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Cruising the Coral Coast

As a fleet of Whitehaven Motor Yachts head north, we thought we would take the opportunity to feature two of the leading marinas on the journey, Mackay Marina and Port of Airlie. The key to a successful long-range cruise is to know the best places to grab supplies and discover the main coastline of Australia.

Mackay Marina

The marina in Mackay is one of the largest on Queensland’s cruising coastline. The 400+ berth facility can accommodate vessels up to 55-metres in a deep water, protected harbour. With plenty of restaurants, laundry facilities, a fuel wharf, general stores and a vibrant marine service industry, it is an ideal base to discover the Swain Reefs, Percy Group or St Bees Island.

Mackay itself has its charms. Did you know that Eungella National Park, just west of Mackay, is the most likely place in Australia to see the shy and elusive Platypus? The city centre of Mackay also offers the architectural buff the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings as the city was rebuilt after a devasting cyclone in 1918.

Find out more at https://www.mackaymarina.com/

Port of Airlie

If you were looking for a marina with an unparalleled location then you would look no further than Port of Airlie. As the name suggests, the marina is in the heart of Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. It is one of the newest marinas on the coastline and is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars and accommodation. The marina offers all the mod cons – toilets, showers, laundry and wifi access – through the owners’ concierge lounge. You can refuel and the marina offers courtesy cars for reprovisioning at the local supermarkets.

Airlie Beach is more than an embarkation/disembarkation/supply point for the Whitsunday Island group. The redeveloped foreshore is perfect for families to soak up the sun and, for the young at heart, there are plenty of bars and night spots.

Find out more at https://www.portofairlie.com.au/

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