Yacht Charter Australia: The main wind direction in Australia is from south-east to east with a maximum of 20 knots throughout the entire year. The trade winds blow at their strongest across the coast of Queensland and the Whitsunday Islands from March to May. Cyclones, if at all, will only ever happen between December to April.
The trade winds are calm from the beginning of September to December. The beginning of November is the best time to go sailing for a yacht charter in Australia. In January you will find more often north-easterly winds, during which time you can steer towards anchorages which are open to the south. The wet season is between January to March with air temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius.July is the “coldest” month with temperatures of around 23 degree Celsius, the driest months are August and September with around 25 degrees Celsius.
Australia Yacht Charter Degree of Difficulty : Mediocre – one should have experience of sailing in tidal waters.
Australia Yacht Charter Navigation: High tides, in some places up to 4 m with a current of 3 knots. High & low tides need to planned properly with your navigation.
Harbours and Anchorages : The Marinas are all clean and compare to European standards. The marina charges in the Whitsunday Islands are between 25 – 30 AUD per day – except for Hamilton Island and Able Point (free of charge). You can find other anchorages at resorts in South Molle, Peppers Palm Bay and Club Crocodile Resort on Long Island, Hook Island, Club Med on Lindeman Island and Hayman Island.
Local Charges : Before leaving harbour in the Whitsunday Islands, you are requested to purchase a marine park permit which will cost 21 AUD per person per charter. For your return flight you are also requested to purchase a “Departure Tax” as well as a “Noise Tax” per person.
Australia Yacht Charter Travel: Arriving from Europe, the main airport hubs in Australia to aim for are Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. You can connect via Brisbane to Hamilton Island. Do not forget to plan your visit to the fascinating city of Sydney, either before or after your yacht charter in Australia.