Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands is a stunningly beautiful, paradise of 74 islands. Only 8 of these are inhabited which leaves 66 islands virtually untouched and the perfect place to spend a day exploring, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. Named by Captain Cook in 1770, the Whitsundays is the largest group of offshore islands in Australia

Airlie Beach is the main area in the Whitsundays and you can arrive here by flying into Proserpine Airport on the mainland. This is often the first stop for travelers and is a good place to base your self to go out to the Whitsundays. It is a picturesque town with a number of hotels and condominiums, numerous restaurants and bars, and lots of souvenir shops as the shopping areas are open 7 days a week. As you drive into Airlie Beach through the neighboring community of Cannonvale the road climbs above Abel Point Marina, providing expansive views of the indented coastline, the aquamarine sea and the shapes of distant islands on the horizon. Airlie Lagoon provides stinger free swimming with lifeguard attendants and a children’s pool.

To the west of Airlie Beach is one of the oldest surviving rainforests and the Dryander and Conway National Parks are home to some of Australia’s most unusual plants and animals. This includes the Proserpine Rock Wallaby, orchids, ferns and certain hardwoods. You can see all these by walking tracks that lead into the heart of the forest.

Proserpine is the administrative hub for the Whitsunday Shire, which embraces the rural mainland districts and national parks, the holiday coast and the islands of the Whitsunday passage. Proserpine is an anchor for the Whitsundays region providing some key infrastructure including the rail station, the mainland airport for scheduled jet services.

Tucked away upstream from the town is Proserpine Lake, or as it’s better known, Peter Faust Dam. It’s an ideal spot for sailing and watersports and an even better location for freshwater fishing with the prospect of landing a prize barramundi — the prince of freshwater catches.

There are a number of island resorts located in the Whitsundays. From the 5-star luxury islands of Hayman, and Hamilton to budget retreats, there is a choice for everyone.

Consistently voted as one of the world’s best beaches, Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island 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. At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning cove where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. travel by seaplane or helicopter for a spectacular aerial view over the iconic beach, Whitsunday Island and Hill Inlet and indulge in a champagne picnic on your own private beach.

Of the resort islands, there is a choice ranging from world-class luxury and sophistication to budget hideaways. Resort islands in the Whitsunday region include Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream, Lindeman, Brampton, Long, Hook and South Molle.

An idyllic tropical climate, pristine beaches and coral, beautiful bays and the home of Australia’s most flavorful mangos. Bowen is one of the undiscovered treats of Queensland – ideal for those seeking a laidback beach holiday.

Situated in the northern region of the Whitsundays on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay, Bowen is just 40 minutes drive north from Airlie Beach. This picturesque seaside town offers beachcombers a veritable paradise with eight, palm-fringed beaches to explore and offers anglers the choice of reef, beach and estuary fishing. Bowen is encircled by hills to the west and islands to the east.

The Whitsundays in Queensland is the perfect area to explore by boat – charter your own, be part of a crewed charter or do it in style on a luxury boat or premium yacht.