Mackay to cairns / 450nm / 26 APR - 10 MAY 2026

AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION LEG 3 / 14 days / cat 2 sailing expedition / EVENT #2603 / SILVER FERN & TE KAIHŌPARA: CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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Overview

Set sail for the adventure of a lifetime with Ocean Sailing Expeditions on our 14-day sailing journey, navigating through the pristine waters and idyllic islands of Australia's Queensland coast. From the bustling marina of Mackay to the tropical city of Cairns, this voyage is your invitation to explore the Coral Sea's hidden gems aboard a luxury yacht.

Departing from Mackay, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, you'll be whisked away to the sandy shores of Brampton Island, a perfect introduction to the archipelago's natural beauty. As we continue, Scawfell, Goldsmith, and Haslewood Islands will unveil secluded beaches and coral reefs rich with marine life, ideal for snorkeling and intimate encounters with the underwater world.

Thomas and Shaw Islands are next, offering tranquility and unspoiled landscapes, before we anchor at the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Here, the pure silica sands and turquoise waters provide an iconic backdrop for relaxation and photo opportunities.

The serene Nara Inlet on Hook Island offers a peaceful retreat, while the lively hub of Airlie Beach will tempt you with its vibrant energy. Plunge into the depths at Bait Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef, and experience one of the most spectacular diving sites on the planet.

Magnetic Island, with its boulder-strewn bays and friendly wildlife, introduces a rugged contrast to the serenity of Dunk Island's palm-fringed beaches. The journey continues to the unspoiled Franklin Islands, an ecological haven teeming with marine diversity, offering yet another snorkeling paradise.

Our final port of call is Cairns, a city framed by rainforest-clad mountains and golden beaches. Here, you'll find a perfect blend of modern amenities and natural wonders, capping off a voyage filled with breathtaking scenery, adventure, and lifelong memories.

Aboard our Ocean Sailing Expeditions yacht, every day is a new chapter filled with discovery. Our experienced crew is dedicated to providing you with an unparalleled sailing experience, complete with gourmet cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and the opportunity to learn the art of sailing if you wish.

This 14-day adventure is more than just a holiday—it's an exploration of some of the most enchanting and secluded spots along Australia's coast. Book now and chart a course for discovery with Ocean Sailing Expeditions, where every island is a promise of another world to explore.

Passage plan

Expedition Description

Mackay

Mackay, often hailed as the sugar capital of Australia, is a vibrant city that marries modernity with a rich cultural heritage. For sailing enthusiasts, the marina offers a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the picturesque Whitsunday Islands. Beyond its sugar cane fields, Mackay is surrounded by lush rainforests and national parks, offering a plethora of onshore adventures. Historical sites, including the Art Deco buildings in the city center, tell the tale of Mackay's evolution from a pioneering town to a thriving city. Sailing in Mackay's waters not only offers stunning views but also a chance to engage with Australia's maritime history and the welcoming local community.

Brampton Island

Once a luxurious resort island, Brampton Island sits quietly in the Cumberland group, offering pristine sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and a tranquil escape from the bustling world. Ideal for sailors seeking solitude and natural beauty, the island's trails lead through diverse habitats, from mangroves to tropical forests, offering glimpses of its rich biodiversity. The island's history, from a pastoral lease to a tourist destination, adds a fascinating layer to its natural allure, making it a compelling stop for those interested in the evolution of Australia's island resorts.

Scawfell Island

Scawfell Island is a hidden gem within the Cumberland Archipelago, renowned for its untouched natural beauty and secluded anchorages. The island's national park status preserves its diverse ecosystems, from dense rainforests to coral-fringed beaches, making it a haven for nature lovers. Scawfell Island offers an intimate experience with nature, where sailors can anchor in tranquil bays, explore hiking trails with breathtaking views, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Its remote location ensures a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to unwind in an unspoiled paradise.

Goldsmith Island

Goldsmith Island epitomizes the untouched beauty of the Great Barrier Reef's southern islands. With no permanent structures, the island offers sailors an authentic connection with nature. Its sandy beaches, fringed by vibrant coral reefs, are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply relaxing. Goldsmith Island's isolation makes it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and privacy amidst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, offering a unique opportunity to experience the serenity of island life.

