Welcome to The Whitsundays, this unique and idyllic destination is situated in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by 74 tropical islands in the calm waters of the Coral Sea, halfway along the Queensland coast.
The region spans from the beautiful beaches of Bowen in the north to the inland townships of Proserpine and Collinsville, and the coastal town of Airlie Beach.
Named by Cook in 1770, The Whitsundays is the largest group of offshore islands in Australia. The region’s sparkling azure seas, cradled by the Great Barrier Reef, are dotted with an array of national park islands, coral cays, fringing coral reefs and stunning beaches. For a truly memorable holiday, The Whitsundays has it all, a veritable feast of indulgent experiences all within a short distance of each other and the Great Barrier Reef.
By far the majority of the Whitsunday islands are designated national park, leaving them uninhabited and in their purest natural state for all to enjoy – with stunning secluded bays, fringing coral reefs teeming with life, gorgeous national parks and hundreds of species of wildlife to discover. Of the 74 islands, the region has seven island resorts offering a range of accommodation and attractions. Visitors can stay on the Whitsunday Coast or at the island resorts, both of which provide a perfect base from which to enjoy the region, and there are countless ‘must-do’ experiences in The Whitsundays.
“Visitors can stay on the Whitsunday Coast or at the island resorts, both of which provide a perfect base from which to enjoy the region, and there are countless ‘must-do’ experiences in The Whitsundays.“
The Whitsundays is the ideal hub from which to enjoy all that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. From diving and snorkelling to scenic flights, to sailing, you can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands from above, below and in between. The Whitsundays is quite literally situated in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Heart Reef is a beautiful composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart and located within Hardy Reef off The Whitsundays. The region is also home to award-winning Whitehaven Beach. Pure, white, silica sand glistens along this 7km stretch of stunning beach, the jewel in the region’s crown.
The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands offer natural protection from the open ocean, making the waters of The Whitsundays some of the best sailing grounds in the world. The Whitsundays is the Heart of Sailing; there are endless secluded coves and anchorages, fringing reefs and isolated beaches to enjoy.
The Whitsunday mainland has vibrant townships, stunning scenery, beautiful waterfalls and walking tracks through ancient rainforests. With the exquisite mountainous backdrop of Conway National Park, the coastal town of Airlie Beach is a vibrant hub with a variety of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. The range of accommodation and food/wine experiences for holidaymakers to enjoy is diverse and suits all budgets. From Airlie Beach’s ‘eat street’ the Esplanade, visitors’ taste buds tingle their entire holiday. Luxury resorts, hotels, motels, caravan parks and backpacker accommodation are all on offer to suit all budgets.
Bowen, in the north of The Whitsundays, delights visitors with its gentle charm. Eight beautiful beaches are surrounding the town where you can walk, fossick, swim and snorkel, with some fringing coral reefs just metres from the beach. The region is also known for its abundant fruit and vegetables and produce mangoes, tomatoes, corn, capsicum, melons, beans, pumpkin and limes. There is also a plentiful supply of fresh, wild-caught seafood at the marina.
Surrounded by swaying cane fields, Proserpine, just a short drive south of Airlie Beach is a charming town with Art Deco architecture, friendly, laid-back hospitality and an eclectic mix of original shops, each with its own look and feel. Enjoy a counter meal with the locals at one of the quintessential country pubs on the main street. Further inland from Proserpine you will find one of Australia’s premier Barramundi impoundments, with free camping it is the place to go in search of the elusive (and delicious) barramundi.
Collinsville is a small outback town that offers a huge country welcome! Built on mining, the town celebrates this with its Coalface Experience and No. 1 Mine Site, offering a fascinating look at life underground for the many miners who worked there. Stop by the Pit Pony monument for a photo, check out the Bowen River Hotel. The area is also home to heritage-listed architecture, making the beautiful history perfect for a photo opportunity.
“The Whitsundays is quite literally situated in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Heart Reef is a beautiful composition of coral that has naturally formed…“
Island resorts, rainforest walks, sailing trips, swimming, snorkelling, relaxing or exploring – the range of activities is endless and will satisfy the most active traveller. The hardest part is deciding!
No matter what experience you desire from your tropical paradise holiday, The Whitsundays has it all.
For more information visit www.thewhitsundays.com.au
This article appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of Life Begins At… Click here to read or here to subscribe and never miss an issue!
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