BEST BAREBOAT OPERATOR 2025
A TOAST TO TRIUMPH: Let’s raise a glass to the passionate and dedicated team at Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays. What a night it was at the Tourism Awards, with Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays clinching the top gong for Bareboating!
GOLD; Woo Hoo! With thousands of happy sailors sharing their stories, this Aussie favourite has once again proven why it’s the go-to for Whitsundays Bareboat (self-skippered) holidays. The Whitsundays’ best bareboat operator for 2025 has been crowned.
The staggering review count across Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook leads the industry. The storytelling in these reviews immediately captures your attention. There are no flippant clicks; each guest deeply honours their experience with real connections to Ancient Ngaro Sea Country.
What stands out even more is their consistent scoring. With a Best of Queensland Experience score of 100/100 for the 6th year in a row. And a staggering Global Review Index (GRI) of 100%.
Tourism Whitsundays welcomes Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays to the honours board.
Extraordinary Outcome
Achieving GOLD at the Tourism Awards proves that their new paradigm is a winner. Reef custodianship, First Nations connectivity, and immersive travel all go hand-in-hand. All of the Portland Roads’ holiday experiences are a part of their quest for TOMORROW’S REEF TODAY.
“Mununandu,” said John Linton in accepting the award. “Mununandu is an Ancient Ngaro Sea Country way of saying thank you. We thank the elders of Ngaro, Gia, and Juru for permitting us to set sail in their wake. It is an honour.”
In a moving speech, John went on to say, “20 years in the making, and we are humbled: To our team, Mununandu! Thank you for your Passion, your Compassion, and your Outstanding Customer Service. This is a reward for your extraordinary efforts.”
Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays was also the inaugural winner of the Best of Queensland Experience in 2023. To this end, GOLD at this year’s Tourism Celebration continues its award-winning, customer-focused success.
What a team!
For those who have sailed with Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays, you have met many of the Portland Roads team before. Your reviews confirm that these people are amazing.
From Mike, who has clocked up 20 years and lives and breathes the Whitsundays, to Brad, who epitomises our brand with his deep and genuine connection to Ancient Ngaro Sea Country. Guy keeps us all balanced with his methodical approach, Ghigo brings a Mediterranean flavour to the Coral Sea, and Danny’s DNA keeps him on the water more than most. Bec, Maddy, April, and Ruby show us how it’s done every day, and their business is not the same without them.
The greatest supporters, Cath, Josh, Jack, Greg, Leanne, Michael, the Mitchell Family, and of course, Beau and Jesse Martin – Thank you one and all.
ECOTOURISM HERO
Ecotourism Australia’s Auditor commented, “Rarely do you come across an operator that is so absolutely committed to sustainability and ecotourism in all forms. Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays is just that operator. They live, eat, and breathe the principles of ecotourism and particularly embrace culture and indigenous history.
Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays is a shining example of ecotourism in action, ensuring the customer experience is exceptional, and the business is sustainable in all aspects of its operation. Cultural respect and sensitivity are embraced and shared.”
Before stepping off the stage, John added, “Our industry was founded by trailblazers with a passion for sailing some 40 years ago. The evolution of the bareboat industry since then is a credit to all Whitsunday Bareboat Operators. To now lead this group, with our focus clearly on the fragility of our footprint, is an honour. It speaks volumes about our connection with the guest experience.”
Tourism Whitsundays welcomes Portland Roads Sailing the Whitsundays to the honours board.
This first appeared in Mackay and Whitsunday Life, October 23 2025.