There
are plenty of great value holiday escapes to the
Whitsundays, in the heart of the Great Barrier
Reef.
From
the Whitsundays coastline stretching from Bowen
in the north to Laguna Quays in the south, and
74 tropical islands, most uninhabited, the region
has something for everyone from families to independent
travellers and couples seeking a romantic getaway.
It's one of the most beautiful places on the planet
and it's right in our own backyard!
With
the bustling village of Airlie Beach at its heart,
the sugarcane town of Proserpine in the west and
the World Heritage listed marvel of the Great
Barrier Reef in the east, the Whitsundays cater
for all ages and budgets.
Airlie's
laidback village atmosphere thankfully hasn't
been spoiled. Redeveloped hotels and new self-contained
apartments combine luxury with spectacular views
over the Coral Sea and islands. In the centre
of town, a huge man-made swimming lagoon set in
tropical gardens provides year-round swimming,
and shady spots to stretch out and relax.
Nearby
Bowen is famous for its mangoes, while the fresh
produce of the hinterland and abundant seafood
finds its way to the tables of restaurants, both
on the islands and coast. The main street of Airlie
is alive with bars, cafes and al fresco restaurants,
offering seafood, Italian, Mediterranean, contemporary
Australian, Thai, Greek, Mexican, Indian and some
of the best grilled beef steaks in the country.
Dining on the islands is as diverse as great value
buffets, beachfront cafes to five star a la carte
and gourmet picnics.
While
the Whitsunday Islands are mostly National Parks,
there are several diverse resorts scattered throughout
the Whitsunday Passage, ranging from the five-star
Hayman to the more budget-orientated Hook Island
with a private camping ground.
Another
eight island resorts, many recently refurbished,
cater for all tastes and, best of all, won't break
the bank. Several, including Lindeman Island,
home to Australia's only Club Med Resort and Brampton
Island offer food and all non-motorised activities
in the tariff, even golf! There are three accommodation
options on Long Island, each with their own character
and appeal: Club Crocodile, Palm Bay Hideaway
and the Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge.
South
Molle is a paradise for families. For the ultimate
in pampering, indulge in spa treatments on the
five-star recently refurbished Hayman or Novotel
Daydream Island Resort or choose from the amazing
array of activities and nightlife on Hamilton.
There
are many day tour options available from the coast
and islands. Popular spots include Langford Reef
and Whitehaven Beach, a 6km stretch of white,
silica sand. You can tour the hinterland rainforest
while the Barefoot Bushman's Wildlife Park has
an amazing crocodile show. Keep your eyes open
for "salties" on the Proserpine River
Eco Tour, which operates an ecological excursion
along the wild reaches of the Proserpine River
and the Goorganga Wetlands or explore the Whitsundays
Coast with a local tour operator, taking in the
local beauty spots and history.
One
of the world's most spectacular aquatic playgrounds,
the Whitsundays are home to a huge fleet of boats
perfect for exploring the islands and nearby Great
Barrier Reef Day tours on fast catamarans, famous
sailing sloops and motor cruisers are available
from the islands and Airlie Beach.
Within
hours of arriving, you can be exploring uninhabited
islands, walking deserted beaches, snorkelling
among coral reefs or simply lazing on the boat
deck! Some tours have semi-submersible vessels
which allow you to look at the coral and teeming
fish life without getting your feet wet. Some
fully-crewed sailing charters explore remote bays
and reef, with nothing for you to do but relax.
The
Whitsundays is world-renowned for its safe sailing
conditions, and not surprisingly is home to the
biggest fleet of bareboat charter boats in the
southern hemisphere. After a comprehensive briefing,
you'll be ready to take the helm and explore the
islands at your own pace, dropping anchor in any
of the secluded island bays.
Back
on the mainland, there are heaps of activities
for round the clock fun! Airlie has parasailing,
tandem skydiving, jet ski thrill rides, horseriding
and even sea kayaking. Laguna Quays Resort, near
Proserpine, boasts one of Australia's leading
resort golf courses.
The
Whitsundays offers a great value escape, for the
most active to relaxed holiday breaks. Whether
you're travelling independently, as a family or
with your partner, the choices range from motels,
self-contained apartments, five-star island resorts
to all-inclusive island getaways.
Access
to the Whitsundays is easy. There are direct flights
from Brisbane and Sydney into Whitsunday Coast
Airport at Proserpine and Hamilton Island Airport,
plus daily connections from most capital cities.
Drive access is north on the Bruce Highway from
Brisbane (about 1,100km) while there are regular
train and bus services from the north and south.
Once you're here, hop on any of the regular Whitsunday
Transit services which operate in and around Airlie
Beach and Shute Harbour.
See
you in paradise!
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