Coral Princess Cruises If you are finding the choice between each of theGreat Barrier Islands a little difficult, your solutionmay lie in a cruise that links several of the islandsand reefs. Coral Princess is a small ship cruisecompany who offers three, four or seven-nightcruises around the unspoiled reef system betweenCairns, Townsville and Lizard Island. The ships arelarge enough to ensure that your comfort is notcompromised, yet small enough to access reef andisland sites inaccessible to other boats. In thecompany of just 54 passengers the crew will ensurethat your travels through this huge marine park areboth personal and memorable. You are free to do asmuch, or as little as you like. Go snorkelling, take aguided rainforest walk, attend a presentation by theresident marine biologist or simply take the time torelax on deck. 32Hayman,Hayman Island Magnificent surroundings, outstanding cuisine, chicsuites and a distinctive lagoon pool overlook neatlyclipped gardens, waving palms and a long, longstretch of a talcum powder beach. White-washedvillas are scattered amongst the natural setting andthe resort hosts a range of activities that could keepyou occupied for weeks; a rejuvenating spa, watersports galore or a deserted atoll reached only byboat. In this memorable destination the 'Haymanexperience' will leave you feeling fully recharged. THE WHITSUNDAYISLANDSLightening the blue waters in the heart of theBarrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands lie likeemerald gems, ringed by untouched beachesand the pale turquoise of shallow waters, awonderful archipelago of green islands andsandy atolls amongst the world's mostspectacular coral system. The mosaics of coralplatforms, turquoise lagoons and rich bluechannels in this area are some of the mostpristine areas of the entire Great Barrier Reefand with reef names such as Hook, Line, Sinkerand Bait you will be forgiven for thinking thatyou can fish to your heart's content. However,while you can't bring home the myriad of fishthat inhabit the reef, you can get up close andpersonal through your snorkelling mask. Some74 islands make up the Whitsunday Islands andeach coral-fringed island has its own individualappeal. Many are uninhabited and are listed asnational parks, however, a handful have resortsthat offer a multitude of accommodationchoices from budget to five-star luxury;Brampton, Hamilton, Daydream, Long andHayman are just some. All you have to do isdecide if you wish to just sink your feet into theimpossibly white silica sand, swim in thetemperate waters that hug the shore, hikethorough the forest and mountains, see theswirls of creamy sand and coral from ahelicopter or discover a mix of these islands foryourself by chartering a yacht.Coral Princess CruisesHaymanPeppers Palm Bay,Long IslandIn a secluded part of Long Island amidst a grove oftropical palms, the elegant bures of Peppers PalmBay offer an escape far from the crowds, a laid-backhaven perfected by the attention of genuinelyfriendly hosts. Unwind to the soothing sounds ofswishing palms and the lapping lagoon. Feel thewarm sand between your toes, savour fine food andwine. Swim, snorkel and explore hidden bays andrainforest trails or venture beyond the lagoon toexperience the delight of the Great Barrier Reef.Peppers Palm Bay

QUEENSLAND33Sailing around the Whitsunday IslandsSAILINGADVENTURESImagine standing at the helm of an immaculateyacht, the salty tang of the sea breeze in yourface while overhead an expanse of brilliantwhite sail unfurls and fills with the wind, leaninginto the breeze as it gathers pace. Sailing is atits thrilling, sunblessed best around the stunningisland scenery of the Whitsundays and aspectrum of sailing adventures can be tailored tosuit your experience or sense of adventure.Skilled sailors can chart their own course on a'bareboat' yacht, while crewed charters let evenbeginners become part of the action on craftthat range from romantic tallships to sleekocean racers, so if you just want to island-hop,this might just be the way to go. Windjammer CruiseWith her crisp white sails bellowing and her deepcoloured hull splashed by breaking waves the 72ft'Windjammer' recreates the golden age of oceansailing vessels. Beautifully designed and built, itprovides a unique opportunity to experience thestyle of travel that first opened up the world toexplorers, traders and pirates, but adds littleluxuries such as air-conditioned ensuite cabins.Accommodating just nine guests and three crew, sheoffers a friendly personalised experience, with anemphasis on good food, fun, exploration andrelaxation. The three or six-day trips that set out todiscover the nooks and crannies of the WhitsundayIslands are above all else truly memorable. Great BarrierReef CruiseDiscover the Great Barrier Reef in style and at apace which allows you to be a lazy beachcomber oran inquisitive adventurer at numerous exclusive reefsites and islands. Accompanied by a professionalcrew including a marine biologist and dive instructoryou will be able to savour the hidden treasures ofthe less visited reefs.Day 1:Depart Townsville, cruising the Coral Seaand Palm Group of Islands.Day 2:Visit exclusive Pelorus Island and itsmagnificent fringing reef, beach andrainforest, the Hinchinbrook Channel andtropical Dunk Island.Day 3:Explore Thetford and Moore Reefs forspectacular diving and snorkelling.Day 4:Step onto dry land to enjoy Cairns citybefore returning to your vessel forchampagne on deck as the sun sets.Day 5:Visit one of the most remote islands inthe Great Barrier Reef, enjoy a swim or atrip in the glassbottom boat then cruiseon to historical Cooktown.Day 6:Climb the island peak at Lizard Island andsnorkel off the beach over coral caysbefore cruising on to Ribbon Reef.Day 7:Spend the day exploring the Ribbon andRachel Carson Reef.Day 8:Cruise to Cairns today for your morningdisembarkation.EXTENSIONSThis cruise itinerary can also be taken in reverse oralternatively three and four night cruises areavailable from either Cairns or Townsville.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.Bare Boatand Crewed ChartersWarm and inviting, the open waters of the Coral Seaare just made for sailing, through long sunny days orunder balmy star-filled skies. Literally take the helmof this exhilarating prospect with flotillas of yachts,catamarans and motor launches to suit all budgetsand levels of experience. Rest assured, daily radiocontact is maintained so you can feel secure nomatter what your capability may be. This inspiringalternative is perfect for those who harbour a secretdesire to head for the open seas or is just the thingfor a group of family or friends. For those whose ideaof a holiday is simply to relax on deck as othersmove the scenes, a crewed charter might be abetter idea, with different options for those whowant to experience sailing for the first time or honetheir nautical skills. So, select your boat, settle yourroute and set sail to explore these incredible waters.Windjammer