely a genre of music for everyone.

Take advantage of our ‘Super off peak’ rates in November (1st November – 20th December) meaning you can save big!

When you hire a luxury bareboat, you are the skipper of the vessel and you invite your friends or family to experience a unique, luxury style of holiday in the Whitsundays. There is no set itinerary or timetable to stick to, you simply explore the islands how and when you please.

Experience star-filled nights in tranquil anchorages. Visit secluded bays and explore rainforest tracks and national park lookouts with stunning views. Sun yourself on world famous Whitehaven Beach or snorkel the fringing coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. If that’s too much, just simply kick back and relax and enjoy the luxury and quality time with loved ones and friends.

Great news! You don’t need a formal qualification or licence to go bareboating in the Whitsundays but some boating knowledge certainly helps. Our qualified staff will take you through a comprehensive ‘brief’ on how to operate the vessel including the use of the navigation equipment, an area brief of the Whitsundays and local knowledge tips, plus mooring and anchoring skills.

If you don’t feel confident by the end of the brief, you may like to consider hiring a Sail Guide for a few extra hours ($200) for more tuition, or for the duration of the charter ($355 per 24/hrs) but more often than not, our guests are confident after the brief and are ready to start their holiday adventure.

Book a bareboat to be your accommodation during the event and then explore the Whitsunday Islands pre-and/or post-festival. Book today! https://www.luxuryyachtswhitsundays.com/

Great Barrier Reef Festival

Airlie Beach will come alive this weekend with the annual Whitsunday Reef Festival, full of family fun, community events, all-night celebrations, food, fireworks and one of the biggest street parties in the north.

The festival, now in its 18th year, is themed Heart of the Reef, and celebrates the lifestyle in the Whitsundays, on the edge of the Coral Sea, in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. The Festival kicks off with the Fish D’vine Comedy Gala by the Sea on Thursday 1st August, that will guarantee a night of side-splitting comedy. Tickets can be purchased HERE . Ticket includes a free drink and Fish D’vine fish and chips.

Friday night 2nd August, 2019 the Coral Sea Marina Resort Lantern Parade will depart from the Garden Bar at Coral Sea Marina and will parade a sea of light along the Bicentennial Boardwalk down to the Airlie Beach foreshore where there will be live entertainment on the beach followed by the free spectacular firework extravaganza

There will be night markets along the foreshore including Whitsunday Food Service Food Stalls, Carnival rides, live music, street performers, pop up Beach Bar opens from 5pm, music starts from 6 pm, Fireworks at 8pm on the Airlie foreshore beach, food stalls open until 9pm, transport for the festival will be provided via a park and ride scheme courtesy of Whitsunday Transit.

Bring the family along early and enjoy the festivities, bring a rug to sit on the beach and watch the pyrotechnic spectacular.  There will be a variety of food and merchandise for sale throughout the evening.

On Saturday the 3rd August 3-4pm come and look at ‘Art that Walks’ with the Wilmar Sugar Wearable Art Parade. This Great Barrier Reef Festival Wearable Arts Competition is a popular fun event with both students and adults.  Participants of all ages love this unique art form and create colourful and innovative garments from interesting and unlikely materials.

From 4pm onwards on Saturday following the wearable art comp, the main street of Airlie Beach will be buzzing with the 2019 Rotary Street Parade’.

2019 brings a new theme for the Parade ‘The Living Reef’ a world down under. Get creative, dress up and come have some fun!

Sunday 4th August is the Whitsunday Transit Family Fun Day 10-2pm at the Airlie Beach Foreshore. Loads of Fun and games!

For more information on the Great Barrier Reef festival click on the Great Barrier Reef Festival link.

Sydney International Boat Show Darling Harbour 1st -5th August, 2019.

The world-famous Sydney International Boat Show is the southern hemisphere’s largest recreational marine event devoted to all things boating. From the most affordable tinnie or canoe, to incredibly prestigious luxury yachts and power cruisers, see over 245 exhibitors and more than 900 boats on display at the show, which is also packed with education and fabulous entertainment for the whole family.

