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Short on time or on a budget? With 2 days/1 night and a reputation for comfort and value, we will sail you to the highlights of the Whitsunday Islands.
Snorkel the most amazing fringing reefs, relax, run barefooted on an unspoilt beach and anchor at a picturesque bay. With a choice of shared cabin or private double cabins, wide flat uncluttered decks, shade awnings, roomy interior and Aussie BBQ Waltzing Matilda is an ideal cruising yacht for a Whitsunday adventure.
Days
- 2 days, 1 night
Group size
- Max 14
Start / finish
- Airlie Beach / Airlie Beach
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 1 night on board in cabins, with fresh linen and hand basins in most of them. Nobody sleeps in the common areas. Private and shared cabins are both available.
Transport
- Waltzing Matilda, a 16.5 metre Roberts ketch built in Queensland, carrying 14 passengers and 2 crew. She leaves Airlie Beach at 8:30am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Meals
- Lunch and a barbecue dinner on the first day, then breakfast on the second, all cooked on board. Bring your own alcohol.
Route
Included experiences
- Whitehaven Beach — seven kilometres of pure silica sand
- Hill Inlet lookout — a guided bush walk to one of the most photographed views in Australia
- Snorkelling — Luncheon Bay, Blue Pearl Bay or Manta Ray Bay, depending on tide and weather
- Coral reefs — snorkelling with all gear provided
- Sailing — pulling on the sails and taking a turn at the helm
- Wildlife — turtles, eagles, sharks, dolphins and whales
- Evenings on deck under the Southern Cross
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Departs: 8:30 am - Tue, Thur, Sat
Sit back and relax under the Southern Cross while the crew grill you a steak on the BBQ. With just 14 passengers and 2 crew on this 16.5m yacht, 'Waltzing Matilda' will ensure your trip is truly memorable.
Built in Queensland with a reputation for combining comfort with adventure, this Roberts Ketch offers a spacious, relaxed atmosphere for cruising the northern tropical waters. On board you'll find a spacious saloon with 8ft of headroom, plenty of uncluttered deck area to stretch out, and comfortable cabins — no sleeping in common areas, with hand basins in most cabins.
Day 1: Sailing & snorkelling the Whitsundays
Trips depend on tide and weather throughout your 2-day, 1-night journey. Your crew will take you to some of the region's top snorkel spots — which might include Luncheon Bay, Blue Pearl Bay or Manta Ray Bay. As well as snorkelling the beautiful coral reefs, you can help pull the sails and have a go at driving the boat for a real Aussie experience, or simply relax in the sun and watch the scenery pass by. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as turtles, eagles, sharks, dolphins and whales!
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accom: On board
Day 2: Whitehaven Beach
Visit Whitehaven Beach, with its 7km of pure silica sand and pristine waters, including a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout — one of the most photographed places in Australia. Sleep out on deck under the stars, or spend time socialising with your fellow passengers. The crew aim to make this sail-and-snorkel trip a memorable experience both above and below the waterline.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accom: No accommodation on the final day
Reviews
4.9
Based on 39 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 39 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the small-group, relaxed atmosphere aboard the boat, noting that with only around 14 guests it suits solo travellers, couples and families across a wide age range rather than a party crowd. The most frequently mentioned highlights are the friendly and knowledgeable crew, the freshly prepared meals (including good options for vegetarians, vegans and those with allergies), and the itinerary taking in Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and snorkelling spots, with many reporting wildlife sightings such as whales, turtles, dolphins and rays. Reviewers also appreciated the comfortable deck bean bags, the provision of equipment and rain jackets, and reaching the beach outside peak crowds. Overcast, cold or windy weather was a recurring feature, though most said it did not spoil the trip, and several suggested bringing seasickness tablets. The main criticisms noted were that the boat is old and in need of maintenance in places, cabins are small, and one traveller mentioned having to pay for bottled water.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
“Fantastic experience”
My 23 year old son and my 68 year old mother could both enjoy. Everyone was so helpful and the spots we visited were practically all to ourselves...Coral colors and fish were amazing, the knowledge from staff was top notch. And let me say the meals that we’re prepared were spectacular! I would recommend to anyone looking to do a whitsunday trip with the Waltzing Matilda.