Haslewood Island

Haslewood Island, renowned for its stunning Whitehaven Beach, is a must-visit for sailors traversing the Whitsundays. The island's silica sand beaches, some of the purest in the world, shimmer against the backdrop of turquoise waters and lush vegetation. Snorkeling in the coral reefs or hiking to vantage points offers breathtaking views and encounters with marine and island wildlife. Haslewood's natural beauty, combined with its serene atmosphere, makes it a quintessential stop for anyone sailing the Coral Sea.

Thomas Island

Thomas Island, a secluded paradise within the Whitsundays, offers tranquil beaches and protected anchorages, making it an ideal stopover for sailors. The island's diverse ecosystems, from sandy beaches to rocky outcrops, create a haven for wildlife and a picturesque setting for visitors. Its undeveloped landscape invites exploration and relaxation, with opportunities for snorkeling in clear waters and beachcombing on pristine shores. Thomas Island's quiet beauty offers a peaceful retreat from the world, embodying the untouched charm of the Whitsundays.

Shaw Island

Shaw Island stands as a testament to the serene beauty of the Whitsunday Islands, offering secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters. With limited development, Shaw Island provides a tranquil escape for sailors seeking a more intimate connection with the natural environment of the Great Barrier Reef. The island's lush vegetation and diverse birdlife add to its allure, inviting visitors to relax in a true natural haven. Shaw Island's serene beauty makes it a cherished stop for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, is celebrated worldwide for its breathtaking beauty. The 7km stretch of pure white silica sand, contrasted against vibrant turquoise waters, offers a surreal landscape that captivates every visitor. Sailing into Whitehaven Beach provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the world's most photographed beaches, with activities ranging from swimming and snorkeling to simply soaking up the sun on the soft, cool sand. Its natural beauty and preservation efforts make Whitehaven a highlight of any sailing adventure in the Whitsundays.

Nara Inlet

Nara Inlet, a serene fjord-like haven on Hook Island, offers a peaceful anchorage and a touch of history with its ancient Indigenous rock art. The sheltered waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, while the surrounding cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop. A short hike leads to the Ngaro cultural site, where visitors can connect with the area's ancient past. Nara Inlet's combination of natural beauty, calm waters, and cultural significance makes it a unique and rewarding stop in the Whitsundays.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is the vibrant hub of the Whitsundays, offering a lively atmosphere, bustling marina, and gateway to the islands and the Great Barrier Reef. With its array of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, Airlie Beach provides sailors with a chance to enjoy modern conveniences and entertainment. The town's lagoon and beachfront offer relaxation and water activities, while nearby rainforests and waterfalls invite exploration. Airlie Beach's mix of natural beauty and urban energy makes it an essential stop for any sailing itinerary in the region.

Bait Reef

Bait Reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offers one of the most pristine underwater environments for divers and snorkelers. Its clear waters, teeming with vibrant coral and abundant marine life, provide an unforgettable experience. The reef's natural lagoon and surrounding dive sites, including the famous Stepping Stones, are accessible to sailors, offering a world-class marine experience. Bait Reef's untouched beauty and biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for those seeking the quintessence of the Great Barrier Reef.

Magnetic Island

Just off the coast of Townsville, Magnetic Island combines World Heritage-listed natural beauty with a rich historical tapestry. Over half the island is national park, featuring rugged landscapes, hoop pines, and secluded bays. Sailing around Magnetic Island offers stunning views and the chance to explore its 23 beaches and bays, each with its own charm. The island's history, from Indigenous significance to WWII fortifications, adds depth to its natural attractions, making Magnetic Island a captivating stop for sailors.

Dunk Island

Dunk Island, once a renowned resort destination, stands as a symbol of resilience and natural beauty. With its rainforest-covered hills, picturesque beaches, and the famous Family Islands National Park, Dunk offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking to the summit of Mount Kootaloo for panoramic views. The island's blend of natural beauty and recovery story since Cyclone Yasi in 2011 highlights the enduring allure of this tropical paradise.

