Australia is a paradise for sailors and yacht owners. The variation in beautiful, natural shorelines – ranging from pristine white sands and tropical vistas to rugged, rocky coastal drama – means that every day can and should be an adventure. Here are the top three destinations to take your yacht down under.

 

The Whitsunday Islands

There are many good reasons why yachters flock to this chain of islands, located in the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, understood to be one of the most beautiful locations on earth. The azure waters, lapping at sugar-white sands and dotted with stunning coral reefs will take your breath away no matter how many times you visit. Daydream, Hamilton and Hayman islands are all booming, and feature some of the greatest sea-centred gastronomic experiences Australia has to offer, and there are still several untouched islets waiting to be explored, if you fancy complete solitude and silence.

Image Credit- Sunsail.com.au

D’entrecasteaux Channel

One of Australia’s best kept sailing secrets, D’entrecasteaux Channel is located between the south-east coast of Tasmania and Bruny Island, and features some of the calmest waters found in this hidden corner of the globe. The channel is lined with dense, green forests, and along the way you’ll go past some of the finest wineries and vineyards Tasmania has to offer, meaning there’s ample opportunity to pop in for a memorable bottle of wine or two. This stretch of coast is also famed for the Bruny Island Ocean Race each February, where you’ll get a chance to meet with other yacht enthusiasts.

Bruny Island. Image Credit-Brunyislands.com.au

Geographe Bay

For long, sandy stretches of impeccable coastline, there’s nowhere in Australia quite like Geographe Bay. On the western coast, this majestic, calm beach has been drawing in yachters for decades, and it is regarded as one of the most relaxing places on the planet to take in a sunset and cut yourself off from the world.

Busselton Jetty, Geographe Bay. Image Credit- Busseltonjetty.com.au