Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in Whitsundays. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don't forget to pack a copy to take with you.
Plan
Before you go
Physical Address
Sunsail Whitsundays
6 Bay Terrace
Shute Harbour
Queensland 4802
Please note that this base is operated by one of our Franchise partners.
Our Whitsundays base is located in Shute Harbour, the largest natural harbour on the Eastern seaboard of Australia. Situated about five miles from the township of Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Brisbane is about 680 miles to the south, while Cairns is about 375 miles to the north. Sydney is less than two and a half hours away by plane.
We can also arrange charter pick-ups and drop-offs at other locations such as, Hayman Island, Hamilton Island and Day Dream Island (for a fee). This service cannot be booked online, please phone the Whitsundays office to organise +617 4948 8250.
Mailing address
Sunsail Whitsundays
PO Box 357
Airlie Beach
Queensland 4802
Australia
Base hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day
Time zone
Australia is +10 hours ahead of the UK.
Language
The official language in Australia is English.
Cost of living
Prices vary between areas and from restaurant to restaurant, however the following is a guide for reference:
- A bottle of wine costs about AUD 14 (GBP 6) in a supermarket and from AUD 24 (GBP 10) in a restaurant.
- A bottle of beer costs about AUD 3.60 (GBP 1.50).
- A cheap snack can be bought for about AUD 7 (GBP 3). A three-course meal is likely to cost over AUD 48 (GBP20) per head.
What to bring
Passport and visas
You must have a valid passport when you travel to Australia. Please ensure that your passport is valid for up to six months beyond your scheduled stay. Nearly all persons need a Tourist Visa or an Electronic Travel Authority to enter Australia (except for residents of New Zealand), although there is no charge for a stay of three months or less. We advise clients to check with immigration in any case.
Please note :country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information before you leave.
We are not responsible for any requirement changes.
Customs + immigration
Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear immigration and customs.
A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. Airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles, e.g. food, which may also be confiscated by customs.
Departure tax out of Australia is AUD 30 plus AUD 3.20 Noise Tax per person, payable at the airport.
Sailing licences
There are no sailing licenses required to sail in Australia. We do however require you to have a minimum amount of experience. The minimum sailing experience required for your safety is two adults on board with previous sailing experience. The skipper needs to have at least five days sailing experience, not power, on a similar size vessel, and needs to have an understanding of anchoring, navigation and tides.
The second adult on board needs at least three days sailing experience and needs to know what to do in case of an emergency, e.g. work the VHF radio, turn the engine on and off and be able to take sails up or down. If you have not already done so then the skipper and first mate will be required to fill in a sailing resume at the base to confirm that you have the necessary skills for sailing in this region.
Luggage + packing list
Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend travelling light and using folding luggage.
Lost or damaged luggage whilst flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. Virgin Airways carries no liability for loss or damage to valuable or fragile items packed in hold baggage however caused. You must not include in checked baggage money, jewellery, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.
If you are taking our Virgin Airways flights please note that Premium Economy cabins are being refurbished and the aircrafts are now not confirmed until 24 hours before departure so pre-seating can only be requested 24 hours before departure at check-in online or at the airport. This is from April to October 2012.
Alcohol may be taken on flights but only in checked luggage (well secured from breakages) not as hand luggage due to airport security restrictions.
We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally luggage may arrive at the base after you do!
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.
What's on board
Coolers
Cool boxes are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged, otherwise there will be a charge for replacement. Only one per boat.
Mobile phones
You can use a mobile telephone from your home country if you have international roaming options.
Another alternative is to buy a mobile phone with a prepaid SIM card.
Music + iPods
Most boats are fitted with a radio, CD Player, USB or AUX input. Please phone the base on +617 4948 8250 to check your vessel’s capabilities.
Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit https://www.casa.gov.au/aircraft/landing-page/flying-drones-australia
Electricity
The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts (cigarette lighter-type outlet). To keep your electronic devices charged while on board (such as your cell phone, digital camera etc. An inverter is available onboard.
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Go
How to get there
Airport
Proserpine Airport (Whitsunday Coast Airport) is located just six miles out of Proserpine. Proserpine Airport has flight connections daily from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and is a modern and comfortable terminal with a kiosk for food and beverages. The transfer from the airport to Airlie Beach/Shute Harbour takes around 50 minutes by car or bus.
Alternatively, you can fly directly into Hamilton Island. Bright and modern, Hamilton Island Airport has a comfortable departure terminal with plenty of passenger seating. There is an airport bar, cafe and small shop to purchase snacks and magazines. A fee we will applicable to relocate your vessel to Hamilton Island, or you can choose to catch the ferry over to the mainland. Tickets are available at arrivals.
Airport parking
Save up to 30 percent when you book your airport parking through us. Please call us for more details.
Airport hotels
We have preferential rates at many hotels at the UK’s major airports. Please call us for more details.