The Sydney International Boat Show is the largest public exhibition staged at the International Convention Centre Sydney, filling all the exhibition halls and the open-air event deck, plus the purpose-built marina on Cockle Bay. Be inspired by boating enjoyed by millions each year at The Sydney International Boat Show.

Sharon McNally General Manager of Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays along with Sales & marketing Manager Mercedes Ireland will be making their way down to this year’s International Boat showcasing the luxury bareboats we have in our Luxury Yachts Whitsundays fleet in addition to all our Cumberland Charter Yachts' vessels.  Pop by and say hello. Cumberland’s stand number is M33 in the Marina. It is set to be a massive show!

International Convention Centre Sydney & Cockle Bay Marina
Thursday 1st - Monday 5th August 2019 Halls & Marina open 10am - 7pm

For more information on the show click here

https://www.sydneyboatshow.com.au/

To purchase tickets click here https://bit.ly/2GmTmA3

Top Tips for Anchoring

The Great Barrier Reef offers visitors stunning vistas - both above and below the water, but it contains some very fragile environments.

By taking a little extra care when anchoring and using moorings where available, you will help protect this delicate underwater 'landscape'.

The key to good anchoring is preparation and slow maneuvering. If the anchor does not set, just go around and restart the maneuver. There is no shame in starting again! 

TIP: If you need to do a second go around make sure the anchor is not dragging in the water as it can damage the bow. Pull it up snug to the bow roller so that it is ready to be deployed again. 

Try to arrive at your anchorage relatively early, with enough light to locate potential reefs and other hazards. Besides, if you get somewhere too late, and for some reason you cannot anchor (no room left for example), you need to have extra time to go somewhere else before nightfall.

 

When Anchoring your Vessel

·  Examine the area before anchoring to find the best location

·  Anchor in sand or mud away from corals

·  Anchor away from fragile or sensitive areas including bird and turtle nesting areas, Indigenous heritage sites  and shipwrecks

·  Anchor your boat a safe distance away from other boats

·  Look out for the safety of people in the water when dropping your anchor

·  Never wrap the anchor rope or chain around bommies or large coral heads

·  If anchoring ashore, carefully place the anchor to minimize shore and coastal damage

·  If anchoring overnight, anchor before nightfall and double check the swing room

·  Carry enough chain and line for the depth you want to anchor in

·  Use the correct anchor for your situation and environment

·  Retrieve the anchor when the line is vertical

·  If the anchor is caught on the reef, free it by hand wherever possible

·  Do not force the anchor free by motoring forward

·  Use only as much chain as you need to hold the vessel, without compromising safety

·  Keep watch to make sure the anchor isn't dragging

·  Motor towards the anchor when hauling it in

Immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most unique experiences in the Whitsundays, with the amazing marine life, pristine waters and beaches, bush walks and secret diving spots. Visit the Whitsundays and experience the wonders of the Whitsunday for yourself! https://www.luxuryyachtswhitsundays.com/

The Whitsundays is Flourishing

The Whitsunday region is flourishing with the recent reopening of the exclusive Hayman Island Resort and the refurbishment and reopening of the iconic Daydream Island, after both of these Islands sustained significant damage from Cyclone Debbie in March 2017.

Daydream Island took the full brunt of Debbie and it has taken millions of dollars and a lot of time to rebuild.

It’s a buoyant  time in the Whitsundays including the redevelopment of a few iconic hotels on the mainland in Airlie Beach as well as 6.3 million dollars spent on the Airlie Beach Foreshore Revitalisation works that were funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. The Airlie Beach Foreshore is an important feature of the Whitsunday region for tourists and locals alike. It is valued for its beautiful bay and island views, relaxing lagoon and regular markets, festivals and events.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tash Wheeler believes the Whitsundays is definitely back on the map for holiday makers. “It no secret that our region has had a tough 18 months however seeing all these redevelopments come to fruition over the past couple months and with many more still to come it really is reinvigorating our region; this is an exciting time for the Whitsundays!” (Quote from TW CEO Media Release July 5, 2019 Tourism Whitsundays) https://bit.ly/2XuzwZ5

There are plenty of beautiful places to stay in the Whitsundays including on the water on a bareboat charter. Immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most unique experiences in the Whitsundays, with the amazing marine life, pristine waters and beaches, bush walks and secret diving spots. Visit the Whitsundays and experience the wonders of the Whitsunday for yourself! http://www.ccy.com.au/

Reef Festival, Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week

August will be the month of all the action on the water in the Whitsundays starting with Whitsunday Reef Festival .

