Renowned for its enviable ocean lifestyle, Australia’s rugged coastlines offer ideal conditions for catamaran sailing. Rich with maritime history and natural beauty, the country’s pristine coastal regions present travellers with the perfect opportunity to branch further afoot and explore places like the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and the rugged landscapes of the southern ocean.
Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just beginning to hone your skills - finding the spot with the best weather, wind, swell, and current is front of mind. That’s why we’ve compiled this quick list of our six favourite spots across Australia for catamaran sailing, and below we’ll go into further detail.
- The Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
- Fraser Coast, Queensland
- Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
- Hobart, Tasmania
- Rottnest Island, Western Australia
- Cairns/Port Douglas, Queensland
Is sailing popular in Australia?
Across Australia, sailing is a very popular sport and hobby. A large number of places across the country support local yacht clubs and a rich sailing culture. Some key factors that make sailing in Australia so popular is the varied coastline and warm climate. From sports enthusiasts to cruising communities - interest in sailing is staying steady with a plethora of ocean races going ahead across the globe all year round.
What is Catamaran Sailing?
A catamaran has two parallel hulls of equal size, rather than the singular hull of other types of sailing boats. The two hulls provide greater stability in rough waters, contributing to a smoother ride. In addition to stability, the two hulls also allow sailors to move faster because the design reduces water resistance. Catamarans are used for a variety of activities including racing, cruising, and chartering for vacations.
Our Top 6 Locations for Catamaran Sailing Across Australia
The Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
You’ve most probably heard of this one. And rightly so. The Whitsunday Islands are Australia’s most famous sailing destination. A tropical haven of calm waters, blue skies, and 74 stunning islands to explore… and the best part… you don’t need a licence! Included in the huge cluster of islands is Hamilton Island - one of Australia’s most-liked sailing destinations. Perfect for cruising and racing, the conditions in this part of the country are next to none.
Fraser Coast, Queensland
A sailing destination without the crowds and minimal restrictions on where to anchor - enjoy cruising in your catamaran without the worry along Queensland’s Fraser Coast. Boasting stunningly sheltered waters and one of the world’s largest sand islands, the Fraser Coast is a major drawcard for new and experienced sailors looking to enjoy perfect conditions while travelling Australia. Located 300km north of Brisbane, there’s plenty of flat water sailing to look forward to as well as the beautiful townships of Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Fraser Island itself.
Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
A remote town at the tip of the north west cape in Western Australia is Exmouth. Located 1,270km from Perth, Exmouth is the gateway to the world heritage listed and absolutely stunning Ningaloo Reef. Although this place has breathtaking and unmissable marine life to enjoy, the appeal above the water is just as high. Launching a catamaran in Exmouth is an uplifting and refreshing experience, and on windy days, absolutely exhilarating. While many sailors consider sailing a purely adventure sport, it can also be incredibly meditative - and the Ningaloo Reef accommodates for both.
Hobart, Tasmania
Offering incredible opportunities for catamaran sailing, Hobart provides a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and of course… excellent sailing conditions. When launching your cat in this part of the world, you’ll pay witness to stunning landscapes from the tranquil waters of the Derwent River to the rugged coastlines of southern Tasmania. While the weather in Tasmania can be variable, the summer months offer the best conditions for sailing thanks to their more stable weather patterns. There are a large variety of sailing routes in Hobart, suitable for both shorter trips and extended voyages.
Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Rottnest Island is a clear choice for our top six Australian destinations for catamaran sailing. Presenting an ideal way to experience the island’s natural beauty, the island has a strong sense of relaxation and leisure. For sailors looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, sailing the waters off this picturesque island offers something for everyone. Depending on the location, season, and specific body of water - the ocean conditions off Rottnest can vary widely from calm and easy to challenging and rough. Due to the versatile and stable nature of catamarans, they are well suited to these changing conditions.
Cairns/Port Douglas, Queensland
The tropical climate in Far North Queensland boasts warm temperatures all year-round. From May to October, the best sailing conditions are present, bringing calm seas, lower humidity and stable weather. Cairns and Port Douglas in Queensland typically experience moderate winds which are perfect for catamaran sailing. One of the main attractions of sailing this location is the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef (UNESCO World Heritage site), one of the most biodiverse reef locations on earth. Launching your catamaran between Cairns and Port Douglas will provide you with stunning views as well as perfect conditions for both adventure and leisure sailing enthusiasts.
In summary
Offering some of the world’s best spots for catamaran sailing, our top six locations in Australia each offer unique attractions and sailing conditions. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or both, these destinations present great opportunity for excitement for all sailing enthusiasts.
Looking to purchase a yacht? Jade offers a range of tailored loan options for purchasing sailing boats, including catamarans!
Accredited with 80+ banks and lenders, our expert brokers are well-known in the lending market for providing loan solutions tailored to individual needs for both personal and business purposes. Committed to finding you the cheapest interest rate and best terms available, Jade Boat Loans offers a wide range of loan products including boat and marine financing. If you’re in the market for a new boat or yacht, get in touch to discuss our loan products including secured boat loans, unsecured personal loans, and commercial marine finance.
At Jade Boat Loans, we leverage our extensive experience and extensive network of lenders to secure the best loan for your marine purchase. For more information or to start your application, call us on 1300 000 003 or Request a Quote.
