From the Whitsundays Islands, to Port Douglas, and from Perth to Brisbane, Australia has so many coastal sailing routes to explore. Everyone should spend some time sailing Australia’s deep blue oceans, and the numerous sailing trips offered will ensure that you have as much fun at sea as you did on land. Summer and fall are the ideal seasons for most Aussies to spend time on the water. Despite the fact that Australia is known for being the best destination for water sports, sailing around Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, in this article, I will list the best sailing routes and destinations in Australia as well as the most popular sailing itineraries. Keep reading!

Preparing your Voyage: What you Need to Know

With tens of thousands of kilometers of coastline, sailing around Australia or even a portion of it is no ordinary undertaking. If you truly want to sail around Australia, you must have enough time available and be willing to take on a challenge. This is one of sailing’s Holy Grails, on par with an ocean crossing or even completing a global circumnavigation. Because, despite the fact that the Australian coastline is one of the most gorgeous on the globe, it also has some risks.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t attempt to do this voyage unless you have prior sailing experience. You must also ensure that you have the proper boat and equipment before setting sail. Many people set sail from Sydney, head to Brisbane, and travel up the Gold Coast in an anticlockwise route. Sailing the east coast of Australia includes heading up the Sunshine Coast to Cairns, past the Great Barrier Reef, and around the top of the country, starting in Brisbane. Others set sail from Darwin and explore the west coast. So, it’s important to set your goals and know which part of Australia you want to visit.

Note that when you are planning your stops, you have to consider how far you can sail in a single day. This is dependent on the type of boat you have, the weather, the amount of weight you’re hauling, and a variety of other things. You should strive to be as mathematical as possible because you will need to calculate how much food, water, and other supplies you will require. Naturally, the more you bring, the heavier you will be and the slower you will travel. You can anticipate sailing between 75 and 150 miles every day on average.

Keep in mind that the Northern Territory and Western Australia are remote areas with few ports. So, you’ll need to be well prepared. When you sail down the west coast, you can stop in Perth, the world’s most isolated city, before continuing down the south coast. Keep in mind that temperatures can reach the sweltering 40s, so it’s advisable to have proper ventilation on your boat. This is because if you don’t have adequate protection on your boat, such heat might be extremely dangerous.

Sailing around Australia is a difficult but extraordinary voyage. Note that it might take six to twelve months and include crossing some dangerous waters, such as the Great Australian Bight.

>>Also Read: Is It Dangerous to Sail Around the World?

Sailing in Australia’s East Coast: What to be Aware of

The Australian East Coast is one of the world’s most beautiful travel locations. There are numerous routes you can choose from; from New South Wales to Queensland, and up to Cairns on the Australian East Coast. Note that from April to November, the trade winds blow east-to-southeast in Queensland. But, the winds off the coast of New South Wales can be erratic. Meaning that along the coast, wind patterns tend to change.

One of the most important pieces of advice is to arrange your trip sailing up Australia’s East Coast, particularly in Queensland, to take advantage of the trade winds. While the weather may not always be cooperative, it is far preferable to postpone or go during the appropriate season. The East Coast Trades are quite predictable for running north, especially farther up the coast.

Every sailor understands that the sea is unbeatable. So, always verify the weather forecast and conditions before leaving port. It’s also a good idea to double-check immediately before leaving. This is because weather conditions may have changed since the forecast the night before. While conditions in a peaceful anchorage may appear calm and relaxed, there might be harsh wind and wave conditions just over the headland.

Furthermore, tropical cyclones can occur in the Queensland region as a result of lows in the monsoon trough. It is often discouraged to sail in Far North Queensland between November and April. During this time of year, many full-time cruisers prefer to travel south to NSW. The south-easterly trade winds die out during this season, making sailing south much simpler.

Note that the ruins of Australia’s once-thriving island tourism sector can be found as far south as the Whitsundays. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the island resorts seen sailing up Australia’s east coast have been abandoned. This is due to Australia’s high travel costs compared to other countries, as well as the risk of tropical storms in the north. Regardless, those traveling up the east coast will have the opportunity to visit islands that have been cut off from the rest of the world for generations.

Whale Migration in Australia

It’s known as the Great Humpback Whale Migration in Australia. Approximately 60,000 humpback whales depart Antarctica each year to undertake their own northward voyages. It’s the world’s largest animal migration, taking three months to reach northern Australia. In the warm tropical waters, they breed and raise their babies. Whales go north during the months of July and September. And, they travel to the south from September to January. If you’re cruising up Australia’s East Coast during the whale migration, you’ll almost surely see a lot of them. This has the potential to be both a blessing and a curse.