The vibrant coastal town of Airlie Beach will come alive in August, as the Whitsunday Reef Festival hits town. The annual favourite festival, is a delicious combination of family fun, community events, all-night celebrations, food, fireworks and one of the biggest street parties in the north.The festival, now in its 18th year, is themed Heart of the Reef, and celebrates the lifestyle in the Whitsundays, on the edge of the Coral Sea, in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Read more here http://www.whitsundayreeffestival.com.au/

Following the Reef Festival is The Airlie Beach Race Week (ABRW) Festival of Sailing. ABRW is recognised Australia-wide as a vibrant and exciting week of action, mixing six days of spectacular sailing with seven nights of free entertainment on shore. Most of the off-water action takes place at the Whitsunday Sailing Club August 8-15, with the exception of a Family Fun Day at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill on Tuesday, August 13. Organisers are expecting around 130 entries for Airlie Beach Race Week 2019, bringing with them over 2,200 crew and followers. https://abrw.com.au/

Hamilton Island Race Week is one of Australia’s favourite yachting events and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar. Competitors, family and friends come together to enjoy the atmosphere and unique camaraderie of the event’s on-water and off-water carnival. Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week - Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta.

For more information click on this link https://www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/ for race schedules click here https://www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/on-water-events/race-schedule

Whales of The Whitsundays

The whales have arrived early in the Whitsunday waters as part of their annual migration journey north.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tash Wheeler believes in the Whitsundays charter hire is the best opportunity for tourists to our region to meet our annual visitors.

“The whale migration season is such a special time in the Whitsundays. So many of our tourists come back from their week on the water having witnessed these majestic creatures playing in the warm turquoise Whitsunday waters. Every trip on a boat during this season could be a whale watching tour”

Every year from June to September, whales migrate north from the Antarctic and make their way to the Whitsundays to utilise the regions warm waters to give birth, socialise and to mate.

The Whitsundays waters are ideal for these majestic animals as the waters are protected, shallow and warm. Which is the perfect setting for the birth of their calves and make a fantastic nursery as the little ones wait for their blubber to grow before moving back down to the freezing Antarctic waters.

All vessels are briefed on whale safety and cautions whilst enjoying the marine park.
Sightings of water spouts and tail slaps are common place at this time of year but a full breach is a rare and beautiful sight. These graceful creatures are here to give birth and protect their young calf, always approach inlets with caution as whales will rest on the surface, many of our clients have come eye to eye with the amazing and exquisite mammals.

Don't delay book your bareboat charter and Go Bareboating with the whales.

https://www.luxuryyachtswhitsundays.com/book

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays Top 10 List of best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays offers excellent snorkelling all year round with warm waters and great visibility. Snorkel all year round with average water temps of 23oC in winter and up to 27oC in summer. Our Experienced Bareboat briefing staff will give you loads of information to make your boating adventure a trip of a lifetime! We have loads of snorkelling gear supplied free of charge for adults and children on board, as well as stinger suits, kayaks and paddle boards for hire.

LYW recommendations ;

1. Cockatoo Point located at Stonehaven bay near Hayman Island

2. Hook passage

3. Pit Stop bay located at the Eastern side of Border Island

4. Chalkies Beach ( Eastern end of the beach)

5. Mantaray Bay is great for snorkelling, has heaps of fish including some long-time local Maori Wrasse that will always so hello!

6. Luncheon Bay

7. Butterfly Bay (Hook Island) has a diverse range of soft and hard corals spread over a large patch of fringing reef.

Best snorkelling to be found along the western reef ledge deep into the bay. 

