The last year has seen boat ownership numbers in Queensland skyrocket and where better than the Whitsundays to go boating?
For those considering the trip north this winter, here’s a little of what to expect.
On the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, the combination of tropical islands, white sandy beaches, secluded anchorages, incredible marine life and a relaxed boating lifestyle makes the Whitsunday region Australia’s favourite cruising grounds.
In the heart of the Whitsundays is award-winning Coral Sea Marina Resort – a premium destination marina with berthing options for vessels up to 80m.
Located in the tourist town of Airlie Beach, Coral Sea Marina provides boaties the ultimate base from which to explore the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
Offering premium marina facilities and exceptional guest service, a vibrant marina resort village with a newly renovated 77 room boutique hotel and a packed calendar of shoreside events, it is easy to understand why Coral Sea Marina became the first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina in Queensland in 2019.
Coral Sea Marina, over the last 7 years, has emerged as the premium boating destination in the region and consistently innovates to provide an incredible guest experience.
New at Coral Sea Marina in 2021 is The Lookout Lounge, a contemporary private guest lounge with expansive deck offering incredible views of the marina and Whitsunday Islands. Open daily, The Lookout Lounge gives marina guests another level of comfort during their stay and access is included with all short- and long-term marina berthing.
Relaxed furnishings, ocean views, a pool table and selected table games are amongst the inclusions.
Drinks and snacks can be purchased via well stocked vending machines and a monthly Marina Mingle will be hosted exclusively for marina guests, creating an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere.
This year, Coral Sea Marina will offer visitors the opportunity to join their Coral Sea Academy. The Coral Sea Academy’s mission is to engage people with the marine environment and encourage better boating practices through a series of unique events hosted at the marina.
All events are free to attend and will include varying formats from seminar, to practical to informal post-event networking with like-minded people.
With so many people new to boating in 2021, the Coral Sea Academy – Better Boating series will include training on boating basics such as knot tying, safety at sea, operating a VHF radio and an outboard. Sessions are aimed to engage with both experienced boaties and those who are complete novices. Whether you own a 4m tinny or 30m Superyacht, the Academy will offer informal insight and practical learnings to anyone with a passion for boating, in a relaxed and inclusive setting. Inspiring more women to take up boating is the idea behind the Women in Boating event, whilst the Blue Mind Boating event will encourage attendees to use boating an as outlet to promote good mental health.
With some incredible guest speakers confirmed and the opportunity for post-event networking, these Coral Sea Academy events are not to be missed. All events will be held at the marina’s Lookout Lounge.
If you are still not convinced about cruising north to the Whitsundays this year, then consider the depth of experience on offer in this aquatic playground.
Set sail in warm tropical weather, with winter daytime temperatures sitting in the late twenties. Spend relaxing days cruising at your own pace between island anchorages, enjoy sunset cocktails on the deck, experience spectacular fishing and incredible snorkelling around the fringing coral reefs.
Visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach, with 7km of white silica sand. Overnight at the outer reef and experience the feeling of ultimate seclusion. Hike through lush rainforest, swim in azure waters, pop into island resorts for a day on land, then head back to Coral Sea Marina and refresh ready for the next boating adventure.
Explore the quaint Whitsunday townships of Airlie Beach, Proserpine, and Bowen. Enjoy sunsets overlooking the marina, stroll into town for a relaxed dinner and return to your boat safely berthed in Queensland’s premier marina facility.
Stay a week, stay a month, stay the whole winter, Coral Sea Marina will become your home away from home.
If this year has made us realise anything it is that connection with friends, family and nature is good for the mind, body, and soul, so chart a course to the Whitsundays this winter and enjoy an incredible holiday at home in boating paradise.
For more information visit – coralseamarina.com