This is because sailing at night can be dangerous, since the whales snooze on the surface, entirely unaware of sailing vessels. When sailing up Australia’s East Coast, many individuals have experienced “bumping” whales. It will not be a nice experience for you, and it will be even more unpleasant for the whales.

Sailing Along Australia’s East Coast

While the sea and its bays are must-sail areas, island hopping is also great on Australia’s East Coast. These are the best islands in the Queensland area:

• Whitsunday Islands (Keswick, Brampton, Goldsmith)
• The Low Isles, Port Douglas
• Hamilton Island, Whitsundays
• South Molle Island, Whitsundays
• Green Island, Cairns
• Great Barrier Reef Cays
• Magnetic Island, Townsville
• Dunk Island, Mission Beach
• Orpheus Island

The places you will stop are the nicest part about sailing on Australia’s east coast. The following is a list of some of the best anchorages and mooring spots along the Queensland coast:

• Whitsunday Islands (Brampton, Outer Newry, Goldsmith)
• Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
• South Molle Island, Whitsundays
• Hamilton Island, Whitsundays
• Cid Harbour, Whitsundays
• Airlie Beach
• Orpheus Island
• The Low Isles, Port Douglas
• Great Barrier Reef Cays
• Magnetic Island, Townsville
• The Hinchinbrook Channel
• Dunk Island, Mission Beach
• Green Island, Cairns

Sailing in Australia’s East Coast: Tips

Keep in mind that full-time cruising in Australia can be expensive. But, if you catch your own fish, use the wind for propulsion, and anchor for free, the cost is significantly lower than living on land. Diesel and food will be the most expensive items on a daily basis, and the amounts will fluctuate based on your food needs and how much you use your engine. Expect to pay between $70 and $140 a night for docking and marina fees. So, consider spending 99 percent of your time anchoring since it is entirely free.

It’s worth noting that the sailor who claims to never experience boat troubles has never left the harbor, as the adage goes. In other words, always keep in mind the possibility of having to pay for repairs. From the engines to the sails, electronic equipment to leaks, every boat may have issues.

There’s a joke that when you cruise the east coast is like “sailing with a watch in your hand”. This is because many of the openings are river mouths with sandbars across them, necessitating precise calculations to cross the bar at low tide.

The navigating difficulties can be summed up in three words: current, depressions, and a strong sea breeze.

First, there’s the current. There is a southbound current of up to four knots along Australia’s east coast. This makes for rapid sailing to the south but tedious labor up north unless you employ the countercurrent near inshore. The Leeuwin current flows east at 0.5 knots along the south coast. Also, the Leeuwin current is stronger on the west coast, flowing south at around one knot. The depressions are the second difficulty. They move from west to east in a constant stream, bringing troughs and fronts with them. The available forecasts are of great quality, so you can make use of the wind generated by the depressions to propel you in the appropriate direction.

Going against the prevailing winds, however, might be difficult because of the rapid build-up of steep wind waves in shallow coastal locations. Note that sea breezes are generated by Australia’s scorching interior. Again, if you use the winds effectively, you can enjoy sailing on great routes. However, you must always be cautious. On top of the prevailing winds, sea breezes can easily last for 12 hours and reach speeds of over 25 mph.

Also Read: Best Small Sailboats To Sail Around The World

Sailing in Australia’s East Coast: Common Itineraries

Australia’s East Coast is the most popular tourist destination in this breathtakingly distinctive country. Cairns, the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Brisbane, and more are among the top destinations. Coastal communities, sandy beaches, and numerous national parks, notably the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, are all well-known. The regions there are warm and the nicest aspect about cruising Australia’s east coast is that there won’t be any nighttime passages for a while!

Between Sydney and Cairns, the east coast offers the chance to sail during the day and overnight at various marinas, yacht clubs, and sheltered secure anchorages. While cruising in these areas, you will get to meet some local cruisers who will be delighted to share their experiences and pass on any suggestions or local information they may have. I’m sure you’ve heard folks talk about how beautiful the Great Barrier Reef’s cruising grounds are.
Well, they are correct! And, exploring the islands and sheltered seas of the Great Barrier Reef and coastal Queensland for a few months (or perhaps years) should be on almost everyone’s sailing plans.