8. Cateran Bay near Border Island -The coral is relatively shallow making for easy snorkelling at this site.

9. Black Island located near Hayman Island

10. Key Hole near Stone Haven

Here is a link to Tourism Whtsundays recent blog post on Day Dream Islands Marine Biologist Jonny Gaskell top 5 picks in the Whitsundays. It’s an interesting read and some top spots overlap with CCY’s recommendations. https://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/blog/entry/gobareboating-the-the

Book your bareboat charter today and experience some of these top spots yourself!! Jump straight off your boat and swim over the reef, or swim straight off the beach to the fringing coral reefs and experience marine life upclose and personal!

#lyw #lovewhitsundays #thisisqueensland #seeaustralia #cumberlandcharteryachts #GObareboating #explore #wow  #adventure

New addition to the Luxury Yachts Whitsundays fleet

Looking for the perfect luxury family getaway, surrounded by pristine waters and islands?

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays is eagerly awaiting the arrival of its newest vessel the Helia 44 - ‘Elandra’. The Helia is currently in Brisbane. The LYW team we'll be heading down at the end of this month to sail her up the east coast to her new home in the Whitsundays.

Boasting 4 double cabins each enjoying its own private bathroom and separate shower, the Helia 44 is perfect for a group of friends or family allowing privacy and space at the same time. Enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep anytime knowing the air-conditioning is there if you need it.

The recessed mast ensures 360 degree views from the saloon to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the Whitsunday islands and beautiful natural light throughout its spacious interior.

Enjoy alfresco dinning outdoors and Island under the sheltered outside dining area with single level lounge space either side of the table.

This elegant and luxuriously appointed catamaran also delivers a dynamic performance at sea.

The Helia is open for bookings and available for charter from August 2019.

Have a browse of our website for detailed information including specifications, availability and pricing, also provisioning can be handled through our website.

For your convenience you can order provisioning online, and choose from platters, easy plan meals, partial packages or full packages leaving nothing forgotten. Every item is inspected to ensure only the best produce is delivered to your bareboat and they'll even deliver a re-provision of produce to your bareboat out at the islands for charters of 7 days or more meaning you don't have to come back in to port.

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays Loyalty Program

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays have been operating over 30 years with many of our charterers returning time and again with friends and family. As a way to say thank you to our customers, we automatically offer:

1. Preferential rates on future charters for all guests on board our bareboats

2. Notifications of any special offers

3. A welcome hamper on your next bareboat packed with yummy local produce

All you need to do is remind us you have chartered with Cumberland Charter Yachts when you make your next enquiry and we'll take care of the rest.

We look forward to speaking to you soon.

From the team at Luxury Yachts Whitsundays

Border Island Walking Track & Lookout - Now Open!

Earlier this year, Queensland Parks and Wildlife announced new walking tracks for a Langford Island walking track being completed and open for public use, along with the news that there were 2 more walks and lookouts planned for Haselwood Island and Border Island, plus the expansion of a third lookout platform at Hill Inlet.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service announced last Friday that the Border Island walk and lookout is now complete. Accessed from Cataran Bay to the north, the 500m, Class 3, stepped track is suitable for people with some bushwalking experience and will be enhanced with interpretive signage in the coming months. Allow one hour to take on the steep ascent before meandering along the island’s saddle of native grassland to enjoy diverse views from each of the lookouts. 

HILL INLET LOOKOUTS

Over the past few months, construction has been underway at the lookouts for Hill Inlet. The works are almost complete for a third viewing platform and an extension of the first lookout platform. They are scheduled to be complete by 30 October, pending favourable weather conditions.  

The upgrades are part of the Whitsunday Islands Investment Package, an initiative to improve tourism and recreation opportunities post TC Debbie. Access to a viewing platform will remain available at all times. 

With amazing beaches, lookouts, and snorkelling to do in the Whitsundays, bushwalks add more options to do on your bareboat holiday, allowing you to really immerse yourself in true Whitsunday style.

Book a bareboat charter with Luxury Yachts Whitsundays and start exploring what this amazing region can offer you on your holiday.

