Dream if you will, what a trip up north might look like for you this year!
The Whitsundays, located in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by 74 tropical island, wonders in the cool calm waters of the coral sea, is a truly unique and diverse holiday destination. We’ve picked our top four reasons you should visit, but honestly, we could have picked 1,004 there is so much to see and do in this incredible tropical oasis!
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts. The Whitsundays is lucky enough to be located in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Swim, dive, snorkel, above or below, the Great Barrier Reef must be seen to be believed! There are so many different ways to experience one of the seven world wonders; if one day isn’t enough, you can sleep out under the stars and wake up with the fishes. Nothing beats viewing this impressive structure from the air on fixed-wing aircraft, seaplane or helicopter. No trip to the Great Barrier Reef is complete without a flyover of Heart Reef, a stunning natural composition of coral in the perfect shape of a heart.
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
Sink your toes into the white silica sands of this renowned and award-winning beach, one of the many jewels in The Whitsundays crown. The crystal-clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of world-famous Whitehaven Beach stretch over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday group. It defines nature at its best; it’s no surprise it often tops ‘best beaches’ lists the world over. A trip to Whitehaven Beach is not complete without taking the short hike to Hill Inlet Lookout, as the tide shifts, the white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach combined with the blue-green hues of the inlet blend seamlessly to create a swirling fusion of turquoise colours.
Island resorts
The Whitsundays is home to seven island resorts, yep SEVEN. Who needs Bali or international travel to find the perfect tropical getaway, The Whitsundays is right on your doorstep. Hamilton Island, Intercontinental Hayman Island, Daydream Island Resort, Elysian Retreat, Palm Bay Resort and Camp Island Lodge are all found dotted throughout the Whitsunday Islands. Whether it be family-friendly, eco-friendly, all-inclusive, back-to-basics, activity-based, food and wine, or pure luxury – there is a Whitsunday island to suit everyone.
Sailing the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays is Australia’s heart of sailing; it is an adventure in paradise that will give you a lifetime of memories. The reason The Whitsundays is a sailing mecca is simple, the islands provide protection from the elements, and each of the 74 islands offers an array of unique experiences. Bareboating (skipper yourself ) sailing provides a chance to experience the magic of The Whitsundays at your own pace. If you’d rather let someone else take care of it all, you can hire your own vessel, and have a professional skipper and hostess at your beck and call, simply tell them where you want to go and when you want to eat. If time is of the essence or you want to meet new people, a fully crewed, organised sailing trip for two or three nights is perfect.
Catamaran, mono, maxi or tall ship, whatever your choice, when you first step aboard, you will feel invigorated with the anticipation of your sailing adventure.
