Sail into Central Queensland this winter for some great-value deals as part of Queensland's new Season of Sailing.
The Season of Sailing packages are available leading up to, and during the annual Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race (August 6-10), and most are valid through to the summer months. With everything from reef and island packages, sunset sail and dine cruises plus a boat load of family stay and sail getaways, there's a package to suit every budget.
Heron Island Resort's Bonus Meals Package offers two adults accommodation and meals from $169 per person per night (minimum four night stay) and a range of island activities including guided reef walks, ecology walks and stargazing. An optional guided sunset wine and cheese cruise is an extra $60 per person or a guided snorkel boat trip costs from $40 per person.
From $402 per night, the four-and-a-half-star Beaches on Lammermoor Apartments in the coastal town of Yeppoon are offering accommodation for two adults and two children plus a full day's sailing around the beautiful Keppel Islands on the luxury yacht 'Grace'. The whole family can snorkel in crystal clear waters, enjoy a delicious lunch and discover the 18 unspoiled islands of the Keppel Group.
For a great value family getaway look no further than the Family Bonus Sailing Package. From $695, two adults and two children can stay three nights at the Capricorn Palms Holiday Village in Yeppoon and enjoy a full day sail on 'Grace' including meals, non-alcoholic drinks, and use of snorkelling and fishing gear.
Yeppoon's new boutique beachfront apartments, Echelon is offering two nights in a self-contained serviced apartment plus a sunset sail on a 40 foot sailing yacht for $245 per person twin share.
Keppel Bay Marina's Sunset Sail and Dine package includes a sunset sail onboard a luxury yacht followed by a two course dinner at the marina's award-winning Waterline Restaurant from $140 per person. Other options include a sail and stay special at the Roslyn Bay Inn from $260 per person twin-share (minimum two nights) or an Island Discovery Charter where you can enjoy a day out on the water for only $50 per person.
The Edge Luxury Apartment Hotel in Rockhampton have also teamed up with the yacht 'Grace' to offer two great value stay and sail packages. The Capricorn Cruise and Stay package includes a full day's sailing for two people and two nights accommodation, gourmet cooked breakfast and late checkout for $680. The $916 Family Cruise and Stay Package for two adults and two children (under 16) includes a magical day cruising Keppel Bay and two nights' accommodation in a luxury two bedroom, two bathroom Edge apartment.
For some serious savings and family fun, head to Sandcastles 1770 Motel and Resort in Agnes Water. From only $780, the resort's Family Fun Reef Package offers two nights accommodation for two adults and two children, a complimentary continental breakfast and a Lady Musgrave Barrier Reef day cruise which includes morning tea, tropical buffet lunch, snorkelling, fish feeding, guided walks and coral viewing.
So whether you enjoy a sunset sail cruise and accommodation at a luxury resort or treat the whole family to a sail and stay getaway with some serious savings, Queensland's Season of Sailing is the perfect time to discover Central Queensland's sailing playground.
For more information on Queensland's Season of Sailing or to book packages visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/sailing
Getting There
The Central Queensland region is accessed via Rockhampton and Gladstone. Rockhampton is an eight hour drive north of Brisbane. Direct flights are available to Rockhampton from Brisbane (Qantas, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways) and Sydney and Townsville (Virgin Blue and Qantas) with connections from other major cities.
Gladstone is a six hour drive north of Brisbane. QantasLink offers direct flights to Gladstone from Brisbane, with connections from other major cities.
QR's Tilt Train also services the region.