Preparing For Your Bareboat Charter

Once you've booked your charter, listed all your crew, booked any water sport equipment you might like, decided on the type of insurance to purchase, organised your provisioning and booked your flights and airport or ferry transfers, you'd think there wouldn't be much else to do in preparation for your charter apart from turning up on the day of your departure. While all vessels are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday, there are a few more things that need to be done before you set sail.

ARRIVAL

Arrive at the Luxury Yachts Whitsundays office at 8:30am. Settle any outstanding payments with our reservations team, organise stinger suits with us and we'll introduce you to your Briefer. They will arrange a trolley for you to load your luggage and other items in to and take you to your bareboat to start your briefing. At this time, they'll also take you to Aqua Dive to get you fitted with your snorkeling equipment.

SNORKELING EQUIPMENT

Shortly after arrival, your Briefer will take you downstairs to Aqua Dive where everyone will get fitted with their snorkeling equipment.

BRIEFING

Only the 2 most experienced people need to sit in on the briefing which can take between 3 - 4 hours. You will be taken through the vessel and shown everything you need to know to operate it safely; how to turn the engines on, bilge pumps, light switches, safety procedures etc and if you have hired a sailing catamaran, some practical skills just outside the marina including hoisting sails, tacking/jibing, picking up a mooring and dropping/raising the anchor. The rest of the crew can occupy themselves in town, or go to the supermarket to do your provisioning if you haven't already arranged it with loca lprovisioning companies who will deliver the food to your boat for you.

PACKING PROVISIONING

It is a good idea to know the size of the fridges and freezers on the boat you have hired so that you can plan your meals accordingly and it's always best to pack the food first for meals later in the charter so that you're not pulling everything out to get to items you need on days 1 & 2. If you decided to use the local provisioning companies and are chartering for 7+ days, they will re-provision and deliver fresh food to you at a convenient anchorage at a nearby island. Saves you having to come back in to Abell Point or go to Hamilton Island to stock up on more food!

READY TO SET SAIL

Once your captain and first mate have completed the briefing and you've got your food and snorkeling equipment, you are ready to set sail! Soon after you've left the marina, you'll make a quick radio call to our base to make sure the communication lines are working clearly and once done, you're ready to make your way to your first stop. We'll then be in touch with you twice a day, morning and afternoon, to give you an updated weather forecast and check what your plans are for the day.

Call us today on 1800 075 101 and we can help you find the perfect boat for your next holiday. Or, go online and check our rates and boat availability.

$100 million renovation for Hayman Island and new management agreement with IHG

Announced in July this year, the Whitsundays will be home to a new era of luxury with the signing of a management agreement that will see Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) manage Hayman Island, rebranding it as Hayman Island by Intercontinental.

Since the big announcement, IHG have recently revealed a sneak peak into what the iconic resort will look like when it opens in early 2019 after a major refurbishment in excess of $100 million.

Newly appointed resort manage, Mark Eletr, who has been at the helm of luxury properties for over 20 years, says the investment will go beyond repairing damage dome by Cyclone Debbie, which was the cause of the closure of the resort when it tore through the region in early 2017.

When it opens on July 1, 2019, the resort will unveil two new-build residences, increasing the overall capacity for guests from 160 rooms to 166 including a three-bedroom Beach House featuring three private pools and direct beach access, as well as 16 new retreat rooms.

All resort pools are being refurbished, while new food and beverage concepts are being introduced, including a pan-Asian Pool Club and Italian restaurant but will retain some of the resorts iconic features such as the signature restaurant 'Pacific'.

“Pacific is something that will stay front and centre, but will have a modern Australian slant to it,” he says. “Bar Fifty will feature cocktails that were served 40 or 50 years ago if we can find the menus.”

InterContinental will also introduce a new wellness concept to the resort, extending the facilities to offer visiting specialists and yoga, alongside traditional spa and beauty treatments.

Eletr says the completed resort will embody Australian luxury and quality.

“When we open next year, I think you’re going to see Hayman the best it’s ever been,” he says.

