Come with us on our family adventure to sail the Whitsundays:
Our family of 5 spent a week exploring the Whitsunday’s aboard Whitsunday Freedom. An experience that blew our minds! We booked directly with the team at Portland Roads Sailing . I chose this family owned local company for their extensive range of vessels, excellent service and their focus on sustainability and environment. They helped us plan every element of the trip in great detail. Their pre trip support was outstanding and made me feel prepared and ready.
We flew into Proserpine airport where Airlie Beach Executive Services picked us up and took us via the local shopping centre to collect the groceries we had pre ordered online to supply us for the week. They then dropped us off at the marina, where we met our skipper Brad, unpacked and got to know the boat.
We spent our first night aboard the boat in the marina. That night we ate at Sorento Whitsunday, a local family friendly venue with SPECTACULAR views.
The following morning we had fresh pastries for breakfast at from Berry And Maple, on the marina and pick up bags of ice and our stinger suits and snorkelling gear from Aqua Dive (also at the marina.)
Then it was time to set sail.
The boat itself, The Whitsunday Freedom, was huge! The lower decks comprised of 4 bedrooms, each with a double bed, wardrobe and adjoining bathroom. The mid level had a kitchen and living area inside and an outdoor dinning and BBQ area. The day bed on the upper level offered gorgeous views.On the front of the boat there was a further sitting area and trampoline nets over the water. This was the kids favourite spot on the boat!
Our skipper Brad was incredible. If you are like us and love the idea of boating but don’t know the difference between starboard and port then a skipper is the way to go! He was so generous with his time, sharing his knowledge and love for the ocean with our kids. We visited so many different islands and bays, Brad knew all the best spots and which would be best for each day’s wind and weather. Something we definitely wouldn’t have had a clue about!!! We avoid the crowds and felt like the only people on the planet!
We spent our days learning about sailing, swimming and snorkelling, fishing, hiking and exploring untouched island coves. We did the self cater option. Cooking together as a family was a fun part of the adventure. The boat had 2 fridge/freezers and a giant esky on board, along with a fully kitted out kitchen, including a coffee machine!
On day 5 we pulled into Hamilton Island for a night. We ate fish and chips, had ice creams, swam in the pools and restocked the boat at the IGA. Then it was back to the open ocean again.
Brad made us all feel very safe and taught us so much. Whether the lesson be about navigation, animal species or environmental protection, the kids could get enough of Brad!
On day 7 we left wishing we’d had more time…. Always the sign of a great adventure.
Sailing The Whitsundays With Kids, Top Tips:
Book with a local not an agency! https://www.portlandroadswhitsundays.com.au/
Get there in Luxury: https://abes.com.au/
Plan you menu and order your shopping ahead of time! https://www.woolworths.com.au/
Book a family friendly dinner for your first night in the marina at Sorento:
https://www.sorrentowhitsunday.com/book-a-table-sorrento-airlie-beach/
Pre book your stinger suits and snorkel gear hire: https://www.aquadive.com.au/
