Southport to Mackay / 550nm / 5 - 19 aPR 2026
Australian Circumnavigation Leg 2 / 14 days / cat 2 expedition / EVENT #2602 / magic miles, SALT LINES, SILVER FERN & Te Kaihōpara: Crew positions available
Leg 1 / Leg 2 / Leg 3 / Leg 4 / Leg 5 / Leg 6 / Leg 7 / Leg 8 / Leg 9 / Leg 10 / Leg 11 / Leg 12 / Leg 13 / Leg 14 / Leg 15
Overview
Welcome aboard Ocean Sailing Expeditions' grand 14-day adventure, where we'll traverse the dazzling waters and discover the hidden wonders of Australia's tropical coastline. From the golden beaches of Southport to the bustling marinas of Mackay, every stop on this journey is a treasure waiting to be uncovered.
Set sail from Southport, where the sea meets modern luxury, and cruise northward to Mooloolaba, a sunny paradise boasting some of the best seafood on the coast. Double Island Point offers a serene escape, with its lighthouse guiding us toward the unparalleled beauty of Lady Elliott and Lady Musgrave Reef — two jewels in the crown of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, immerse yourself in a vibrant underwater world where manta rays glide and coral gardens flourish.
Venture to the unspoiled sanctuary of Hoskyn Island, followed by the spectacular Boult Reef, promising exceptional dives and unforgettable snorkeling encounters. The tranquil waters of Fitzroy Lagoon serve as a prelude to the wonder of Heron Island, an esteemed research station and a diver's dream.
As we navigate further, the secluded North Reef beckons with its bountiful marine life, while the South Percy and Middle Percy islands offer idyllic beaches and a chance to explore the storied past of mariners and castaways. Curlew Island's dense foliage provides a haven for birds and wildlife, whereas the untouched shores of Digby Island invite peaceful contemplation under the stars.
Double Island's charm lies in its dual offerings of adventure and relaxation, while Mackay closes our journey as a vibrant city where nature and culture converge, offering a fitting end to a voyage filled with discovery and opulence.
Onboard our luxury yachts, you'll not only explore these magnificent destinations but also enjoy the camaraderie of fellow sea enthusiasts, indulge in gourmet meals prepared by our onboard chef, and learn the fine art of sailing from our expert crew. With Ocean Sailing Expeditions, this isn't just a holiday; it's an expedition that promises to enrich, exhilarate, and inspire.
Join us on this grand sailing adventure along Australia's most beautiful and remote stretches of coastline — an unforgettable odyssey that sails beyond the horizon.
Passage plan
Crew registration
Secure your place on the crew with deposit options from 20%.
Single Berth: AUD$8,750
PRIVATE CABIN:AUD$23,625 (3 BERTHS)
Expedition Description
Southport
Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, Southport is a sailing gateway to a world of adventure. With its protected waters in the Broadwater and proximity to the bustling city life, it’s a perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Southport’s rich maritime history and vibrant cultural scene make it an ideal starting point for any sailing journey along the east coast.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba, on the Sunshine Coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant esplanade, and the Mooloolah River. Sailing into Mooloolaba offers a chance to experience its laid-back coastal lifestyle, fresh seafood, and access to the Hinterland's natural wonders. Its history, from a sleepy coastal town to a bustling tourist destination, adds a charming backdrop to its natural beauty.
Double Island Point
Accessible mainly by 4WD or boat, Double Island Point is a secluded paradise offering crystal-clear waters, a historic lighthouse, and unique natural features like the Coloured Sands. It's a prime spot for water sports, including one of Australia’s longest waves for surfers. Its remote beauty makes it a peaceful escape for sailors seeking tranquility.
Lady Elliot Island
As the southernmost coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is a jewel in the crown of Queensland’s coastline. Known for its stunning coral reef, abundant marine life, and commitment to conservation, it’s a premier destination for snorkeling and diving. The island’s history as a guano mining site turned eco-resort is a testament to successful environmental rehabilitation.
Lady Musgrave Reef
Encircled by a pristine lagoon, Lady Musgrave Reef offers an idyllic setting for sailing, snorkeling, and diving in its crystal-clear waters. Its untouched beauty and the abundance of marine life create a serene haven for sailors. The reef’s significance in the Southern Great Barrier Reef ecosystem highlights the importance of conservation efforts in this natural paradise.
