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The
Whitsunday Islands are located halfway up the
Queensland coast and is located inside the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Whitsundays, along
with Cairns is a major gateway to the natural
beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
You will believe you can see forever. The enchanted
islands of the Whitsunday's are a showcase of
landscapes, environments and idyllic holiday settings.
From the unspoilt vistas of pristine National
Parks to the luxury resorts, each island has its
own unique atmosphere, style and many magical
locations. There are 74 islands in the immediate
Whitsunday region, eight with resorts and all
within close range of each other. This number
of islands climbs to around 100 if counting the
greater Cumberland group stretching south to Mackay.
English
naval officer, explorer and cartographer of Australia's
east coast, Lieutenant James Cook (later Captain)
was the first European to make records of the
islands in 1770, however it is thought seafarers
of other nations passed through the Whitsunday's
long before this time in history. Described as
the last archipelago to be explored and settled
by people of European descent, the islands have
a rich aboriginal history stretching back many
thousands of years. Cave paintings, stone fish
traps and even a flint quarry remain as evidence
of these times.
The
Whitsunday's were formed around 10,000 years ago,
at the end of an ice age, when the sea level rose
to flood a vast coastal mountain range. Visitors
to the islands today are in fact cruising to the
exposed mountain tops of a drowned landscape.
The features of today's spectacular island realm
range from volcanic mountain peaks of lichen clad
stone to deep fjord like inlets flanked in rainforest
and dotted with distinctive hoop pines. From steamy
mangrove estuaries to sweeps of pure white sand,
rolling wooded hills to islets trailing sand spits
like flowing golden veils; each corner of the
Whitsunday's is more awe inspiring than the next.
The
islands' manmade environments are just as diverse
with 10 picturesque resorts situated on eight
islands.
Hamilton Island
Truly a world of its own! Hamilton offers guests
accommodation in styles from romantic bungalows
to exclusive beachfront hotel rooms and apartments
with great views over the Whitsunday Passage and
islands. On this integrated resort you'll also
find luxury homes, a marina village, yacht club,
nightspots, galleries, boutiques, restaurants
and much, much more. An endless range of activities
includes a fauna park, diving, sailing, go cart
racing, snorkelling, fishing and nature walks.
Hayman Island
From silver service dining in one of six restaurants
to priceless works of art and marvellous landscaped
gardens, everything here says style. Among numerous
activities, Hayman offers relaxing sunset cruises,
scenic walking trails and easy access to outstanding
National Park locations like Blue Pearl Bay and
Langford Reef.
Brampton Island
Situated at the southern entrance to
the Whitsunday's, Brampton boasts an idyllic resort
that is perfect for lovers. The island also features
a unique rock pool and coral reef off the main
beach. Brampton has been regularly upgraded over
the years and today offers stylish accommodation,
a huge range of holiday activities and a perfect
atmosphere in which to relax. The island is accessible
by either sea or from the air.
South Molle Island
This resort has been a favourite of family
groups for many a holiday season. With a refurbished
Polynesian feel, the resort offers a nine hold
golf course, a popular seafood feast night, beautiful
National Park trails and an idyllic palm fringed
setting. Aside from activities like tennis, archery
and watersports, guests can enjoy fun filled floorshows
at night or daily reef and island cruises from
the resort's jetty.
Daydream Island
The closest resort to Shute Harbour on the Whitsunday
coast, Daydream recently underwent a multi million
dollar upgrade. The new look complex features
Mediterranean style balcony rooms and a signature
restaurant on the beachfront. Daydream's overall
plan gives the resort a distinctive atmosphere
and the island can be easily discovered on foot.
From picturesque Sunlovers Beach to walking trails
through the forest, the island is a favourite
of many.
Long Island
With three distinctive resorts situated in three
separate bays, Long Island is one of the closest
islands to the coast. The island also offers come
of the prettiest views in the region from over
20km of National Park walking trails. At the northern
end of the island, Club Crocodile is a resort
for all ages set in lush tropical gardens. The
resort has a beautiful sandy beach, a great restaurant
overlooking the main pool area and a wide range
of motorised watersports and other activities.
Palm Bay Hideaway is a tranquil retreat on the
shores of Long Island Sound. Far from the crowds,
accommodation is in comfortable bungalows set
in natural bushland. The resort's anchorage allows
charter yachts to tie off to the nearest palm
tree and enjoy most facilities. If it's true seclusion
you're after, Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge offers
a holiday like no other at the southern end of
Long Island. Ten solar powered cabins cater for
a maximum of 20 guests in an eco friendly style.
Activities include evenings under the stars, dining
by firelight and exploring the surrounding waterways
by kayak or sailing catamaran.
Lindeman Island
A slice of European flair in the midst of the
Whitsunday's, Lindeman is home to Australia's
only Club Med resort. The island has a nine hole
golf course with spectacular views, walking tracks
through some of the best native bushland on the
islands and several deserted bays to discover.
Holidays are offered as all inclusive packages
complete with wine and beer during gourmet meals.
Hook Island
Hook Island Wilderness Resort is a popular budget
retreat with camping facilities, bungalows and
its own underwater observatory. The resort is
set amid spectacular mountain peaks and enjoys
easy access to excellent snorkelling. Hook is
a favourite of independent travellers and backpackers
and delivers all the magic of a Whitsunday island
holiday. Activities here include ocean kayaking
and the chance to party with travellers from passing
yachts. Most of the island resorts cater very
well for children with organised fun activities,
kids' clubs and centres and child minding services.
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