“Excellent experience”
Really friendly staff, they shared their knowledge about the whitsundays and the reef. Took us to nice spots and made our days really good. Two snorkeling spots and a visit on Whitehaven beach. Nice food.
“Whitsunday Must Do!”
2 days of sailing around the Whitsunday Islands including a couple of very good snorkel stops around Hook Island and also a walk up to Hill Inlet look out and a few hours spent on the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. So pristine and beautiful! Waltzing Matilda is a classic sailing vessel and has been popular for many years!
Our skipper, Willow, was an awesome character and loved chatting with everyone and provided good banter over the 2 days. He has years of sailing experience in the Whitsundays and loves his job very much. Top bloke.
Noelle, our deck hand was so lovely and never seemed to stop working! She prepared amazing meals for us, guided us on awesome snorkeling spots and the hike up to Hill Inlet and gave us valuable knowledge on the area. I can't fault Noelle and Willow at all, they were superstars and clearly love what they do!
Everyone on board was between mid 20's mid 40's or so, a good bunch of people. This vessel does take pretty much anyone on board however so I highly recommend Waltzing Matilda to any type of traveller!
“What an incredible adventure”
Chill, relax and fun with a fantastic crew. Thanks to Matty and Noel to let as feel as a family. Every place was amazing and very good explained. Good food was a plus to combine the perfect experience.
“Really lovely 2 days despite being overcast”
Matty and Noel were friendly and helpful crew and the food was amazing! Thanks Noel! And Matty let me have a go at steering the boat... difficult. Whitehaven beach was beautiful and hill inlet. Snorkeling was fun and Matty throwing food from the dingy made hundreds of fish swarm us which was great! Thank you
“Great Sailing trip to Whitsunday!”
We had 2 amazing days with Steve and Matt on the boat. Sailing, snorkelling, beaches and the food were great. Thank you!
“Amazing 2day trip”
I just came back from this 2 days sailing trip on waltzing matilda. This was one of the best tours I‘ve ever done. Very well organised, felt always safe, great freshly prepared food and such a good vibe on the boat. There were some couples, solo travelers and friends and an awesome crew. The sleeping rooms were tiny - but this is normal on such a sailing ship. Thank you for this great experience!
“Great last minute trip!”
We didn’t plan to stop in the Whitsundays when we did but we sure are pleased with how everything worked out!! We were able to book aboard the Waltzing Matilda the day before (it’s currently low season so I wouldn’t expect this during high season). The staff were very accommodating, as we booked the last two spots we were initially told that we weren’t able to stay in the same room; however we ended up together anyway.
Elliot and Amy were our crew. They were friendly, entertaining, and knowledgeable about the area. Amy prepared some excellent meals. Both Elliot and Amy were able to spot whales and turtles for us while sailing. I don’t even know how they spotted them.
The snorkel spots we went to were full of fish. And the coral was great!
We had such great weather we almost didn’t get to sail (there was essentially no wind) but we were pleasantly surprised when we did get too.
There is sunscreen on board if you forget.
Would definitely go on another trip with this company.
“Great Trip for people who want a great quiet time”
When we were looking for a whitsundays cruise. We were looking specifically for cruises that are smaller in size and are more chill. Waltzing matilda is exactly this. Our skipper elliot was great and our deck hand aymee was awesome! They were very accommodating to the needs of their guests and they ensured everyones safety. Our rooms/ sheets were clean as well as the restrooms. The timing of the cruise was also just great enough to get you beach cravings satisfied yet not too long to get bored or sick. I would try an outer GBR cruise next time but this cruise is definitely a must try!
“Great 2 day sailing and snorkeling”
We had a great time on the Waltzing Matilda, the Crew, Noelle and Matt, were great. Great food, great sailing, great snorkeling with good help for our kids who hadn’t tried it before. The kids (aged 10 and 11) loved the Skipper who did lots of fun stuff with and for the kids.
