Whitsunday flotillas...

[AlphaBravo]

Hey guy,

I'm work on flotillas and just wanted to ask a few questions to those who have sailed this area as I'm looking at spreading my wings and breaking out from the med. I would like to know the season dates, which flotilla companies run in the area, typical winds, and any other useful info would be great.

Cheers all,
Aidan.

[hlev00]

Be sure to try the CF google search. We are working on a trip to Australia at the new year and were thinking about the Whitsundays while we are there. I was surprised to see that this is their low season. Several threads called out that the weather is hot, humid and pretty unstable.

[ben373]

Hi the best time in the Whitsundays is June to November. It is one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Run on down to Sydney for Christmas and new year.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[DtM]

Cyclones !!!!!!

[SimonV]

Even the cyclone season is no problem. You get plenty of warning and with the northern winds you can be well out of the danger zone til it clears. As far as the heat, its fine on anchor but horrid in the marina unless you have AC. Swimming is an issue due to the stingers, but a sexy stinger suit protects you.

[Graham andClare]

We are currently cruising in the Whitsundays. The cruising season here is all but over now as the cyclone season is nearly upon us. The best time to be here is from May to November as it is not too hot during our winter months and no nasty marine stingers. The sou-easterly trades are fairly consistant at this time of year and there are lots of suitable anchorages and things to see. Google Charter yachts Whitsundays and you will find a number of companies. Business is slow at the moment so bargain hard and you will get agood deal.

[Reefmagnet]

You can find answers here:
Index of /

and here:
Tourism Whitsundays, Queensland Australia, Whitsundays Holidays - Tourism Whitsundays QLD

As near everyone else has said May until November is the best time with September the sweet spot. Good breezes, whales, little chance of rain although the SE trades can blow ferociously (30+kn) at times over the winter months in particular June/July. Avoid the school holiday periods for all the eastern states if you can as the the place is packed and no discounts to be had. Over summer can be ok, especially if chartering if you don't mind a bit of rain, humidity and the ever so slight chance of a serious blow. The reward is a lot less crowds.

[Jim Cate]

for the OP: I'm not aware of any flotilla type charters in the Whitsundays... at least I have never encountered one in my several lengthy visits to the area. Bare boats galore, but no flotillas.

Others, more into the charter business than I, may have better info.

Jim