A natural paradise
Exclude the Whitsundays from an Australian cruise itinerary and your guests will miss out on a paradise unequalled anywhere in the world. Located within the Great Barrier Reef region along the Queensland coast and made up of 74 tropical islands scattered amidst coral reefs and deep waterways, the Whitsundays make up the largest offshore island chain on Australia's east coast. The beautiful and tranquil waters of the region are protected by the natural barrier created by the Great Barrier Reef.
Permits
Permits must be obtained from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) before anchoring in the Whitsundays and Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Anchorages
There are eight major anchorages, including Cid Harbour and Hardy Reef. Another popular anchorage is at Hamilton Cove/Fitzalan Passage which is within 1 nautical mile of Hamilton Island, and within protected waters. For further information regarding anchorages contact GBRMPA click here.
Hardy Reef anchorage (latitude 19°44.24'S; longitude 149°07.48'E) is located 3 nautical miles from Reefworld, Australia's most sophisticated, permanently anchored Great Barrier Reef adventure platform. Here guests can see and experience some of the most beautiful coral formations and spectacular marine life on the Queensland coast. Visitors can dive, take a guided snorkelling tour or stay dry and view the diverse coral and variety of reef fish from the safety of the huge underwater viewing chamber or a semi submersible. Or take a helicopter joy flight! Fresh water showers, change rooms, children's swimming enclosures and day care facilities, large uncrowded open sundecks and extensive shaded areas all add up to make this a fabulous way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Transfers to and from cruise ships anchored at Hardy Reef to Reefworld can be arranged by Fantasea's' high speed air conditioned catamarans or ship's own tenders.
Cid Harbour anchorage (latitude 20°15.4'S; longitude 148°55.8'E) is located 7 nautical miles from Hamilton Island. Cid Harbour is a sheltered anchorage surrounded by islands and protected from all but northerly winds, which are infrequent in this area. From here, Fantasea offers a range of options including cruises to Reefworld direct from the ship, a shuttle service to Hamilton Island where guests can dine at one of the many fine restaurants and eateries, go shopping at the island boutiques or take in many of the island's sporting activities, or cruises to Whitehaven Beach on the seaward side of Whitsunday Island. Whitehaven Beach is the ultimate white sand beach, nine miles of pure silica sand and considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Cruise ships can anchor at either anchorage or choose to anchor at Hardy Reef in the morning and then proceed to Cid Harbour & Fitzalan Passage for the afternoon and evening. The Whitsunday region can handle large ships as the cruising waters are deep. The destination has serviced Aurora, QEII, Europa, Marco Polo, Crown Odyssey, Sky Princess, Crystal Symphony, Crystal Harmony, Star Princess, Sapphire Princess to name a few.
Contact Fantasea to assist you with your tour planning and prices.