The boat is comfortable with only 14 guests making this a relaxed way of experiencing the whitsundays, even when it was quite windy.
“Perfect 2 day 1 night trip”
We had an amazing time on Waltzing Matilda. Love the bean bags on deck, lots of space to sit and relax. Crew super helpful and funny, our captain made our trip unique to us and made sure we were out of the crowds, we saw heaps of huge turtles, amazing coral and the Whitehaven beach at prime time for low tide. The sunset cruise at night was really special. Great food and healthy snacks. All equipment provided. It is exactly as it states...affordable and comfortable.
Thanks Matt and Tom for your hospitality:)
“Wonderful journey”
Snorkel, beautiful food, snacks, people, slowly drive in the boat.
i'll remember airlie beach!
i love.
“Amazing trip”
Did a two-day sailing trip aboard the Waltzing Matilda. We’ve seen many amazing spots, the crew was professional, and the freshly prepared meals delicious. The on deck green sitting bags were great! Definitely recommend this trip.
“We enjoyed The trip and we recommend!”
We arrive un Airlie Beach and we wanted to do a Whitsundays trip.
So we choose the Waltzing Matilda.
And we don’t regret it!!!!
The trip was awesome!
The crew is experimented and they are very Nice.
The food was amazing.
Everything was clean...
we enjoyed The trip and we recommend!!!!
Especially for the amazing footstool very comfortable.
“Great Sailing trip with Waltzing Matilda!”
I had an amazing experience sailing with waltzing Matilda in September. The crew (Noelle and Willow) were lovely and really made an effort to make sure everyone on board was having a good time. We sailed to some amazing locations around the Whitsundays including whitehaven beach and two of the best snorkel spots! The meals were all freshly prepared by the crew and there was more than enough for everyone after a big day of activities. The boat itself was super comfortable and clean and the bean bags on the deck are perfect for an afternoon nap. This trip was great and on the way back everyone was begging the skipper to turn around so we could have one more day on the water! I would highly recommend this trip to any solo travellers, couples or families! Well done Waltzing Matilda Team!
“Great 2-day on the Waltzing Matilda”
We had a great experience aboard the Waltzing Matilda and we'd totally recommend it! The crew (Elliot and Troy) was great. Elliot was very knowledgeable, always willing to answer our random questions and explain about the route, what we were seeing, etc... Food was also very good (Troy's secret sauce was a hit). The snorkeling spots they choose were also very good. On the second day the wind helped and we were able to sail all the way back to Airline Beach. Overall we had a great time and would definitely repeat it.
“Amazing time”
We had so much fun and it was such a great experience. Best food and best crew of all. Definitely go there and choose waltzing matilda as a boat if you want to have a smooth holiday time in the Whitsunday island.
“Great Adventure!”
We booked this trip when we arrived in Airlie Beach, so we're stoked we could do this at the last minute. To sail these waters and see whales, turtles and rays is truely spectacular in its self. The boat, when in full sail, dances across the water beautifully. Our captain, Elliot was very relaxed and laid back whilst Amy (Amazing Amy) is a pocket rocket all over the boat, plus cooking us delicious meals, she doesn't stop. Both so very friendly and welcoming. The boat however, is very old and in need of some TLC, especially the bathroom. You get a full two days on the boat, however some more time swimming from the boat in Tounge Bay would have been sensational. Thank you Waltzing Matilda team for a memory we will treasure forever.
“Excellent choice for Whitsundays Sailing”
Liked the 2 full days and 1 night set up which I think is the perfect length for the trip. You get to go to Whitehaven beach and Hill top lookout and a snorkel site and we saw the Milky way at night when Elliot turned the lights off for some stargazing. Eliott also used a blue light that attracted 3 to 4 dolphins and lots Of fish and then gave us show by stirring up the phosphorus plankton. Noelle and Elliott are an excellent crew who take care of everything and are very informative and experienced. Boat is clean and well run. Food is great. It was quite windy so appreciated that the boat had raincoats to keep you warm and dry. Great for families and couples
“Two wonderful days”
Highly recommend this trip. We booked the trip at 6 PM the day before the trip started. On the next day we received a warm welcome from the owner at the meeting point. This yacht is very suitable for families and we haven't had the feeling of a typical tourist trip. The whole trip was very familiar. Our cabin was clean and the space was ok.
