Charter Chatter

- Celebrating the launch of The Whitsundays’ new tourism brand, The Whitsundays 74 Island Wonders, Tourism Queensland decided the timing was right to partner with Merit and put some Whitsundays wind into the Sydney to Hobart racer's sail. Merit, the Volvo 60 round-the-world racing yacht owned by Whitsundays locals Leo Rodriguez and Ian Bishop, sailed in this year's Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race with a sail that said they'd rather be in The Whitsundays. Merit was the 18th boat to finish in Hobart.

- Australia Day’s events on Sydney Harbour on 26 January include a Ferrython, Awesome Forces displays, best-dressed vessels competition, tall ships race, Australia Day Regatta, Jazz on the Water Concert and fireworks. Charter boats are available for individual or group bookings. For details on events see www.australiaday.com.au

- Captain Cook Cruises offers a five- or seven-night cruise and land package, including a Murray River cruise aboard its only paddlewheeler, the Murray Princess, one night in Adelaide and two full days on Kangaroo Island.

- Oprah Winfrey’s Australian adventure started at Hamilton Island where Oprah and the ultimate viewers were treated to a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, a jetski tour, a sail around the Whitsunday Islands, and a beach barbecue with world famous Australian chef Curtis Stone on Whitehaven Beach. The adventure finished in Sydney after sailing with Russell Crowe in a regatta organised by Eastsail on Sydney Harbour.

- Captain Cook Cruises and Bass & Flinders Cruises, in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Service, have launched the Harbour Hopper which allows passengers to hop on and off at ten of Sydney Harbour’s main attractions. Available throughout December 2010 and January 2011, the Harbour Hopper pass will enable passengers over one or two days to visit and explore Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo/Athol Bay, Shark Island, Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Manly Quarantine Station and Chowder Bay/Clifton Gardens.

- From the shores of Waikiki in the 1950s the Stand Up Paddle has come to the NSW South Coast. This low-impact water sport is a graceful and fun activity that promotes fitness, stamina, strength and balance for participants of any age or fitness level. Total Eco Adventures at Broulee provides Stand Up Paddle tours, expert tuition and quality equipment.

- Lady Elliot Charters’ 44ft flybridge cruiser is available for half-day seafood cruises and full-day or overnight fishing charters. The six-hour seafood experience cruises off the coast from Bargara to Elliott Heads, anchoring for guests to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, accompanied by beer, wine and bubbly. The full-day fishing charter heads out to local reefs and fishing grounds and caters for up to eight people, while the overnight charter takes in Fraser Gutters, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands and surrounding reefs, and caters for a maximum of six.

- North Star Cruises Southern Safari cruise departs on January 10 for eight nights on the inshore waters between Adelaide and the Eyre Peninsular. The cruise visits McLaren's finest wineries and famed Kangaroo Island. Guests can cage dive with great white sharks, explore beautiful Coffin Bay and get amongst the action at a 'tuna rodeo'.

Photograph: Merit