The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are a group of Great Barrier Reef islands, each with a unique personality and something to offer. Skippered and bare-boat sailing in The Whitsundays are popular.

The Whitsunday and Southern Reef region is one of nature’s most remarkable gifts, not only blessed by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, but also with 74 tropical islands in a shimmering, liquid blue expanse. This aquatic playground is the perfect escape for indulging in island fantasies and sailing adventures.

On the Mainland, Airlie Beach is an ideal location from which to explore the area. High-speed catamarans depart daily from the mainland to the outer reef where you can snorkel, dive or view the natural beauty of spectacular coral and tropical fish from a semi-submersible vessel.

The magnificence of the reef is set against the sheer beauty and tranquility of the rainforest. The Whitsundays are home to one of the world’s oldest continually surviving rainforests. The Conway and Dryander National Parks, along with the State forests, provide shelter to some of Australia’s unique flora and fauna, including the Proserpine Rock Wallaby, ferns, orchids and enormous hardwoods.

This unique paradise of islands is home to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Consistently voted as one of the world’s best beaches, Whitehaven Beach is a jewel in The Whitsunday’s crown. Don’t miss the experience of walking along this 4-mile stretch of sweeping, pure white silica sand. Another remarkable experience is to fly over the blue expanse in a seaplane or helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of Heart Reef.

The Whitsundays have plenty of great places for you to stay on your holiday, from an island resort with activities for everyone, to a peaceful and quiet B&B, fully self contained apartments with stunning views, to caravanning and camping spots. If you want accommodation that is a bit unique, why not try an overnight sailing charter on a famous Whitsunday Tall Ships. No matter what the occasion, The Whitsundays have a style of accommodation to suit you and your budget.

Recommended Restaurants

Mangrove Jacks Cafe and Bar Corner Esplanade & Coconut Grove Airlie Beach 07 4964 1999
La Riviera, Peppers Palm Bay Corner Esplanade & Coconut Grove Airlie Beach 07 4964 9233

Special Events

Jun 8-11 The Great Barrier Feast