Depending on the distances you’re willing to travel, you have a variety of options. Making landfall near Brisbane in Queensland and sailing south to Sydney and back is a popular alternative, as is continuing sailing to Tasmania. The Australian east coast has a lot to offer in terms of diversity. Because the distances between ports are often short, you can daysail your boat from one to the next. Crossing Bass Strait is always a challenge, but the effort is well worth it when you see Tasmania’s beautiful environment and scenery.

In addition, many people start their voyage from Cairns, Thursday Island, or Darwin on Australia’s East Coast. Visits to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef are a must on this route.

If you sail from Bundaberg to Sydney and back up the east coast to Darwin, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you arrive in such a famous port. On the route, there’s the Great Sandy Strait, which runs between the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg. It’s between the mainland and Fraser Island and it’s a beautiful and scenic place ideal for sailing. The water is crystal clear, similar to the Whitsundays, and it’s one of the best places to spend some days relaxing. Whales, dugongs, dolphins, and turtles are among the marine fauna that may be found in the Great Sandy Strait. And, this is why it is designated as a marine sanctuary.

These are the most common itineraries for sailing along the East Coast of Australia. Keep in mind that you can sail clockwise or anticlockwise.

• Melbourne, Wilsons Promontory, Eden (NSW), Bermagui (NSW), Jervis Bay, Cabbage Tree Bay Marine Reserve, Manly, Sydney, South Solitary Island, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Great Sandy Strait, Bundaberg, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Cairns, and Lizard Island.
• Cairns, Mission Beach, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Agnes Water, Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach, Noosa Heads, Great Sandy Strait, Maroochydore, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, Sydney.

Sailing in Australia’s West Coast: What to be Aware of

Western Australia is bordered on the east by South Australia and the Northern Territory, and on the west and north by the Indian Ocean. The southwest coastline region has a mild climate. The state’s middle four-fifths are semi-arid or desert. Annual rainfall ranges from 200 to 250 millimeters, with the majority falling in intermittent torrential downpours during cyclone outbreaks during the summer months.

The northern tropical zones are an exception to this. Kimberley has a relatively hot monsoonal climate, with annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 1,500 mm on average. However, there is a lengthy, practically rainless season from April to November. The Kimberley receives 85 percent of the state’s runoff.

In Western Australia’s northwestern region tropical cyclones are a common phenomenon. They occur from November to April, with sporadic activity in the months before and after. The highest occurrence takes place in January, February, and March. Squalls are prevalent, especially during cyclone transitions. They affect all areas north of Carnarvon, including all land and sea areas in Northern Australia. But, areas south of Carnarvon are not affected that much.

Cyclones strike Western Australia’s northwest coast more frequently than any other region of the country’s coastline. It has one of the world’s most cyclone-prone coastlines. Each year, several tropical cyclones form, but only two cross the coast of northern Australia on average. The tropical cyclone season runs from November to April, with the majority of coastal crossings taking place in February and March.

Sailing in Australia’s West Coast: Passages

Bear in mind that currents have a wide range of speeds, ranging from 3 to 1 knot, but reaching up to 3 knots in some regions. The best time to visit is from May through October, which coincides with the dry season. Weather conditions are warm to hot, with low humidity. The SE trade winds blow from E to S, averaging 4 to 5 mph during the day and get stronger at night. In the southern region, anticyclone systems tend to increase the wind’s strength. However, the trade winds are frequently linked to pleasant weather.

Tropical storms do occur on occasion. During this season, excellent weather conditions prevail, with regular light conditions in the northwestern parts. This will result in using your motor more frequently. You should carry extra water and fuel in the Kimberley region, from Broome to Darwin, as supplies are spread out over vast distances. During the dry season, strong SE to SW winds are common for regions south of Exmouth. Meaning that your voyages south will be more difficult. If you intend to head south, it is best to wait for a high system with moderate E to NE winds. Excessive tides and strong tidal streams up to 4 knots (but up to 10 knots at the approach to major bays and narrow channels) are common in the NW.

When navigating and choosing anchorages, extreme vigilance is essential. There are numerous unmarked “bombies” (an area of large sea waves breaking over a shallow area) and shallows around the coast. In other words, you have to be cautious and plan careful navigation.

