The Hamilton Island to Magnetic Island passage is a scenic 150 nautical mile coastal journey through the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from the lively Whitsundays, this tropical sailing route winds north through coral cays, island clusters, and turquoise waters, finishing at Magnetic Island Marina near Townsville.
Sailing inside the reef provides generally calm conditions and smooth sailing, ideal for both experienced sailors and those new to offshore cruising. Along the way, you may encounter dolphins, turtles, and during migration season, humpback whales.
The passage ends at relaxed Magnetic Island, where bush trails, golden beaches, and local charm offer a fitting reward. This is tropical Queensland sailing at its finest, accessible and breathtaking with a quiet sense of adventure.
Sail Through the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef
The Hamilton Island to Magnetic Island passage is a spectacular 150-nautical-mile coastal journey through one of the world’s most iconic marine regions. Departing from the bustling Hamilton Island Marina in the Whitsundays, you’ll sail north along a scenic route that ends at the welcoming Magnetic Island Marina near Townsville.
A Smooth and Scenic Sail
Protected by the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, this passage offers generally calm seas and consistent tradewinds—ideal for sailors of all experience levels. Expect easy days on the water, perfect for learning, relaxing, or building miles under sail.
Vibrant Marine Life and Island Views
Cruise past lush islands, coral cays, and turquoise lagoons, alive with marine life. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and even breaching humpback whales during the winter migration season.
Days of Discovery, Nights of Tranquillity
Whether you're trimming sails at sunrise or enjoying stargazing from the deck, this passage invites you to slow down and savour the ocean’s rhythms. Each watch brings fresh beauty, from coral atolls to the shifting hues of the sea and sky.
Arrive in Laid-back Magnetic Island
Your journey concludes at Magnetic Island, known for its golden beaches, granite headlands, and relaxed island charm. Hike the scenic Forts Walk, unwind in sheltered bays, or toast your arrival with a beachside sunset—it's the perfect finish to a memorable Queensland sailing adventure.
Take on your dedicated crew role onboard and master your area of responsibility and how you interact and communicate with the race crew.
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route for each days race course.
Navigating around rocks, reefs and islands , hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s.
Crew planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication.
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures.
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard.
Planning our daily course around weather, islands, big 3-4m tides and the island effect on wind strength and direction.
Master your sail trimming onboard a high performance yacht. There will be plenty of hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, asymmetric kites, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather).
Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions.
Step aboard Awen, a high-performance ocean-going yacht built for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable sailing experiences. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of offshore passages, island-hopping through remote archipelagos, or enjoying sunset sails with a like-minded crew, Awen offers the perfect blend of speed, adventure and capability. With experienced skippers, hands-on sailing opportunities, and ever-changing seascapes, every journey on Awen is a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature, adventure, and yourself.
23 Aug 2026
Fly into Proserpine Airport (and ferry to Hamilton Island) or into Hamilton Island Airport
Arrive at the vessel at Hamilton Island Marina by 3pm
Crew training and safety familiarisation
24 Aug 2026
Depart Hamilton Island by 10am
Sail for Magnetic Island
25 Aug 2026
Arrive at Magnetic Island by 12pm
Catch the ferry to Townsville
Depart via Townsville Airport after 3pm
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, accommodation onboard on the passage, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device) and a safety tether.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, meals ashore at restaurants, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not available onboard, while in port prior to departure, due to the sparse nature of the race yacht fit out, lack of ventilation and lack of amenities onboard.
Prior to departure on a passage, you will need to book 1-nights accommodation ashore. You will stay onboard for the duration of the passage, while at sea and 1 night (optional) after arrival in port at the end of the passage.
We provide optional accommodation packages, that include transport (to and from marina) and in-house meals packages for our crew.
You can purchase as an add on item during the booking process, or closer to the event.
You can also arrange your own accommodation ashore: Options: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.