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Welcome to the The Whitsundays - one of nature's most
remarkable gifts, blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier
Reef along with literally hundreds of tropical islands and some of the Worlds
most beautiful golden beaches. For visitors this means that plenty of activities
abound from beach games at island resorts and championship golf courses
with a view, to the buzzing nightlife in the coastal town of Airlie
Beach. Choose to sail in the blue calm waters, water ski, parasail,
camp or enjoy the many facilities of a luxury resort. Nature's tropical
selection of island and coastal delights awaits you.
Welcome to Destination Paradise - the islands, the waterways and the coast
- there are so many holiday temptations in the Whitsundays. You can skipper
your own vessel, go sailing for the day, snorkel and scuba dive at one of
the most widely recognised dive destinations in Australia, fish for Coral
Trout or the legendary Black Marlin, water ski, explore rainforests, go
horseriding, be pampered in a luxury resort or party the night away in Airlie
Beach. The choice is yours - limited only by your imagination.
This tropical sub-rainforest region is around 1,125 kilometres north of
Brisbane, or 650 kilometres south of Cairns. The Cumberland and Northumberland
Island groups, commonly called the Whitsunday Islands, form the largest
offshore island chain on Australia's east coast and provide a magical holiday
escape with something for everyone.
Things to See and Do ...
The Great Barrier Reef:
Said to be the worlds largest living structure and the only one visible
from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef is often referred to as the eigth
wonder of the world. With fast catamarans, boats, seaplanes and helicopters
departing daily from both the islands and the coast, the Whitsundays are
the ideal hub for exploring for this aquatic wonderland. If diving is your
passion, then this is the place for you. The Great Barrier Reef is a divers
mecca, and the Whitsundays has companies catering for every skill level
from beginners to dive masters.
You don't have to go far from the coast to see beautiful coral and abundant
marine life in the Whitsundays. Great snorkelling spots can be found right
on your doorstep as fringing reefs surround many of the islands. Several
diving and fishing expeditions are available, as are helicopter, boat or
seaplane tours.
On the Water:
The sheltered, warm waters of the Whitsundays provide one of the worlds
premier sailing destinations. With the largest fleet of bareboats (skipper-yourself)
in the Southern Hemisphere, you are sure to find a craft to suit your needs.
From multi-hulls to cruisers to luxury yachts, companies operating out of
Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Hamilton
Island can cater for every taste, and of course a Skipper and Crew can
be provided if this is what you would prefer.
As well as bareboats the Whitsundays has a diverse fleet of sailing craft
which take individuals, couples or groups on trips around the coast and
islands, many of them specialising in diving destinations.
The Whitsundays is recently being recognised by many as having some of the
best fishing in Queensland. Charters operate out of Shute Harbour, Airlie
Beach and Hamilton Island offering a variety of trips ranging from inner
reef expeditions to safaris on the outer Great Barrier Reef chasing sailfish,
tuna, mackerel and the legendary Black Marlin.
Visitors can also see the magnificent humpback whales frolic in the calm
waters between July and September as the pass through the Whitsundays on
their annnual migration. Charters operate, in season, out of Shute Harbour
and Airlie Beach.
On the Land:
The Whitsunday Shire is the only place in Australia with over 70% of its
area devoted to National Park. Many of the islands are part of the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park, whilst the Conway Range and Dryander National
parks provide a lush and pristine backdrop to the azure waters of the Coral
Sea. Those who walk the National Parks both on the coast and the Whitsunday
Islands, will be venturing through some of the worlds oldest rainforests.
Exotic strangler figs, the rare Proserpine
Rock Wallaby, giant Ulysses butterfly and hundreds of Orchid species surround
as you catch glimpses of breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and
Whitsunday Islands through the rainforest canopy.
Many of the island resorts offer guided walks as part of their activities
program. On the mainland you can set off on foot to explore the deep valleys
and open rainforest, or take an escorted trail ride on horseback or four
wheel drive tour.
The Goorganga wetlands, stretching south from Prosperpine through a network
of creeks and waterholes, are home to a wide variety of native and migratory
birdlife. The Prosperpine River, a major artery in the wetland system, is
home to the ancient estuarine crocodile and a favourite spot for anglers
chasing mangrove jack, threadfin salmon and the world-renowned barramundi.
Sightseeing tours and fishing charters operate out of Airlie Beach deep
into this animal-lovers paradise.
Adventure:
Enjoy a variety of action-packed adventures in Airlie Beach and on the Islands.
Choose from the adrenalin rush of a tandem skydive the most thrilling and
exhilarating way to experience the spectacular surrounds or feel the wind
on your face as you parasail above a spectacular beach. This is just a taste
of an adventure holiday Whitsunday style.
Dining and Nightlife:
At night, the activity starts all over. Visitors can select from excellent
pub meals through to quality restaurants offering either buffet or a-la-carte
menus. Many establishments on both the coast and island resorts feature
live music, karaoke and nightclubs. The Whitsundays are lucky enough to
host some of the worlds top chefs at some of the worlds top hotels with
island and mainland resort restaurants preparing the freshest local produce
in imaginative and delicious recipes.
It is little wonder that the nightlife in the Whitsundays is so famous with
the large variety of venues catering for every taste and budget.
Shopping:
Whether its artwork, fashion, souvenirs or general supplies, you can shop
till you drop in the Whitsundays. Airlie Beach, Proserpine and most of the
Island Resorts have bustling retail centres with something to cater for
every taste and budget. The Airlie Beach Markets take place on the beach
foreshore every Saturday morning and are a great place to pick up that unique
souvenir.
Clothing:
Pack light natural fibre clothing, at least one swimsuit, sunscreen and
a hat. A windcheater may be required for sailing or the slightly cooler
winter nights. For the evenings something a little more dressy will be useful,
as will comfortable protective shoes for exploring coral-strewn beaches
or bushwalking.
Beach Safety:
The beautiful Whitsunday waters vary between a comfortable 20 to 26 degrees
throughout the year. Stinger nets are located at Cannonvale.
Getting There:
Both Proserpine and Hamilton Island operate domestic airports, with the
nearest International arrival points being located in both Cairns and Brisbane.
Additionally a variety of coach companies service the Whitsundays operating
from practicall every major town along Australia's East Coast, making your
trip to destination paradise easier than ever.
Other Places to Visit:
Cedar Creek Falls
Dingo Beach
Whitsunday Information Centre - located at Proserpine
Other National Parks:
Conway National Park
Dryandra National Park
Gloucester Islands National Park
Molle Islands National Park
Whitsunday Islands National Park
Nearest Highway: Bruce Hwy (Highway 1)
Nearest Airport: Proserpine
Have you been to Queensland and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
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