Flights
Gatwick information: 0844 335 1802
Heathrow information: 0870 000 0123
Manchester information: 0871 271 0711
Luton information: 0158 240 5100
Glasgow information: 0870 040 0008
Transfers
Shute Harbour
Sunsail guests can organise a taxi or shuttle bus from the Whitsunday Coastal Airport located in Proserpine to our charter base on the mainland in Shute Harbour. There are no additional fees to start or finish your charter at this location.
Hamilton Island
For a fee, Sunsail guests are able to start and finish their yacht charter from Hamilton Island, if you are staying their prior and afterwards. Your Sunsail Boat Briefer will meet you at Hamilton Island Marina, and will be there for you when you return. Pick-up, drop-off and one-way charters are strictly subject to availability at the time of booking, and do incur extra charges. Please check with your Reservation Consultant directly at the base, by contacting [email protected] as these cannot be booked online.
Please note: Both start base options offer water, fuel, and showers. Provisioning ordered through local companies can be dropped to both locations.
Alternative locations such as, Hayman Island, Day Dream Island and Coral Sea Marina Resort (mainland) may be possible on request. Please check with your Reservations Consultant directly at the base, by contacting [email protected].
Boarding time + checking out
Pre-booking
Virgin are also enhancing the advance seating process so after 1st Nov 12, until further notice, clients will not be able to pre-book seats before 24 hours before check-in until its completed.
On arrival
Your yacht will be ready at 1200 hrs for boarding.
All boats are prepared as per the booking for boarding time. Everyone will receive an individual yacht and chart/area briefing. This will take 3-4 hours depending on your experience level, so they need to allow plenty of time. It is not permitted to leave without adequate briefing.
These are carried out individually for each yacht and are mandatory. The chart brief describes the cruising area and any potential hazards. The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht and its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.
Out of hours
Please contact our reservations staff in relation to after hours requests on +61 7 4948 8250 or [email protected].
On departure
At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 10am. Before departing your boat you will be provided with a debrief form for completion.
The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.
In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.
Security credit card imprint
On arrival at the Whitsunday base, you will be requested to sign a credit card authority form before setting off on charter.
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Sail
About the marina
Marina facilitiesSunsail Whitsundays private Jetty is located in Shute Harbour. The facilities which surround are: Showers, toilets, wireless internet access, resort style shop, air-conditioned and reception lounge. Additional facilities in Airlie Beach include overnight accommodation, restaurants, bars, a selection of shops, a bank, post office, laundry, marinas and ferry terminals.
Experience level
Sailing experience: Level 1
Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area.
Get more information on Whitsunday's sailing conditions.
Sailing grounds
Sailing area restrictions
In the Whitsundays, clients can sail as far north as the northernmost tip of Hayman Island and the Southern tip of Shaw Island. The outer limit is 5 nautical miles from the most eastern of the Islands (25 miles from the mainland). Due to Government regulations, it is not possible for charter vessels to sail to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. However, there are lots of alternative methods of getting there.
Night sailing
You are not permitted to sail at night.
Charts + pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. Charts and pilot books can be purchased by mail order from the UK chandler Kelvin Hughes by contacting 02380 634911.
Cruising permits + taxes
There are Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority fees for sailing around the Whitsundays. Marine Park Fees - AU$34.00 per person per charter (which includes an administration fee and Gas), payable on check in, if this has not already been included in your invoice.
Moorings fees + taxes
Hamilton Island Marina, Coral Sea Marina and Day Dream Island will have their own set fees, subject to availability. Other moorings around the islands are free of charge.
Resorts are situated on the following islands:
Long Island Resort (Happy Bay)
Tel: 07 4946 9400
VHF Channel 16 or 11
Hook Island Observatory
Tel: 07 4946 9380
VHF Channel 16 or 74
Moorings are not surveyed or available to the public currently. You are able to anchor out the front of the resort. Please refer to your charts for more details. The resort and observatory are closed to the public. There is no ice available. Several small bush walks, beaches and snorkelling is available to the public.
South Molle Island (Koala Adventure Island)
Tel: 07 4946 9433
VHF Channel 16 or 74
No public resort facilities are available. You can however access the island's national park bush walks by anchoring in Bauer Bay and accessing the beach with your tender.
Daydream Island
Tel: 07 4948 8488
VHF Channel 17
Mooring fee is $25AUD per hour or $125AUD full day (over 6 hours). Most guest activity programs are available and are included in your mooring fee, however there is a chance of a small cost.
Hayman Island
Tel: 07 4940 1822
VHF Channels 6 or 16
Resort guests are permitted only. Overnight berths not available unless accommodating at the resort. It is important to notify Hayman Island in advance if you wish to spend the night at their resort facility. There is an AUD 175 access fee for all berthed vessels for the first night, AUD 150 for all subsequent nights
Lindeman IslandThere are a number of mooring bays surrounding the island (away from the old resort) and beaches that are accessible.