It is not known yet if guests other than those staying at the resort, including those doing a bareboat charter, will be permitted on to the island to use the resort facilities or not.

Contact us today about chartering a bareboat around the beautiful Whitsundays.

Call 1800 075 101, or email cruise@ccy.com.au 

Notice to all guests of Luxury Yachts Whitsundays

Dear Guests of Luxury Yachts Whitsundays,

In light of the recent shark incidents that have occurred in the Whitsundays, Luxury Yachts Whitsundays would like to personally assure that our guest’s health and safety, along with your enjoyment, is paramount to our business. 

While the incidents this week are very rare and unfortunate, it is a reminder that exploring the spectacular natural beauty of the ocean does pose risks.

We advise all current and future guests that they are not permitted to swim at Cid Harbour off Whitsunday Island until further notice.

Furthermore, we offer this safety advice to guests entering the water:
• DO NOT swim directly from the back of the boat.
• DO NOT swim at dusk or dawn.
• Never swim at night. 
• Always snorkel in buddie pairs.
• Do not dispose of food scraps or fish carcasses from fishing into the ocean.
• Do not swim in murky water.

Cid Harbour, while a good sheltered anchorage, is not a known or popular swimming/snorkelling destination in the Whitsundays and well away from the popular destinations in the Whitsundays for which it is famous for.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is aware that sharks move in and out of the area around Cid Harbour.

Sharks are possibly attracted to the Cid Harbour area by the large number of vessels which anchor overnight and the behaviour of disposing of food or fishing scraps overboard. This is a practice both CCY and the Department of Environment and Science discourages. 

The Department of Environment and Science are managing the situation and fisheries are patrolling the area. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any concerns. 

Management & Crew at Luxury Yachts Whitsundays.

Underwater artwork is the Whitsundays newest attraction

In a Queensland first, Langford Reef in the Whitsunday Islands will become home to a new installation of underwater and inter-tidal art.

A trial installation of the artwork is being funded through the Queensland Government and Federal Government’s $7 million Tourism Recovery Fund to assist the Whitsundays tourism industry post Cyclone Debbie.

Four sculptures by local artist Adriaan Vanderlugt were unveiled at the annual Whitsunday Reef Festival (2 - 5 Aug, 2018), which will provide a new experience for people travelling to the Whitsundays and help the marine tourism sector recover after Cyclone Debbie.

The artwork includes sculptures of fish, a nudibranch and a crab, all varying in size and weighing up to 300 kilograms with one already located at Langford Island near Hayman.

Bareboat charterers can visit the locations and see the artwork first hand with each piece  being moved from the beach to intertidal to underwater environments a month at a time and the artworks will be secured and monitored to prevent interference and damage.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said to lure more visitors to the Whitsundays, we need to invest in new tourism product. Around the world - from the Caribbean, to the Maldives, Spain, Bali and Australia’s west coast, underwater art has been used to lure visitors.

Virgin announces three new flights in to the Whitsundays

Virgin Australia announced they will be adding additional Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) to Brisbane return flights during the week on Monday's, Thursday's and Friday's, utilising their B737-800 aircraft, adding 54,000 seats annually in to the region and bringing in more than $30 million in tourism expenditure.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Andrew Willcox and CEO Barry Omundson recently joined Whitsunday Coast Airport (WCA) general manager Brian Joiner to initiate rounds of talks with all airlines to boost passenger seat numbers for the airport, off the back of Tigerair ceasing their flights on the same route back in February this year.

"We are catering for further growth with a recent runway upgrade and terminal expansion ensuring visitors to our region enjoy a positive experience when transiting,” Cr Willcox said.

"These record numbers are even more impressive when you consider the challenging period our community endured in the wake of the impacts of Cyclone Debbie.”

"I am grateful for the support and confidence Virgin has shown in the ability of our region to continue to grow.

"Our airport team is also exploring options with airlines for commencement of a Whitsundays-Cairns direct flight to link with international services,” he said

It is yet to be confirmed when the additional flights will commence. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with new announcements of the flights when they begin.

