Whitsundays Regional Overview

  

 

The Whitsundays are bathed in sunny and gloriously moderate climate throughout the year. they boasts white sandy palm-lined beaches. Whitehaven Beach is famous for being the worlds No1 ecco beach and boasts 99% pure White sillica sands, it is also a very popular destination wedding location, for couples from around the glob wanting to say their I DO's, with the beautiful back drop of Whitsunday Island and surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea lapping at the shores. The 74 tropical islands boast green rainforest dense mountain peaks with views to other isles and crystal clear placid lagoons sheltered by coral reefs and teaming with aquatic life, The Witsundays biggest draw card, is that they are located at the centre of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 Natural wonders of the world and the only living thing seen from spac, the Whitsundays are also were you will find the worlds only naturally shaped Heart Reef, affectionatly named "the hreart of the Great Barrier Reef" The 74 Islands, which make up the Whitsundays, are the jewles of the Great Barrier Reef, making them and the nearby main land, the perfect holliday destination, to get up close to this icon of the world,  There are so many things to do and ways to see this nature rich region.

Most Whitsunday island resorts cater for both families and couples. Dedicated Kids’ Clubs offer a range of safe, organised, fun activities and equipment. Children are entertained and cared for by childcare professionals to ensure that parents, as well as children, really enjoy and get the most from their holiday. Resorts with specialist children’s facilities include those on Long Island, Daydream Island, Hayman Island, and Hamilton Island.

 Many of the islands are uninhabited and completely unspoiled - a bird and nature lovers' dream, yet accessible by boat, charter or ferry. Several are dedicated national parks and offer well maintained camping sites and facilities to suit all ages and fitness levels. Contrasting with this are the many resorts scattered through the eight most visited islands. All offer world class accommodation and facilities and each is specifically designed for individuality, style and atmosphere.

Quite simply there is a resort experience to suit every taste and budget, whether the focus is on adventure or activities; on a family friendly atmosphere; on a complete get-away; on unobtrusive or eco-style living; on the delights of the table and palate; on total relaxation or on pure indulgence - it is all here - the choice is yours!

 Proximity to the Great Barrier Reef makes the Whitsundays an ideal base from which to access the many delights of reef exploration and there are levels of ease or of challenge to suit all interests, budgets and abilities. Nowhere else will you find a structure to parallel the Great Barrier Reef. Extending more than 2000 km, the reef (formed by tiny living polyps), is longer than the Great Wall of China. Astronauts report the reef, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, is the only living thing on Earth which is visible from outer space.

The Whitsunday Coast and the Whitsunday Islands offer the security of wonderfully calm waters, among the best in the world for cruising and sailing. This is because the region is largely protected by the Great Barrier Reef from seasonal cyclones and the massive swells of the Pacific Ocean. Among the most popular Whitsunday sports are snorkelling and diving. There are numerous Whitsunday boat and charter tours which provide professional guides, advice, equipment and even tuition to enable visitors to truly capture the magnificence of this underwater paradise. Complex and vibrant cities of coral, thousands of brilliantly coloured marine fish and a huge variety of other marine creatures including turtles, whales and dolphins are only a wish away, just waiting your discovery.

 The Whitsunday Islands are a magnet for tourists the world over, as much because of their conservation and unspoiled beauty as for the range of resort and holiday experiences that are their mainstay. It is a unique balance between natural and man-made attractions. As a result, broader mainstream services like shopping malls, health, education, trades, varied accommodation, eateries, and cultural venues are supplied by nearby towns on the mainland. Both the town of Cannonvale and world renowned Airlie Beach operate in a complementary capacity to fill these needs. (The two are located only minutes apart and joined by a spectacular headland drive where distant islands are silhouetted against the calm waters of the Whitsunday passage.) Almost anything can be sourced with Cannonvale and Airlie Beach businesses operating as a single zone.

The charming rural town of Proserpine lies on the main Bruce Highway only minutes from the Whitsunday airport and forty kilometres inland from Airlie Beach. It is a perfect place to stop for a break, have a look around, and enjoy a bite to eat. Nearby is Lake Proserpine, home to some of the best fresh water barramundi fishing in Australia.

South of Proserpine, leaving the Whitsundays (Laguna Quays being the most southern region in the Whitsundays ) on the Bruce Highway towards Mackay is the Eungella National park - one of only a few places in Australia where you can see wild platypuses in their natural habitat.

 North of Proserpine on the Bruce Highway is the town of Bowen, one of Queensland’s major fruit and vegetable growing areas and world famous for its mangos. Apart from its produce, Bowen boasts some of the country’s most scenic coastline. At pretty Horse Shoe Bay, snorkelers can see tropical fish swimming amongst the coral within just metres of the beach. (Bowen is also the Whitsundays most northern region).

 For both novel and advanced fishermen, Charter vessels operating from the Whitsunday’s Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island offer some of Queensland’s best fishing trips to the outer Reef.  Indulge. It’s worth the fun and the experience. Imagine taking home tales of encounters with coral trout, mackerel, tuna - even black marlin and sailfish! All wonderful experiences and almost guaranteed to become treasured lifelong memories.