The Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef have long been a boating mecca for yachts of all shapes and sizes. Lush tropical islands, coral cays, secluded beaches and a mesmerizing underwater reef world are some of the key attractions. Match this with average daily temperatures in the mid-twenties and there is no surprise that every winter the Whitsundays become the chosen holiday destination for boat owners across Australia.
With boat ownership numbers significantly on the rise and demand for marina berthing stronger than ever, Australians are becoming more adventurous with their boating holidays and are venturing further afield.
A popular destination for many boaties, at the heart of the Whitsundays, is the region’s only 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina, Coral Sea Marina Resort. This multi-award-winning marina facility has 520 wet berths and is able to accommodate superyachts up to 80m in length.
Every year, the marina comes alive for what is referred to in the boating community as the ‘cruising season’ and from May to November boaties arrive in their droves to enjoy winter in the Whitsundays.
Coral Sea Marina is part of Coral Sea Marina Resort, a premium holiday destination located in the popular tourist hub of Airlie Beach. As well as extensive marina berthing capacity, Coral Sea Marina Resort has a 77- room boutique resort, two vibrant marina villages with a range of shoreside marine services, cafes, bars and restaurants, an eclectic events calendar and numerous wedding and conferencing venues.
In addition, 80% of the Whitsunday’s on-water tourism experiences operate directly from the marina – from bareboat charters to overnight sailing trips, from Jetski tours to scenic helicopter flights over the iconic Heart Reef – all this and more is available each day from the marina precinct.
CORAL SEA MARINA IS A MARINA LIKE NO OTHER.
Over the last 9 years, the marina has been developed to provide premium marina services with a strong focus on ensuring the very best guest experience. The range of facilities on offer for marina guests is second to none – from a fleet of courtesy cars to a contemporary guest lounge (The Lookout Lounge), from exclusive marina events for guests to a unique on-water guest facility (Ocean Club) which includes a Guest Business Centre, expansive sundeck with BBQ facilities and 12 private en-suite bathrooms. Every service or facility added is designed to ensure the very best experience for marina guests.
The team at Coral Sea Marina realise that boat owners are looking for something more than a place to berth their boat. They are looking for a marina experience that makes them feel connected. Connected to other people, to the community, to the environment and to the world of boating. From this understanding, the Coral Sea Academy was born.
The Coral Sea Academy is an educational initiative of the marina, which provides a series of engaging events designed to consciously connect people to boating, the environment and themselves.
Following great success in 2021, the Coral Sea Academy has grown exponentially and this year offers a more diverse and extensive event calendar for marina guests, visitors to the Whitsundays as well as the local community to enjoy. Visit coralseaacademy.com to find out more.
As a Clean Marina Level III/ Fish Friendly marina, there is a strong environmental focus which also permeates the guest experience. Coral Sea Marina is committed to purging plastics, educating visitors on the importance of preserving the marine environment as well as offering source reduction programs that reduce the level of marine debris in our oceans. In recognition of the concept of ‘travel for good’ the marina offers guests and visitors opportunities to be involved in sustainability events, clean up programs, recycling programs and citizen science projects.
The acquisition of neighbouring Coral Sea Resort in 2019, added yet another reason for boat owners to make this their destination of choice in the Whitsundays. Forming part of Coral Sea Marina, this stunning waterfront resort is accessible to marina guests and is only short stroll from the north marina village.
After extensive renovations over the last few years, the Coral Sea Resort offers luxury waterfront accommodation, an onsite day spa, a stunning pool area, a private beach and the popular restaurant – The Rocks – Restaurant, Bar and Pool Club. For a touch of exclusivity, hire one of the resort’s waterfront cabanas and enjoy a private dining experience with unrivalled views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.
Whether you are heading to the Whitsundays via sea, air or land, the Coral Sea Marina Resort is the ultimate destination to stay, play and explore one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations.
Dock, Escape, Discover…
www.coralseamarina.com
Published in print April-June 2022
