Australia: the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands fact file

Just over 100 nautical miles north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the Whitsundays are on the same latitude as Fiji. The high season for tourism is May to October, but you can experience excellent weather conditions at other times, particularly in the latter part of the year when warm and light northerly winds are not uncommon. July is the coolest month and January is the warmest.

From March to September the region usually experiences south-east tradewinds which might peak at 30 knots, but at times these can be virtually non-existent. The wet season is normally from January to March, and cyclones have been known in the region during this time, and a few weeks either side of it. The normal average rainfall for the year is around 15,000mm and most of this comes in the first four months of the year. This is also a time of high humidity.

Most major international airlines service the east coast capital cities of Sydney and Brisbane, which are a staging point for getting to Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays. It is a non-stop 14.5-hour flight from Los Angeles to both cities, and around 22 hours from London (depending on how many stops are made en route).

Obviously, it is much quicker by private jet, although some people travelling this way from Europe like to stop overnight along the way, usually at Dubai and Singapore. Private jets have the option of landing in numerous cities – like Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney – to clear customs and immigration before flying direct to Hamilton Island.

It is a short 90-minute domestic flight from Brisbane to Hamilton Island, and two hours 30 minutes from Sydney.

Airports
Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hamilton Island (HTI)
Hamilton Island, in the center of the Whitsundays, is home to a commercial airport serviced by Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Qantas Link. Daily flights run from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, often having connected from further afield.

Whitsunday Coast Airport, Proserpine (PPP)
Whitsunday Coast Airport is the region’s main domestic airport. Located in the local town of Proserpine, approximately 25 minutes from Airlie Beach, it is the most common destination for Whitsunday visitors. Whitsunday Coast Airport is serviced by Virgin Blue and Jetstar with daily flights from Brisbane and connecting flights from other cities. Buses and taxis meet every flight to transfer guests to Airlie Beach, or to ferries to the island resorts. Car and limousine hire is also available.

Shoot Harbour/Whitsunday Airport
A small local runway located at Airlie Beach, the coastal gateway to the Whitsundays. Many tourist flights on seaplane or helicopter leave from here. The airport offers air charter services and transport to destinations in the Whitsundays, particularly to Hamilton Island, Lindeman Island, Brampton Island and Mackay. Available 7 days a week

Charters and shuttle services
T: 4946 9111
T: (07) 4946 9180
E: info@whitsundayairport.com.au
www.whitsundayairport.com

Island airports receive flights from Whitsunday Coast Airport or Hamilton Island.

Customs and immigration
Ships masters and agents: www.customs.gov.au/site/page5802.asp

Information for pleasure craft travelling to Australia: www.customs.gov.au/site/page4260.asp

General customs contact
T: 1300 363 263
Outside Australia: +61 26275 6666

Immigration
www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas
T: 131 881

Quarantine
T: 1800 020 504
www.daff.gov.au

Nautical rules and regulations
Australian restrictions and regulations for visiting yachts are amongst the strictest in the world. To cruise in these beautiful waters, it is necessary to abide by the rules.

Superyacht arrival formalities
Superyachts visiting Australia are encouraged to voluntarily participate in AUSREP, a ship reporting system operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to contribute to safety of life at sea. It is operated through the Australian Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC Australia) in Canberra. More information can be obtained at www.amsa.gov.au/publications/AUSREP.pdf

When approaching Australia the master of a vessel or its agent should notify Australian Customs, Immigration and Quarantine as well as relevant port authorities up to 96 hours prior to arriving in Australian waters.
This can be done by email, fax or telephone to the Australian Customs National Communication System:
T: +61 3 9244 8973
E: yachtreport@cutoms.gov.au

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
T: +61 7 4955 9600

Information to be given:
Vessel name
Country and port of registry
Intended port of entry with ETA
Last four ports visited
Information on all those on board: Name, d.o.b., nationality and passport number
Whether there are firearms onboard
Information on animals onboard
Notification of any diseases that have recently been experienced

From the moment of entering Australian waters, fly the international Q flag.
It is mandatory to travel straight to a port of entry, which are all open 24 hours. Severe fines (up to Aus$50,000) are imposed on those who stop elsewhere before clearing in.