Hoskyn Island
Part of the Capricorn Cays National Park, Hoskyn Island is a secluded destination known for its important bird habitats and stunning natural beauty. Though access is restricted to protect its delicate ecosystems, the surrounding waters offer spectacular views and opportunities for wildlife observation, making it a unique stop for respectful sailors.
Boult Reef
Boult Reef, showcasing the unspoiled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, offers an underwater wonderland for divers and snorkelers. Its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life provide a breathtaking experience, emphasizing the reef's ecological importance and the need for preservation.
Fitzroy Lagoon
Nestled within the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Lagoon is a remote and serene spot perfect for sailors seeking peace and natural beauty. Its crystal-clear waters and protected coral reef offer excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving, making it a hidden gem in the vast marine landscape.
Heron Island
Renowned for its research station and bird sanctuary, Heron Island is a naturalist's dream. The island’s reef is teeming with marine life, accessible directly from the beach. Its history as a research hub enhances its allure, offering insights into the reef's complex ecosystem and conservation.
North Reef
North Reef’s lighthouse stands as a beacon over this remote coral cay, guiding sailors through the Great Barrier Reef's waters. Its isolated location offers a unique chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of the reef, with incredible diving and wildlife observation opportunities.
South Percy Island
Its rugged beauty and welcoming anchorage make it a memorable destination for those sailing the East Coast. The island offers pristine, sandy beaches perfect for relaxation and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Hiking enthusiasts can explore walking trails that reveal breathtaking panoramic views. Its diverse wildlife, including seabirds and marine life, makes it a fantastic spot for nature lovers.
Middle Percy Island
Famous for its A-frame hut filled with sailors' memorabilia, Middle Percy Island offers a unique stopover with a sense of community and history. It is known for its iconic Homestead Bay, where the tradition of leaving behind a sign of your visit continues. Its untouched beaches, clear waters, and the sense of adventure it evokes make it a must-visit for sailors seeking authentic experiences.
Scawfell Island
Scawfell Island, nestled in the Great Barrier Reef, offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts. This secluded paradise is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The island's rugged landscape, featuring rocky outcrops and lush vegetation, provides excellent opportunities for hiking and bird-watching. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, enjoy the serenity of hidden coves, and witness spectacular sunsets over the ocean. Scawfell Island truly is a haven for adventurers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Curlew Island
A haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, Curlew Island's secluded beaches and dense vegetation offer a peaceful retreat. Its undisturbed natural environment provides a tranquil setting to relax and reconnect with nature.
Digby Island
With its pristine conditions and diverse habitats, Digby Island is a lesser-known gem offering solitude and beauty. Its secluded bays and untouched landscapes are perfect for those looking to escape the beaten path.
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.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL 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.
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
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.
SAILING.BLOG
Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation
Itinery
You'll fly into the Gold Coast or Brisbane airport on the 5th of April 2026. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 6th of April we'll depart Southport and head for our first of many stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 5th of April, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 5th, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore.
We’ll aim to be tied up in Mackay by 3pm on the 18th of April for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart Mackay from the 19th of April onwards.
Arrive at the vessel in Gold Coast by 4pm on 5/4/26
Crew welcome dinner on 5/4/26
Crew training and safety familiarisation 6/4/26
Depart Gold Coast Marina around 12pm on 6/4/26
Arrive in Mackay by 3pm on 18/4/26
Crew farewell dinner on 18/4/26
Depart Mackay on 19/4/26
Getting to and from the yacht
Arrival at the yacht before departure: Gold Coast or Brisbane Airport
Departing from the yacht on arrival: Mackay Airport
Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway
Land transport:
Gold Coast: taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Brisbane: train, taxis, shuttles and Uber available
Mackay: taxis and shuttles 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 2 and 3 berth options available in singles and doubles. If you reserve a 3-berth cabin for the use of 2 or less people, the rate is the 3-berth rate, less a 10% discount. If you reserve a 2-berth cabin for the use of 1 person, the rate is 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. Visa applications for entry (if required), related fees and travel insurance are also excluded.
Review sailing calendar for all events