Sailing Trip in Australia’s West Coast: Tips &Common Itineraries

The most common locations you can set sail on Australia’s west coast are Darwin or Kimberley. Note that May through October are the best months to cruise in the Kimberley area. When there is a strong high to the south, SE winds are predominant in the morning and can reach 30 kn. In the afternoon, the wind normally dies down. Furthermore, note that most anchorages are best visited during a period of neap tides.

If you’re traveling north, April/May is the best time to leave Fremantle for the Abrolhos, Shark Bay, or farther north and east. If you’re heading to Queensland, plan on arriving in Darwin by the end of September. A voyage from Fremantle to Kimberley and back needs to sail rapidly. Also, it is possible to leave Carnarvon in the first week of May if no cyclone is building.

When traveling to the Western Australian coast, June/July is a great time to leave Darwin. When heading south to Fremantle, plan to get at Dampier by early September. Keep in mind that the best time to travel from Broome to Dampier or vice versa is when a fairly strong front is nearing the south of the state. You should do this in suitable weather and avoiding strong E winds. In September, a vessel sailing south from Dampier should expect moderate southerly quadrant winds for the remainder of the journey down the west coast.

You should aim to arrive in Geraldton by the end of September. This is because if you arrive later the risk of strong southerlies will increase. Coming south from North West Cape normally entails a lot of windward effort. So, a day or two in a peaceful anchorage is essential. Continuing south from Geraldton, the goal is to leave in September or October. It’s a good time so as to avoid winter cold fronts but not late enough to dodge the strong southerly summer sea winds. Short and sparse weather windows are common. April-May is the best time to do this passage.

These are the most common itineraries for sailing along the West Coast of Australia. Keep in mind that you can sail clockwise or anticlockwise.

• Kimberley Coast, Pilbara Coast, Ningaloo, Gascoyne and Geraldton Coast, Abrolhos Islands, Lancelin, Perth, Bunbury, Leeuwin Coast (Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin), Albany, Esperance and Eucla Coast.
• Darwin, Wyndham, Derby, Broome, Port Hedland, Dampier, Exmouth, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Fremantle, Bunbury, Albany, Esperance.

The Great Australian Bight and the Southwest Coast

In general, the best months to cross the Bight from west to east are October to November or late March to roughly mid-April. It’s worth noting that every year is a little different, so anyone planning a trip should start checking weather patterns a few weeks ahead of time.

There is also a less-traveled route that circumnavigates Australia’s south and west coasts. The difficult westward crossing of the Great Australian Bight is possible in the summer months of February and March after carefully examining weather patterns. This is because the predominant south-westerly winds are chased away by a series of high-pressure systems. And, this results in four to seven days of pleasant easterly winds. A voyage “down the bottom” of Australia not only allows you to visit Tasmania’s lesser-known cruising locations on the untamed west coast, but it also allows you to visit cities like Adelaide.

From Adelaide to the natural splendor of the Gulf St Vincent and the Spencer Gulf with its various anchorages, the south coast of Australia is a particularly pleasant cruising ground. Western Australia offers a very different cruising experience once you’ve crossed the Bight. Long reefs lie throughout the coast, necessitating cautious navigation. Cities such as Perth and Fremantle provide all amenities to boats. Note that there are two possibilities from Australia’s west coast if you want to continue your voyage. Either you will start crossing the Indian Ocean as soon as possible after the cyclone season ends, or sail north to Indonesia.

Australia Sailing Trip Guide – The Bottom Line

In the last decade, an increasing number of cruisers have seen Australia as a stand-alone destination. And that opens up a whole new world of possibilities. A downwind voyage of roughly 700 miles from New Caledonia to the east coast of Australia is far more comfortable than the difficult 1,000-plus mile crossing from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand. In any case, Australia is a huge country, so don’t underestimate the distances you’ll have to travel. For example, the distance from Bundaberg to Sydney is just under 500 miles, and the distance from Sydney to Hobart is 628 miles. Traveling over the Great Australian Bight from Hobart to Perth will add additional 2,250 miles to your journey.

If you want to sail around Australia you can either get back home and store the boat in Australia or continue sailing. The most important thing to remember is to stay below 30 degrees south latitude. This is because the official cyclone belt is located to the north of this latitude. In other words, you can continue sailing and explore the Australian seas rather than waiting for the cyclones to pass. Cruising Australia’s coastlines may be extremely rewarding: the wildlife, natural beauty, diversity, and warmth will astound you.

I hope that this article was helpful to your route and voyage planning for sailing around in Australia. I wish you all safe & pleasant voyages!