The sun, sand, tropical heat and turquoise beaches of the Whitsundays are just the beginning of an incredible experience for sun and beach lovers. Lie by the pool or take sunset swims as you watch dolphins and turtles swimming in the water. Perhaps you just want to take a leisurely sail around the islands for some marine viewing. This unique tourist destination is a definite must on your bucket list as it caters to a range of prices, needs, and tastes.
Where Are The Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands located near the Queensland and are part of the Great Barrier Reef. They are located 900km north of Brisbane and extend from the town of Bowen in the north to Proserpine in the south. The island group is centred on Whitsunday Island, while the group's commercial centre is Hamilton Island.
You can explore the islands from the mainland by yacht, powerboat or kayak. Chartering a yacht or boating is a popular way to explore the seaways, beaches, and coves.
The most notable islands in the main Whitsunday group are named Dent, Hamilton, Hayman, Hook and Whitsunday island which features the famous white sands of Whitehaven Beach. There are also many attractions and splendid beaches near Lindeman Island and Molle Island (including Daydream Islands).
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Where Can I Stay?
Every type of accommodation can be found throughout the islands. Cheaper camping grounds can be found at eight areas on the three islands. Several of the islands also have large resorts and a wide variety of accommodation and activities. Hayman and Hamilton Island both have upmarket resorts that all have something unique to offer.
One of the most unusual and exciting ways to experience the area is by staying out on the water at Cruise Whitsundays Reefsleep. It is situated on a floating pontoon near the Great Barrier Reef, 40 nautical miles from land. Visitors can sleep traditionally in a swag under the stars. During the day visitors can go snorkeling and diving and there is an underwater viewing chamber for watching marine life.
What Is There To Do?
For those that want to explore nature and the local wildlife, Catseye Beach located on Hamilton Island is a great place to visit. It has calm, turquoise water with stunning views. Kayaks and other equipment are available for hire near the beach. Whitehaven Beach (one of the most popular) is also found on this island. Here you’ll find excellent snorkelling and an abundance of fish and even turtles. The beach has received many accolades as one of Australia’s top beaches as It has some of the purest, softest, whitest sand and the colour of the water is unparalleled.
If you enjoy a lively scene then its worth considering some of the various festivals that are held during the year. Some of these include the Whitsunday Latin Festival, Whitsunday Reef Festival, Airlie Beach Festival of Sailing and Airlie beach Festival of Music.
Shopping more your thing? Then you might like to know that there are a number of large shopping precincts and stores scattered throughout the islands and mainland. Airlie Beach has everything including souvenirs and clothing at Centro Whitsunday Shopping Centre.
Where Is There To Eat?
The island resorts and luxury hotels scattered throughout the islands and major towns of Airlie Beach and Proserpine have an enormous range of dining to suit your tastes. With fantastic fresh seafood and produce from all across Australia, there is also a diverse range of cultural food on offer including Thai, Indian, Italian, and Australian pub food.
With 74 islands there is so much to explore and experience life here and a stunning sandy bay is very easy to find. It is the ultimate beach holiday and there are very few people that return from the Whitsundays without some incredible photos and experiences to last a lifetime.
Have you ever been to the Whitsundays?