Ports of entry near the Whitsundays:

Cairns
www.cairnsport.com.au

Mackay
Regional Harbour Master (Mackay)
T: +61 7 4944 3700
E: mackaymarine@msq.qld.gov.au

Hay Point (Dalrymple Bay)
Port control
T: +61 7 4956 3489z
E: vtshaypoint@msq.qld.gov.au
VHF radio: channels 14 and 16

Townsville
Pilotage is obligaroty
T: 07 4781 1500
E: info@townsville-port.com.au

Abbot Point
T: + 61-7-4955 8171
E: portoperations@nqbp.com.au

Rockhampton (port Alma)
T: 07 4934 6931

Lucinda

Hay Point (Dalrymple Bay)

Cruising permits and pilotage
Cruising permits: may be required. Details are available through a superyacht agent.

Pilotage: contact the destination prior to arrival to determine pilotage requirements.

Aviation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
www.casa.gov.au
T: 131 757

Air Services Australia
www.airservices.gov.au
T: +61 262 684 111

Tides and currents
The Whitsundays are extremely tidal, and boats should take them into consideration at all times. The tides flood (come in) towards the South and ebb (go out) northwards, creating currents and eddies in the islands as they go. The approximate tidal range in the Whitsundays is from 1.3m at neap tides and 3.8m at spring tides.

Repair facilities
Hamilton island marina has a fully operational and very well equipped boatyard which utilises a travel lift and can lift and rack vessels up to 60 tonnes. If in need of major repairs or an overhaul, it may be best to travel to larger ports such as Cairns.

Bunkering
Hamilton Island Marina
There are bunkering facilities within the marina providing diesel and unleaded. If a vessel is too large to dock, fuel can be taken on at Shute Harbour (10 nautical miles away), or Mackay (50 nautical miles to the south). Bulk fuel deliveries to the island can also be arranged.

Fuel jetty information
• Hi-flow / low flow diesel
• 2 x hoses for ULP
• Open between 07:30 and 17:00 daily, 365 days a year
• Bulk fuel by arrangement

Provisioning
Provisioning is excellent everywhere in Australia, but it may be necessary to travel to larger cities such as Cairns if the small Whitsunday islands cannot meet your needs.

Cruising guides
Cruising guide
100 Magic Miles
www.100magicmiles.com

Marinas, ports and anchorages
The east coast and the Whitsundays are a perfect superyacht cruising location. Many islands have good superyacht facilities, particularly Hamilton Island resort, which is geared towards yacht owners with a marina, yacht club and full facilities.

HAMILTON ISLAND
Hamilton Island Marina
Hamilton Island is a recognised ‘Superport’, which means that its staff can assist with every superyacht requirement, from provisioning and catering through to engineering and bunkering.

Details and contacts
Latitude: 20° 21” S
Longitude: 148° 57” E
Office hours: 07:30 – 17:00 daily
365 days a year
T: +61(0)7 4946 8353
E: marina@hamiltonisland.com.au
www.hamiltonisland.com.au/marina
VHF: Channel 68

Concierge service
There is a fully personalised Island Concierge service to assist you from the moment your yacht docks or your feet touch the airport tarmac.
E: islandconcierge@hamiltonisland.com.au

Marina and berth dimensions
With its man-made harbour and adjacent deepwater anchorage, Hamilton Island can host superyachts large and small. The 245-berth marina is between 4.5 and 5 metres (15 feet) deep and the largest marina berth can accommodate vessels up to 64 metres (210 feet) LOA.

Immediately outside the harbour, in Dent Passage, there are 10 moorings rated up to 150 tonnes, and there is ample room for larger vessels to anchor nearby.

Facilities and services
• Chandlery
• Boatyard
• Fuel wharf
• Island Concierge service
• Marina attendants
• Wireless internet
• 15 Amp, 32 Amp, 63 Amp and 125 Amp shore power
• Amenities and self-operated laundry
• Chase boat services
• Garbage disposal
• Gas refills

Preferred operators can provide the following services:
• Antifouling
• Mechanical services
• Shipwright services
• Hull and running gear repairs
• Refrigeration
• Electrical
• Maintenance programmes

Other superyacht destinations and marinas on Australia’s east coast
Over the 1,500 nautical miles from Cairns – in Queensland’s tropical far north – south to Sydney, there are a number of destinations with superyacht berthing and maintenance facilities.