However, the old resort is off limits as there are several safety and liability issues with some areas being hazardous. Signs are installed for your safety.
Coral Sea Marina & Resort
Tel: 07 4946 2400
VHF Channel 9
For current berthing rates, please contact the marina directly. All prices are subject to change.
Hire a sail guide or host
You can add either a sail guide or host by contacting the base once you have booked your charter. A cabin must be provided for them individually, please consider this when selecting your yacht.
Health + safety
Illness or injury
If you get ill and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip contact a member of Sunsail staff as soon as possible on either your lead boat or at our base. If you need to make a claim for curtailment due to illness, ask the base manager for assistance and contact your insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
Your insurance company will assist with travel arrangements, advice and payment of bills.
Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
Swim Safe
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a vacation. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board.
Children:
- Talk to children about water safety at the start of a vacation, making them aware of the potential dangers.
- Accidents can happen at any time on vacation, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
- Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended.
- Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.
Be aware of your surroundings
- Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted.
- Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
- Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
- Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
- Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.
Look out for others
- Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
- Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.
Do not overestimate your ability
- Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
- Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.
Safty
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding - If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.
We have a very limited supply of children's life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.
Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck.
Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.
What not to bring
Hard lined luggage: aside from a sturdy travel case for your camera or electronics, we highly recommend duffel bags or soft-shelled, collapsible luggage. Your yacht is equipped with numerous well thought out storage areas, yet the chances that your hard-sided suitcase dimensions will fit in the lockers and cabinets aboard are slim.
Tanning oil is fine for the beach, but very dangerous aboard. It’s easily left on handholds and steps and is almost a guarantee to slipping or losing one’s footing underway and at anchor.
High heels and work boots: we recommend non-marking boat shoes or sneakers with good slip-resistant treads. You will find that comfortable, breathable, deck-friendly boat shoes or sandals are the most comfortable for your feet.
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Eat
Provisioning
Whitsundays Provisioning
Make provisioning easy, choose out of two of our providers
Or for specialty seafood we recommend, Fishi
Alternatively, you can cater yourself through one of our Major Super Markets: (please note that if you use the below providers you will be required to be present at the time of delivery)
Dining
Restaurants
Whether you are beginning your charter from the mainland or on Hamilton island, there is a variety of restaurants to eat at before or after your charter holiday. Whilst on charter we recommend you provision for the full duration as the islands do not have restaurants or bars on them
Tipping
No service charge applies in Australia. Tipping is not mandatory but a 10 percent tip in restaurants and hotel bars is normal for good service.
Shop
Around the base
HotelsIf you intend on having a mini holiday on land before or after your sailing holiday, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island can accommodate you. Choose from being pampered in five star luxury to a range of moderate accommodation that caters for singles, couples and families. You can also find accommodation on Day Dream Island and Hayman Island. Talk to our reservations specialists for more information.
The currency throughout Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD).
Credit card information
All major credit cards are widely accepted and there is currently no purchase tax.
Banks
There is a bank and post office located at Hamilton Island Marina or in Airlie Beach on the mainland.
Traveller’s cheques, especially in foreign currencies, are generally not accepted except by hotels and big stores and tourist shops. These display a 'traveller’s cheques welcome' sign. Cash your cheques at a bank or bureau de change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not generally accepted by Australian businesses and shops.
Shopping
Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach have good shopping precincts catering for all tastes and supplying all manner of merchandise. Hamilton Islands’ bakery is just one of the islands famous eateries, producing mouthwatering pastry products. Other Island resorts cater for visitors shopping needs with outlets providing clothing, footwear, food, souvenirs and other holiday essentials.
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Play
Things to do
Car rental
The major car rental companies including Avis, Hertz and Europocar are all available in Airlie Beach on the mainland.
Tours
Sunsail offer a whole range of shore based excursions which are extra to our normal product and are organised through a third party company. Ask at the base or the UK office for further details.
Water toys + sports
Scuba Diving
Diving equipment can be hired locally. We do not allow compressors on board any of our vessels.
The snorkelling and diving are fantastic throughout the Islands, with clear blue water, and masses of tropical fish, turtles, manta rays, and so on. Butterfly Bay on the north tip of Hook Island is particularly well known for its abundance of sea life. In addition to all of this, there is an annual migration of humpbacked whales around July to October.
Snorkelling
We have a range of snorkelling gear which you may wish to use. If you require children masks or prescription masks, let our reservations team know and we will organise accordingly.
Fishing
You can fish in the Whitsundays without a permit, although there are some zones you cannot fish. We go over these in details in your briefing. Fishing equipment is available, talk to the reservations team about hiring information once you’ve booked.
Kayaks
Kayaks and Standup paddleboards are available for hire on charter and can be pre-booked with the base directly. Please note this equipment is subject to availability at the time of booking.
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For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here.
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