Quick Details
2026 Prices
Single - Shared Cabin
A$ 2,025
Solo - Single Person
A$ 2,850
Double Twin Cabin
A$ 5,575
Ensuite - Double Twin Cabin
A$ 5,950
Paint the Whitsundays: Your Artistic Voyage of Discovery
Unlock your inner artist amid the stunning beauty of Australia’s Whitsunday Islands!
Prepare for an extraordinary 4-night adventure where your passion for art meets the region’s natural splendour. Our “Paint the Whitsundays” journey starts before you set sail, with a special visit to Cedar Gallery in the Mackay Highlands. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in unique local art – from beautiful timber craftsmanship using rare Red Cedar to diverse paintings and sculptures reflecting the vibrant Mackay region. Meet acclaimed local artist and teacher Lyn Laver-Ahmat and gallery owner and artist Kerry McNeill. Explore their incredible works and gain a glimpse of the beauty and skill that will inspire your own creations.
From the gallery, we’ll travel to Airlie Beach and board the historic Solway Lass at Coral Sea Marina. Step aboard this century-old vessel, a true gem that combines old-world charm with modern comforts. With plenty of space above and below deck, including air-conditioned cabins from private en-suites to multi-share options, you’ll find your perfect floating retreat for four unforgettable nights.
Experience the Whitsundays Like Never Before
The 74 Whitsunday Islands are a natural masterpiece, and sailing aboard the Solway Lass is your exclusive journey into their depths. Harness the wind as we glide into hidden anchorages, revealing bucket-list highlights. Witness the stunning silica swirls of Hill Inlet, stroll upon the pristine Whitehaven Beach, discover the ancient Ngaro Rock Paintings of Nara Inlet (a 2700-year-old treasure), and enjoy panoramic views from South Molle Island. Beneath the surface, an unforgettable underwater world teems with colourful coral and marine life, offering endless inspiration.
Your Personal Artistic Journey
Once on board, you’ll be welcomed into a world where inspiration surrounds you. Guided by Lyn and Kerry, you’ll explore the timeless art of en plein air painting and mark-making techniques, crafted to help you capture the changing light and moods of the islands. Each guest receives a personal art journal and a curated set of mixed media materials, encouraging you to experiment and explore without pressure. The focus is on a relaxed, inspiring journey of personal expression, with both artists offering individual guidance to ensure everyone, from a beginner to a seasoned artist, feels supported.
By the end of this incredible trip, you’ll take home more than just photos. You’ll have a treasured collection of personal art journal entries—a lasting keepsake filled with your own unique perspective of the Whitsundays, a testament to your creative journey in paradise.
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DAY 1
Welcome to the Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP). Your complimentary Airport Transfers will take you to your accommodation (if arriving earlier) or direct to the marina if arriving the day of departure.
3.30 pm Cruise check-in, Please meet our team at Coral Sea Marina South, at Meeting Point ‘C’ at 3.30 pm where you will be checked in for your cruise.
4 pm depart on Solway Lass for your Sunset and Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a welcome platter and complimentary drinks during your sunset cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, before dining under the stars on the top deck. A great way to meet your fellow walkers and crew. Your first night’s anchorage will be at Cid Harbour, which is positioned perfectly in front of your first-morning walk.
DAY 2
Each guest will receive their own art journal and have access to a variety of mixed media materials, ensuring plenty of opportunities to experiment and explore. Each day, Lyn will share her expertise in en plein air painting and mark-making techniques to help participants capture the shifting light and vibrant colours of the islands. Along the way, both artists will offer individual guidance, ensuring everyone feels supported and inspired.
After breakfast, we’ll cruise to Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island. Then take the 15-minute walk to Hill Inlet and the stunning lookout views of the swirling sands. We’ll spend some time here for you to capture the scene, as it’s one of the most popular views. When you’re ready, we’ll head down to Betsy’s Beach for some relaxed beach time. Experience the silica sand, marine life and picturesque scenery.
We’ll return to Solway Lass for lunch, then cruise to Border Island in the afternoon to enjoy snorkelling amongst the impressive coral and marine life.
DAY 3
Sunrise on Border Island is one of the highlights of the trip. Serenity in the early hours makes a fantastic background for your second artwork. Take your time and capture the moment.
After breakfast, your hosts will conduct their second session on the deck of Solway Lass.
Late morning, we will head to the northern bays of Hook Island. Watch out for whales as we cruise along.
After lunch, we’ll enjoy snorkelling at Mantaray Bay and perhaps see a giant Maori Wasse. Late afternoon, capture the beauty of the golden hour before sunset as the Whitsundays change colours against the backdrop of the falling sun.
DAY 4
We cruise around to Langford Island, a small island with a long sand spit that comes alive at low tide. Enjoy the short walk to the lookout with a 360-degree view, including Hayman Island. Discover lemon sharks and rays in the lagoon and beachcomb along the spit. It’s a magical spot.
Grab a paddleboard and see the island from the water or enjoy a splash in the turquoise waters. Later in the morning, we’ll go across to Black Island, one of our favourite snorkelling spots. This section of the Whitsundays offers endless creative opportunities.
Late afternoon, we’ll travel to Nara Inlet and visit the Ngaro Rock paintings, which are 2700 years old.
DAY 5
We’ll cruise across the Whitsunday Passage to South Molle Island and spend the early morning painting from the island, with Solway Lass in the foreground and South Molle Island as the backdrop.
We’ll cruise home by Midday for your return journey’s home.
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Complimentary bus transfers from Mackay Airport to Cedar Gallery and then to Coral Sea Marina. Return transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport
On Tour
- Sailing onboard a beautiful history-rich 120yr old Tall Ship Solway Lass
- 5 Nights accommodation in your airconditioned cosy cabin
- Services of local skipper and crews
- Walking guide with interpretations
- All meals and snacks onboard, filtered and chilled tap water, tea and coffee
- Linen including bath towels
- Snorkelling equipment and basic tuition
- Stinger suit
- Standup paddleboards
- National Park, Marine Park and marina levies
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Solway Lass has a fully licensed bar with alcoholic drinks, bottled water, and soft drinks sold at reasonable prices. Accounts can be paid at the end of the trip, using Cash, Visa, Mastercard, or EFTPOS. Complimentary chilled tap water, tea, and coffee are available at all times.
Please pack only what you will need for your trip in a soft-sided bag, no bigger than carry-on baggage limits for an aircraft.