As we sailed into a glorious sunset the only thing I could hear was the gentle breeze in the sails, the lapping of water against the side of the boat and the popping sound of yet another bottle of bubbly being opened.
Another relaxing day in the Whitsunday Islands was drawing to a close and it was time to cast anchor in some new secluded bay and throw some fish on the barbecue at the stern of our yacht.
The Whitsunday Islands we were sailing around are a coral chain of 74 islands surrounded by warm turquoise sea, protected by the Great Barrier Reef off Northern Queensland. To this day they are almost as unspoiled as they were when Captain Cook named them in 1770.
Most of the hilly, wooded islands, fringed with white sand, are designated national parks and uninhabited. So a sleek, six-berth 46ft yacht is an ideal way to visit them.
Sailing past two of the largest islands, Whitsunday and Hook, we decided to take our dinghy ashore to explore beautiful walking trails in the tropical rainforest and swim from powder-soft, sandy beaches.
After the catamaran loaded up with daytrippers left for the afternoon, we had the area to ourselves. We snorkelled along the coral reef, watching the brightly-coloured fish, while at dusk our yacht was circled by sea eagles and turtles.
Although sailing around the Whitsundays is considered easy with no treacherous conditions, being land lovers we opted for a skipper to take charge and show us the best bays and beaches.
Alternatively, holidaymakers can hire a cabin cruiser which is more spacious, faster and easier to handle than a yacht, but without the charm of sails.
Indeed, sailing is not for everyone – the accommodation is very small, there is little privacy or shade and no shopping opportunities.
However, there are plenty of opportunities to step ashore and we opted to explore Hayman Island, one of the most luxurious beach resorts in the world and the most northerly of the Whitsundays.
Guests arrive by private launch and are escorted to their penthouses or beachfront rooms by staff in white sailor suits.
Exotic birds flit about the lush trees between the low-rise hotel buildings, while flying foxes flap through the rafters of the airy bar.
Accommodation ranges from very comfortable to the last word in opulence.
The Italian suite where Kevin Costner stayed for $2,000 a day boasts marble bathrooms, a butler’s pantry and a spacious sitting room.
We encountered several wide-eyed young couples clearly having the honeymoon of a lifetime. There is even a wedding chapel perched picturesquely over the bay for those who want to tie the knot on the island.
Apart from lying on immaculate beaches, holidaymakers can swim in the gigantic pool, play tennis, fish or take part in numerous water sports such as water skiing, wind surfing, parasailing and scuba diving.
Other islands include Hamilton, a 2hr 30mins flight from Sydney, and the gateway to the Whitsundays.
Hamilton has been made famous by millionaires such as George Harrison who have bought vacation homes on the island and pop group The Corrs were recently spotted there.
Being one of the liveliest of the seven inhabited islands in the Whitsundays, Hamilton attracts those who want more than just a desert island experience.
In addition to masses of sunshine and long sandy beaches, the village-like resort offers a variety of restaurants, shops and night spots, and is also a centre for excursions as well as offering good fishing, whale watching, water sports and nature trails.