Ready to enquire about a luxury bareboat or crewed charter?

Queensland bans the single use plastic bag

On July 1, retailers in Queensland were banned by the state government from providing shoppers with single use lightweight plastic bags, in an effort to protect our marine and wildlife in sunny Queensland.

The problem with plastic bags is that they pollute the waterways and litter streets and parks, endanger marine and other wildlife, which can swallow and become entangled in them and costs millions of dollars each year in litter clean up costs.

If you choose to do your provisioning yourself, by click and collect or at the supermarket, please be aware that you will be charged a minimum of 15 cents for each heavy duty bag supplied to carry your groceries. Alternatively, if you have the choice of bringing your own re-usable bags from home, this will be a saving to you.
 

ECO-ACCREDITED COMPANY

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays are an Eco-accredited company certified by Ecotourism Australia, meaning we are an ecologically sustainable tourism company with a primary focus on inviting our guests to experience the natural area of  the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, fostering environmental understanding, appreciation and conservation.

We do our best to minimize any impact that we as a business may have on the environment and encourage our guests to adopt the same when chartering a bareboat in the Whitsundays.
 

RESPONSIBLE REEF PRACTICES

On board each vessel and available for download on our website, is our Guide to Responsible Reef Practices; 8 ways that you, as a guest and visitor to the Whitsundays, can help minimize your interaction with the environment when on charter:

#1 Anchoring and Mooring
#2 Diving and Snorkeling
#3 Waste and Litter
#4 Around turtles
#5 Around Whales and Dolphins
#6 When visiting islands and beaches
#7 Bird Watching
#8 Fishing
 

ECO-BARGE CLEAN SEAS

Eco-barge Clean Seas is a not-for-profit environmental organisation in Airlie Beach, who engage the community to protect the marine life and aquatic environment of the Whitsunday region by removing marine debris to reduce its impacts, reduce land-based litter and littering behaviour to prevent occurrance of local marine debris and provide care for sick and injured marine turtles.

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays proudly support Eco-barge Clean Seas by sponsoring marine debris collection days around the Whitsunday islands, having staff recently volunteered on the collection day, picking up 245kg of debris!
 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

1. Familiarise yourself with our Guide to Responsible Reef Practices before your charter and adopt best practices where you can
2. Bring re-usable heavy duty shopping bags from home if you are provisioning for your charter yourself
3. Pick up an Eco-Barge Clean Seas marine debris pick up bag from our office and take it with you on charter, collecting any rubbish you see and bring it back to the office. We will take it to the depot for inclusion in the debris count
4. Make a donation to Eco-barge Clean Seas

Luxury Yachts Whitsundays Partners with MarineMax Vacations

Cumberland Charter Yachts, the parent company to Luxury Yachts Whitsundays announced today that they are joining forces with MarineMax Vacations as a preferred partner. Meeting stringent criteria to be invited into the Preferred Partner Program, MarineMax Vacations matches the best charter operations around the world with those desiring an uncompromising adventure aboard a luxury charter yacht. 

MarineMax Vacations are the number one charter company in the British Virgin Islands offering uncompromised chartering experiences with over 50 vessels including the Aquila power catamarans; two of which are in the Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays fleet in Queensland Australia.

“We are excited about our partnering with Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays. Now our loyal customers have a reliable opportunity to charter a boat in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands from an operation that has the same focus of luxury, quality and customer service that has become expected from MarineMax Vacations,”  said Raul Bermudez Vice President, Charter Division of MarineMax Vacations.

General Manager and Director of Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays, Sharon McNally said how privileged she feels to have our business invited into the MarineMax Vacations Preferred Partner Program.

“MarineMax Vacations customers now have a reliable business to charter a boat in the beautiful Whitsundays from a bareboat company that has the same level of luxury and quality customer service they’ve become accustomed to.” Said Mrs McNally

Cumberland Charter Yachts and Luxury Yachts Whitsundays are a multi award-winning company and have been operating for more than 30 years from Abell Point Marina in the Whitsundays, with a fleet of 28 sailing yachts, sailing catamarans and power catamarans.