Hamilton Island to Gold Coast / 600nm / 20 - 29 Sep 2024

9 DAYS / cat 2 OFFSHORE PASSAGE / EVENT #2446 / MAGIC MILES: CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Take a stunning 600nm+ Category 2 ocean passage from Hamilton Island south, down Queensland's East Coast through the sparkling Whitsunday Islands of the Great Barrier Reef to the Gold Coast. We'll overnight at 2 - 3 islands and coastal marinas and assess the weather conditions to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the world's largest sand island; Fraser Island' along with Moreton Island and the Stradbroke Islands.

At this time of the year thousands of whales head up and down the Australian East Coast and whale sightings along with dolphins and sea turtles are a common occurrence so bring your camera.

Secure your place on the crew with a 20% deposit.

Join crew

AUD$5,250
PRIVATE CABIN: AUD$14,175 (INCLUDES 3 BERTHs)

9 days

The 600nm eastern route from Hamilton Island to Southport.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

ADDITIONAL MEDIA

Check out photo gallery highlights from previous Hamilton Island to Southport passages.

An 8-day sailing trip from Hamilton Island, through the dazzling Whitsunday Islands, along the Great Barrier Reef, and down to the Gold Coast in Queensland, is a remarkable journey that blends exhilarating sailing with the exploration of Australia’s stunning eastern coastline. Covering an average 100 nautical miles per day, this trip is a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty.

Departure from Hamilton Island
The journey commences from Hamilton Island, a vibrant hub in the Whitsundays, offering a glimpse into the luxurious island lifestyle and a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. After setting sail, the first leg of the journey involves navigating through the Whitsunday Islands, a maze of 74 islands. This area, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, is perfect for an introductory sail, easing into the rhythm of the sea.

Scawfell Island
On the second day, the yacht reaches Scawfell Island, a hidden jewel in the Cumberland Island Group. Renowned for its untouched beauty, Scawfell offers secluded bays and beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the serenity. The island’s rich marine life and coral reefs are a snorkeler's paradise. Anchoring in a sheltered bay, one can appreciate the quietude away from the hustle of everyday life.

Middle Percy Island
The journey then leads to Middle Percy Island, a storied stopover known for its famous A-frame beach hut at West Bay. This hut, adorned with a quirky collection of objects left by past sailors, symbolizes the island’s longstanding connection with seafarers. Middle Percy Island provides a unique blend of history and natural beauty, with hiking trails leading to stunning lookouts and serene beaches.

Bundaberg
Approaching the Queensland coast, the yacht makes its way to Bundaberg. Known for its sugar cane fields, Bundaberg is also famous for its rum and the Bundaberg Distillery offers a fascinating tour. The city's history is deeply intertwined with the sugar industry and its role in the development of the region. The nearby Mon Repos Beach is renowned for being a significant nesting site for loggerhead turtles, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife encounters.

Fraser Island
Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the next stop. The world's largest sand island, Fraser Island is an ecological wonder. Its long sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, and freshwater lakes make it a unique ecosystem. The island's history, including its time as a logging station and its importance to the local Butchulla people, adds depth to its natural allure. Exploring the island, whether it be hiking through the rainforest or a 4WD adventure along the beach, is a highlight of the trip.

Arrival at the Gold Coast
The final day brings the yacht to the Gold Coast, a spectacular conclusion to the journey. Known for its stunning beaches, surfing spots, and vibrant nightlife, the Gold Coast offers a stark contrast to the serene islands visited earlier. Sailing into the Gold Coast, with its skyline and bustling atmosphere, is a breathtaking experience, marking the end of a memorable voyage.

Throughout this 8-day sailing adventure, each stop offers a unique glimpse into the region's history, from the ancient cultural heritage of Fraser Island to the colonial and maritime history in Bundaberg, and the natural wonders of the Whitsundays. The journey is not just a passage through different landscapes but a voyage through time, capturing the essence of Queensland's diverse history and natural beauty. This trip is ideal for those who seek a blend of high-seas adventure, historical exploration, and encounters with Australia’s stunning coastal ecosystems.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Sailing: Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Watch duties: Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls.
Weather: Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination.
Navigation: Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Leadership: Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.

Safety: Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Training: Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Personal wellbeing: Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Passage planning: Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan.

Click the links above to review examples from previous sailing events across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

Itinery

You'll fly into Hamilton Island directly or into Airlie Beach (Proserpine) and catch the ferry to Hamilton Island on the 20th of September 2024. We'll have a crew welcome dinner on the night of the 20th at Hamilton Island and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 21st we'll depart Hamilton Island Marina and head South through the Whitsunday Islands. It’s a navigators minefield with islands, reefs, whales, commercial ships, pleasure boats and the Australian Navy to watch out.

This voyage normally takes 6-7 days sailing time to complete and we'll break it up with 2-3 overnight stops in a sheltered island bay or at a marina on way. As we head south we'll assess the weather conditions and tide times to decide whether we sail down the eastern or western side of the world's largest sand island; 'Fraser Island', along with Moreton Island and the Stradbroke Islands. The inside (western) route has additional navigation challenges including crossing the notorious Wide Bay Bar at the southern tip of Fraser Island.

We would expect to arrive at the Gold Coast on the 28th of September and you are welcome to stay onboard and should plan to fly out of either Brisbane or Gold Coast Airport on the 29th of September.

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals in Hamilton Island and at the Gold Coast, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel is also included along with suncream.

Private Cabins

There are 2 and 3 berth options available in singles in doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is still the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is still the 2-berth rate, less a 10% discount.

Exclusions

Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear.

Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif, Hamilton Island & HomeAway.