CAIRNS
Cairns is a busy superyacht refit centre which offers a wide range of facilities. Dedicated superyacht berthing is available for yachts up to 80 metres (260 feet). There is a 1,500-tonne slipway, 60 metre (200-foot) dry dock and undercover work areas. The city has a population of around 160,000 and has an international airport.

Cairns Marlin Marina
T: +61 (0)740 523 866
www.cairnsport.com.au/marina

MACKAY
Mackay Marina, 50 nautical miles south of Hamilton Island, offers marina berths for vessels up to 50 metres (164 feet). The port also offers maintenance and refuelling facilities.

Mackay Marina
T: +61 (0)7 4955 6855
www.mackaymarina.com

BRISBANE
Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland, has a population of more than two million and sits on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, in the southwest corner of the expansive Moreton Bay. There are a number of large superyacht facilities on the lower reaches of the river, some offering the full range of high-quality maintenance, haul-out and refit services.

Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
T: +61 (0)7 3907 1600
www.rivergate.com.au

THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast is Australia’s most popular holiday destination, an enticing ribbon of golden surfing beaches stretching for 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Main Beach in the north to the Queensland/NSW border in the south. The coastline is backed by a remarkable series of waterways, and less than 30 minutes drive inland is Australia’s largest expanse of sub-tropical rainforest. The Seaway entrance to the Gold Coast Broadwater is just north of Main Beach, and there are superyacht berthing facilities at Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, and the Versace hotel complex. The region also boasts a superyacht repair and maintenance facility on the Coomera River.

Southport Yacht Club Marina
T: +61 (0)7 5591 3526
www.southportyachtclub.com.au

Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard
T: +61 (0)7 5573 1311
www.gccm.com.au

NEWCASTLE
Australia’s emerging centre for superyacht construction and maintenance is located 60 nautical miles north of Sydney. Its deepwater port has no air or draught restrictions.

SYDNEY
Australia’s most dynamic and energetic city located on the shores of what is arguably the world’s most magnificent deepwater harbour. With its iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge, surfing beaches and cosmopolitan lifestyle, Sydney is a mecca for tourists and superyachts. There are numerous superyacht facilities to be enjoyed; some near the city’s waterfront and others further up-harbour.

Sydney Cove / Rozelle Bay Superyacht Marina
T: +61 (0)2 9563 8700
E: superyachts@maritime.nsw.gov.au

Fishing, diving and boating in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a protected area, under the jurisdiction of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Access and use of the heavily endangered reef is restricted by a policy of ‘zoning’. It is important to research the area you plan to visit beforehand, as different areas have different activities permitted. Extractive activities are classed as fishing or the removal of any part of the reef.

The Preservation (Pink) Zone:
• A ‘no go’ area.
• A person cannot enter a Preservation (Pink) Zone unless they have written permission
• Extractive activities (fishing etc) are strictly prohibited.

The Marine National Park (Green) Zone
• A ‘no-take’ area
• Boating, swimming, snorkelling and sailing allowed.
• Extractive activities are allowed with written permission.
• It is an offence to fish, but yachts may travel with fish on board.
• Fishing gear must be stowed inboard the boat or in rod holders. All fishing apparatus must be out of the water.
• Anchoring allowed, but may be restricted in high use or sensitive areas.

The Scientific Research (Orange) Zone
Scientific Research (Orange) Zone, shown as green with an orange outline on Zoning Maps, allows public access. For the general public, these areas are essentially the same Green Zones where only non-extractive activities are allowed without written permission.

The Buffer (Olive Green) Zone
• Protected public zone
• Most forms of fishing prohibited.
• Trolling for pelagic fish (such as barracuda, marlin, swordfish and mackerel) species is allowed.
• Boating, diving, and photography are allowed.

The Conservation Park (Yellow) Zone
• Reasonable use and enjoyment for the public including limited extractive use.
• Limited line fishing, trolling, snorkel spearfishing, bait netting, limited crabbing and collecting allowed.

The Habitat Protection (Dark Blue) Zone
• Reasonable use allowed while protecting sensitive habitats
• Trawling is not permitted
• Crabbing and spearfishing while snorkelling are allowed.

