The Whitsundays.
The natural attractions of the Whitsundays go beyond the discovery of diving and snorkelling on some of the best locations on The Great Barrier Reef.
Seventy per cent of the region is protected as national and marine park, making it a truly unique destination.
There are characteristic coastal towns, 74 beautiful islands - only eight of which are inhabited, stunning beaches including the world famous Whitehaven Beach, and spectacular rainforest with many species of native birds, mammals and reptiles.
Local estuaries and wetlands that meander inland from the coast to the Proserpine River are also a feature.
The Whitsundays are unique, exotic and spectacularly beautiful - one of those rare and unforgettable places where Mother Nature is at her best.
And where there is nature, there is adventure.
The Whitsundays experience is indeed something extraordinary, particularly when it comes to outdoor adventure and recreational activities, offering something for everyone.
For so long in the shadow of its wonderful off-shore island resorts, the beachfront village of Airlie Beach has emerged from this cloud over the last few years to become a tourism destination in its own right.
Colourful, cosmopolitan and inviting, Airlie is a thriving little town full of interest.
Although still growing, it has that wonderful Australian small town charm, national parks as far as the eye can see and is part of a picturesque peninsula that reaches out to the Whitsundays Passage.
For visitors this means abundant accommodation, activity options and nightlife.
The Whitsundays can offer each discount-traveller a unique experience to complement their lifestyle: from luxury to adventure, and from relaxation to ecological or family fun-filled holidays.
Airlie Beach Lagoon in the centre of town is a welcome oasis, providing stinger-free swimming with lifeguard attendants and a children’s pool and playground.
Stroll to Abel Point Marina for numerous cruises.
Shute Harbour, 11 kilometres to the south, is the major ferry terminal and jumping-off point to the reef and islands.
South of Airlie lies Laguna Whitsundays, which has won acclaim for its Turtle Point golf course.
Indulge in creature comforts of the island resorts, catering to everything from family fun to budget options and eco solutions for a natural retreat.
You can sip cocktails in an elegant oasis or be pampered with spa therapies.
Just choose a resort to suit your needs.
Most of the island resorts in the Whitsundays provide accommodation and facilities for families as well as couples.
Dedicated 'kids clubs' offer a wide range of organised activities and equipment, allowing parents time to indulge in some of the resort experiences.
Daydream Island Resort and Spa is renowned for its world-class rejuvenation spa, outdoor cinema and stunning glass chapel.
Hamilton Island offers six styles of accommodation , 10 restaurants , seven swimming pools and more than 40 activities.
Hamilton Island is all about choice.
Hayman is surrounded by calm, crystal waters, the perfect complement to the five-star luxury this resort exudes.
Everything is done in style, with ultimate comfort.
Long island Resort is surrounded by national park and contains 20 kilometres of bushwalks, considered by many to be some of the prettiest in the Whitsundays Islands group.
South Molle Island resort offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere ideal for both families and couples.
The mainland's dining and entertainment options centre around Airlie Beach and range from silver service under the stars to al fresco cafes and cheap eats.
The Esplanade is the centre for restaurants and a great place for enjoying a 'coldie' (that’s a beer if you don’t know�) while the sun sets.
Airlie's lively clubs and bars provide plenty of entertainment well into the night.
The islands also feature quality dining and entertainment options and many resorts offer half or full board package prices.
Every Saturday the foreshore parkland in Airlie Beach turns into a bustling market with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, local arts and crafts and all manner of goods under the shade of the coconut palms.
Airlie Beach is lined with unique shopping experiences from clothing and jewellery to gifts.
There is a range of diverse shops, most opening all day, every day, into the early evening.
Most of the islands have kiosks selling basic provisions for any unexpected holiday needs and some of the larger islands also have general stores to allow for self-catering if desired.
All the islands have gift shops or boutiques to satisfy many shopping cravings.
The 30-kilometre Great Whitsundays Walk located in Conway State Forest opened in August 2004.
It showcases lush tropical rainforests, valleys, woodlands and the seasonal creeks of the Conway Range, set against the sparkling backdrop of the Coral Sea.
The walk has short, easy strolls for day visitors and more challenging and remote routes for well-prepared walkers, who should allow three days to complete the whole track, which links Brandy Creek Road to the Airlie Beach township.
Highlights include panoramic views of Shute Harbour, Cannonvale and the Whitsundays Islands.
The track follows sections of old logging roads, at times weaving through giant strangler figs and tulip oaks.
These are some of the most beautiful and enjoyable sailing waters in the world.
Master your own yacht or launch for a few days, chart your own course, then drop anchor for the night in an idyllic bay of turquoise water in the shelter of an uninhabited island.
Go adventure sailing on a tall ship, join a cruise or head out for the day on an ocean racing yacht.
Imagine yourself with the salty tang of the sea breeze in your face and an expanse of brilliant white sail unfurling and filling with the wind overhead.
This is just one of the spectrum of sailing adventures visitors can experience in the Whitsundays, whether it be charting your own course on a skipper yourself (bareboat) yacht; being part of the action on a crewed charter, an ocean racer or a tall ship; or lying back and observing on a luxury launch or premium yacht.
If you want the force of motors behind you and like to hit the sea running, ocean rafting is an exciting option.
The focus of ocean rafting is adventure, participation and education, all in a natural environment.
Every day brings new experiences; discover one of the seven natural wonders right on our doorstop - the Great Barrier Reef.
Lying at the heart of the necklace of coral platforms that combine to form the Great Barrier Reef is the Whitsundays - one of its true jewels.
The mosaic of coral platforms, turquoise lagoons and rich blue channels are some of the most pristine areas of the entire Great Barrier Reef and they are home to more than 400 varieties of coral and 1500 species of tropical fish and marine creatures.
See the reef in a semi-submersible, go snorkelling or diving through coral gardens or take a cruise along the Reef River.
If cruising isn't your thing and you really want to appreciate the true size of the Great Barrier Reef, you can either fly by helicopter or seaplane, which also takes you over the beautiful Heart Reef and world famous Whitehaven Beach.
Much of the water-based activity embarks from Abel Point Marina, just five minutes walk from the centre of Airlie.
Charter yachts, sailing cruises and dive adventures all depart from the recently expanded marina, which also caters for touring yachts right up to the super yachts that come to discover the pleasures and treasures of the Whitsundays.
Many of the islands offer some complimentary water sports such as snorkelling and non-motorised watercraft, but also offer other opportunities ranging from yacht sailing to waterskiing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, parasailing and more.
Whitehaven Beach is one of Australia's iconic destinations and something not to be missed by any visitor to the Whitsundays.
Once there you can wander along one of the world's best beaches - seven kilometres of soft white silica sand, washed by crystal clear waters that ebb calmly over the shores.
The spectacle of Hill Inlet can be seen from the nearby lookout.
The Whitsundays are unique, exotic and spectacularly beautiful, don't just take my word for it, visit and find out for yourself, and don't forget the prime directive.............enjoy.
John.