The whole crew was experienced, friendly and inclusive of all guests.
Food was delicious and plentiful.
All equipment was clean and well maintained.
The skipper gave us the feeling that we are save at any time.
Great way to experience snorkelling, sailing and Whitehaven Beach.
Many thanks to the whole Waltzing Matilda crew.
Cheers
Thomas
PS
One comment to Troy!
The food was very delicious.
“Wonderful 2 day/1 night boat trip”
Highly recommend this trip. Unlike the party boats (more suited to young backpackers) this yacht is very suitable for families, solo travellers of all ages and couples.
The skipper Elliott and crew Noelle were experienced, friendly and inclusive of all guests.
Food was delicious and plentiful.
All equipment was clean and well maintained.
Yellow rain jackets supplied were appreciated.
Bunk beds were fine for an overnight trip (apparently more spacious than the ex-racing yacht accommodation).
Great way to experience snorkelling, sailing and Whitehaven Beach.
“Very special experience!”
This was a very special experience on our two day trip on Waltzing Matilda. Although the weather wasn't very friendly (cold, windy and some rain) our crew Noelle and Elliott took very good care of us and showed us very special spots around Whitsunday Island. Allergies and Intolerances were regarded and the food in general was very good and nicely presented. We were very lucky to see wales and dolphins up close. The only negative point was that we had to pay for bottled water (tab water is not enjoyable). A tip: If you are likely to suffer from movement sickness take some travel pills with you.
“Perfect sailing trip for family with good food”
Thank you Willo and Noel for this great trip. Beautiful food, stunning views, good whale and turtle spotting. Boat was perfect for this two day trip with our 3 children.
“Such an amazing trip!”
Shout out to Elliot and Noel! Such an amazing trip!
We were swimming next to colorfull corals, fish and above and with humpbacks and manta rays!
Unfortunately the Hill inlet lookout was closed for maintenance but Elliot managed to get us up there before the works started in the morning.
The tour was well planned, still relaxed and fitted to all the other tours so that we went to whitehaven beach before its getting too crowded
Awesome people good food great pictures and even better memories!
“Absolutely incredible!”
I did this trip about a week ago and it was a bit windy for the initial sail out but was absolutely incredible! Noel and Elliot are fantastic, knowledgeable and a great dynamic for crew. We saw stingrays, a baby whale, so many fish and managed to get to Whitehaven Beach before it gets inundated with tourists. Well recommended!!
“Awesome!”
Nice and beautiful trip. Friendly crew and two chilled and beautiful days. Very very good food and the spots to snorkel and going on the white heaven beach were just fantastic. To that we saw a lot of Wales dolphins turtles and rays what was stunning.
Was really really worth the time!!
“Amazing trip”
This 2 days trip is just amazing. Really. Noel and Elliot are so nice, dedicated to make you feel the best, and they are really enthusiastic.
The boat is really great, the food delicious, the activities turned to be amazing (we were so lucky with whales and even a manta ray while we were snorkelling !! And also dolphins playing at the top of the boat).
I highly recommand to book with them !!
“Amazing trip with Waltzing Matilda”
We spent 2 amazing days in Whitsundays with Waltzing Matilda. Our crew (Nael and Elliot) was just Perfect and thanks to them we saw dolphin and whales. we had the chance to swim with a manta ray. these 2 days were uncredible. thank you guys for this dream trip!!
“Totally Recommended 100%”
Staff were fantastic providing heaps of great food and lots of information about what we needed to do and could see. Plenty of room above and below decks with separate cabins and rooms for sleeping. All the snorkling, stinger suits and wet weather jackets on board and great opportunity to get involved with some hauling sails. One day of sun and one of misty rain, but we all had a great time. Recommend to others.
“100% recommended”
Amazing experience, the guides were so nice and paid a lot of attention to everything. I would repeat if I came back :D
“Unique and Gorgeous Adventure!”