General Use (Light Blue) Zone
• General use
• Most use permitted

For more information contact:
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority
T: + 61 7 4750 0700
www.gbrmpa.gov.au

Some special rules may apply to superyachts, particularly those with charter use. Please visit the GBRMPA superyachts page.

Wildlife and whales
The wildlife of the Whitsundays is bountiful. Some islands are home to the kangaroo’s smaller relative, the wallaby, as well as goannas – large, lizard-like reptiles. Sea eagles, kites and ospreys are common, as are kookaburras in the forests.

Humpback whales pass through the waters between July and September during their annual migration from Antarctica, when they give birth in the tropical waters of the Whitsundays. This coincides with the time of Hamilton Island Race Week in late August, and the sight of them breaching out of the water is a famous attraction. The largest of these humpbacks are 13 metres (45 feet) in length and weigh around 45 metric tons (50 US tons).

Emergencies
Call: 000, 106 for text-based devices or 112, the international emergency number

For non emergencies, contact the local 24 hour services.

Queensland Emergency Services
Police Service – www.police.qld.gov.au
Ambulance Service – www.ambulance.qld.gov.au
Fire & Rescue Authority – www.fire.qld.gov.au
Department of Emergency Services – www.emergency.qld.gov.au

Queensland Volunteer Marine Rescue
www.marinerescueqld.org.au

Medical
Medications
Medicine brought into Australia for personal use is subject to controls and must be declared on arrival. Bring a prescription or letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition and the medicine you are carrying. For more detailed information go to the Medicare Australia website: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

Vaccinations
You don’t require vaccinations unless you have come from, or have visited a yellow fever-infected country within six days of your arrival.

Insurance
Taking out a travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss, accidents and medical problems is highly recommended. If you plan on doing any adventure sports like scuba diving, bungee jumping, motorcycling, skiing and even bushwalking, check that your policy fully covers you.

Medical care while in Australia
The Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with the governments of the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand which entitles you to limited subsidised health services for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia.

The Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with the governments of the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Slovenia, Malta and Italy which entitles you to limited subsidised health services for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia.
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

Hazards
Sun burn can be a big problem while in the tropical climate of the Whitsundays particularly when sailing gives you a deceptively cool feeling. Suncream of factor 30 and above is recommended by the sun-savvy locals.

Coral – cuts made by sharp coral or oyster shells can become infected by organisms that exist in tropical sea water. Clean cuts with antiseptic lotion to prevent infection or blood poisoning. It is also possible to be irritated by fire coral on the reefs. It is best to avoid touching coral while snorkelling or diving on the reefs.

Fish bites and stings – there are a small number of dangerous fish in the Great Barrier Reef area, but they do include stonefish – the most venomous fish in the world – as well as scorpion fish and various jelly fish. If stung, seek medical attention immediately.

Tropical ear – an inflammation of the external ear, which is caused by too much water in the ears too frequently. If ear gets waterlogged and never dries out properly, infection sets in. Local chemists will have eardrops and earplugs that fit comfortably which are designed to help treat the problem.

Dress
Casual is key in the Whitsunday’s ultimate mix of Aussie chill and tropical beach style. Wear loose clothes and hats to protect yourself from the strong sun. Some restaurants and resorts may require more formal wear in the evenings.

Driving
Visitors are not permitted to bring cars or any vehicle over to the Whitsunday islands. It is best to park on the mainland in private or public car parks, such as Shute Harbour Parking and Storage secure, undercover car park.
www.whitsundayparking.com.au

Cruising strategies
The Whitsundays are famous for the deserted tropical islands, which yacht owners are best placed to access and explore. The Great Barrier Reef has several zones where anchoring or mooring is allowed, despite its unique protected status. It is also possible to anchor in virtual solitude in many beaches and coves, including the famous Whitehaven Beach. On the other hand, the handful of high-end resorts and the Whitsundays’ reputation as a fabulous cruising location means that amenities are not lacking. Yacht clubs such as the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and the Whitsunday Sailing Club at Airlie Point welcome guests, and there are plenty of marinas and yacht services where you can berth in peace and receive assistance when needed.

Best time to go
The high season for tourism is between May and October, but this doesn’t mean you won’t experience excellent weather conditions at other times, particularly in the latter part of the year when warm and light northerly winds are not uncommon.

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