Franklin Islands

The Franklin Islands are a group of pristine, uninhabited islands nestled within the Great Barrier Reef. Offering a secluded getaway, these islands are surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life, making them ideal for snorkeling and diving. The islands' untouched beaches and the opportunity for close encounters with seabirds and turtles provide a perfect backdrop for adventurers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

Cairns

Cairns is the vibrant gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest, offering a lively waterfront esplanade, bustling markets, and a wide array of dining and entertainment options. Sailing in and out of Cairns provides easy access to some of the most extraordinary natural wonders in the world, including the reef, rainforest, and the outback. The city's rich cultural mix, history as a frontier town, and role as a major world reef and rainforest destination make Cairns an unmissable stop on any sailing journey in Northern Queensland.Darwin, the vibrant capital city of Australia's Northern Territory, is a gateway to adventure and discovery. Rich in history and cultural diversity, it offers a unique blend of modern Australian lifestyle and ancient Indigenous traditions. Known for its wartime history and as the starting point of the infamous Bombing of Darwin, the city is a living museum. Sailing into Darwin Harbour, you'll find yourself in a bustling port with access to world-class fishing, incredible sunsets over the Timor Sea, and the chance to explore the remote and majestic landscapes of the Northern Territory. It's a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and those seeking the thrill of exploration.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Weather impact

With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.

Extra reading

• Past events

• Why sail with us?

OCEAN SAILING PODCAST

EPISODE 118: MATT HARVEY / DAVID HOWS - AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION REVIEW: 8,500NM IN 4 MONTHS

Skippers David Hows and Matt Harvey catch up to review their 2-yacht circumnavigation of Australia in 2023. With 8,500nm covered in just 4 months, they share the highs and lows of covering the 7th largest coastline in the world. The event was spread over 5 legs and 102 crew in total, across the two 72-foot yachts; Silver Fern and Salt Lines, including 3 circumnavigators that completed all 5 legs. With 4,600 meals prepared, it was a planning exercise of military proportions.

With engine failures, crocodiles, storms and boat fatigue to deal with, sailing some sections of this vast country are not for the faint hearted. The stunning Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland islands and reefs, Cape York, Thursday Island, the Kimberley’s, 9 metre tides in Broome, the Montebello Island Group, the Great Australian Bight and the wilderness of Tasmania, there is just so much thats remote and incredible to explore.

Press the play button to listen, or play in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

SAILING.BLOG

Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation

itinerary

You'll fly into Mackay on the 26th of April 2026. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 27th of April we'll depart Mackay and head for our first of many stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 26th of April, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 26th, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore. 

We’ll aim to be tied up in Cairns by 3pm on the 9th of May for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart Cairns from the 10th of May onwards.

• Arrive at the vessel in Mackay by 4pm on 26/4/26

• Crew welcome dinner on 26/4/26

• Crew training and safety familiarisation 27/4/26

• Depart Mackay Marina around 12pm on 27/4/26

• Arrive in Cairns by 3pm on 9/5/26

• Crew farewell dinner on 9/5/26

• Depart Cairns on 10/5/26

Getting to and from the yacht

• Arrival at the yacht before departure: Mackay Airport

• Departing from the yacht on arrival: Cairns Airport

• Airlines that fly to Darwin: Qantas and Virgin Australia

• Airlines that fly to Cairns: Qantas and Virgin Australia

• Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com,  Wotif &  HomeAway

• Land transport:

  • Mackay: taxis and shuttles available

  • Cairns: taxis, shuttles and Uber available

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard and ashore, and accommodation onboard throughout the duration of the event. It also incudes your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, any cruising permits and local taxes, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.

Private Cabins

There are only two private cabins available on each leg on Te Kaihōpara and they include a double and single berth in each.

• If you book a private cabin, you can have 1 , 2 or 3 occupants.

• The price for a private cabin is the combined price of 3 berths, less 10%.

• If the single berth rate is already discounted, there is no further discount for a private cabin.

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.  Visa applications for entry (if required), related fees and travel insurance are also excluded.

Review sailing calendar for all events