Noel and Elliot did a great job leading this small group exhibition. Even though the weather was not great, we had a really lovely time (and got to have a lot of the popular views to ourselves!). The rest of the passengers were great as well- we had a good time just chilling out and getting to know each other. It goes without saying that Whitehaven and the Whitesundays were incredible. Snorkling was beautiful and there were lots of fish! This is a great way to see the islands in a more intimate and personal setting than many of the day trips. The owner of the Waltzing Matilda even met us at the marina at the beginning and end of the trip and got to know us a little bit. Definitely would recommend this trip to anyone!
“Unique and Gorgeous Adventure!”
Noel and Elliot did a great job leading this small group exhibition. Even though the weather was not great, we had a really lovely time (and got to have a lot of the popular views to ourselves!). The rest of the passengers were great as well- we had a good time just chilling out and getting to know each other. It goes without saying that Whitehaven and the Whitesundays were incredible. Snorkling was beautiful and there were lots of fish! This is a great way to see the islands in a more intimate and personal setting than many of the day trips. The owner of the Waltzing Matilda even met us at the marina at the beginning and end of the trip and got to know us a little bit. Definitely would recommend this trip to anyone!
“Best way to see Whitsunday!”
Such a good way to see Whitsundays! The food was so good too, vegans and vegetarians extremely well catered for! Noel and Elliot were fab, answered any questions we had, kept us well informed on the plan for the day, so welcoming and friendly. The beds were surprisingly comfortable! Would highly recommend!
“Amazing!”
This adventure was fantastic. The crew was very inviting, and the boat was very well maintained. Although our weather wasn't great, the great food and funny staff made it much better.
“Outstanding!”
Overnight sailing trip. We went to very special places in the area as the crew knows all about the region! Crew was relaxed and informing all questions when asked. Excellent sailers. The food was cooked on board and made with love:), outstanding! Also veggie. We enjoyed every Second of the trip. Great (tranquil spot in bay) overnight place to sleep. Clean facilities.. Have to give 10/10.
Special thanks to both captains and boat owner who made me feel comfy although I was totally afraid. After this trip I can't wait to go on a boat again:)! 100% recommend!
“Absolutely amazing! Great views and a great crew!”
We did the two day, one night tour with Noel and Willow and couldn’t thank them enough for such a wonderful trip! They were both so friendly and approachable and made the tour so enjoyable. The food was amazing and the trip was really well planned. We even got to see some dolphins during the night so close to the boat!
Would highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see the whitsundays. It was so relaxing and I enjoyed every minute.
Thanks guys!
“Wonderful tour!”
A fellow traveler recommended visiting the Whitsundays with the Waltzing Matilda and it did not disappoint. The boat is well maintained and a really nice sail boat. The crew are lovely, taking very good care of everyone on board. This is not a party boat, but more relaxed and it’s mostly people 25+. Which was exactly what I wanted. We also were lucky to have enough wind so we got to sail back nearly all the way. The food was good and plenty, beds comfortable. Visiting whitehaven beach is definitely worth it and spending the night on sea gives it a special touch. Plus it allows you to visit the beach after all the tour groups leave. We had it nearly to ourselves.
I was worried about getting sea sick, but you can get some cheap tablets at the local chemist that prevent it. Don’t let that stop you.
“Best things to do in Queensland”
We ve been with a friends for the 2 day to the whitsundays and it was simply amazing.
The boat, even if basic, is super cool to sail with, the crew is as nice as they are cool, and they know the sea around Airlie Beach like no other... :)
Totally loved it
“Waltzing Matilda was amazing!”
We went on a sailing trip with the Waltzing Matilda and had the time of our lifes! We went swimming at Whitehaven beach, had a whole afternoon to enjoy the beauty and magic of this place, but also got to snorkel and saw giant turtles! Such an amazing experience! The captain and his assistant Doug are both awesome guys, very young and with a passion for sailing. I know it is an expensive trip (maybe the most expensive to days of my life) but totally worth every cent. The fact that there was just 14 people on board made it a very unique experience and you got to know people well in a quite short period of time! I would always choose them again :)
