Whitsunday Accommodation
All You Need To Know About Accommodation In The Whitsundays.
Most people stay in Airlie Beach and then visit the Whitsundays by bareboat charter, or indeed on a tour. Airlie Beach is the main center in the region and comes with the best choice of Whitsunday accommodation, ranging from simple, backpacker-style dorms to midrange hotels and luxury resorts. Most places are within reach of facilities and harbors, from where you can get on an all-inclusive tour of the Whitsundays. Examples of accommodation in Airlie Beach include: Beaches Backpackers in the center of town, with its inexpensive dorm beds and lively bar; Backpackers by the Bay, which is more for the discerning backpacker and has discounts for YHA card holders; and the classy Flametree Tourist Village, with its delightful tropical setting.
Of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is one of the most accessible and developed. It is privately owned, which means that hotels and resorts have been established, along with an airport and shops and restaurants. There is even a bank here, while accommodation, although expensive, goes from standard hotel rooms to swanky resorts and even house rentals. The Great Barrier Reef Yacht Club and the Qualia are two of the nicest places to stay, while the Whitsunday Apartments and Reef View Hotel are also popular. Marina Village is where most of the island facilities are at, while the main tourist beach, Catseye Beach, is at Resort Side. The Northern End is quieter and has more exclusive accommodation.
Whitsunday Island is not far from Hamilton Island, although it doesn’t have any Whitsunday accommodation. However, there are a number of campsites on the island and you can obtain a permit from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in Airlie Beach. Be aware that facilities are non-existent and you will need to pack everything.
Next to Hamilton Island in popularity is Hayman Island in the north of the island group. It has one of the most exclusive resorts in the Whitsundays and has amazing surroundings and beaches. Closer to the mainland is the Daydream Island Resort on the diminutive island of the same name. It is a popular tropical getaway, with its health spa, and access to fine beaches and walking. Farther south is Long island and the South Molle Islands, which mainly cater to families. They are easy to get to and have a variety of resorts, such as the Club Crocodile resort and Voyages Brampton Island resort. Those with deep pockets make a beeline for Peppers Palm Bay on Long Island.
Apart from the excellent accommodation options on the various islands is inclusive accommodation when renting a boat and sailing the archipelago. Bareboat charters are the way to go and they usually come with good accommodation and the opportunity to go where you want. Popular charter companies in Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour include Queensland Yacht Charters, Sunsail, and Whitsundays Rent-A-Yacht. You can also get on a Whitsunday cruise and sit back while everything is done for you - Fantasea Cruise is good for this and has Whitsunday accommodation. There is also the option of a liveaboard for divers, which take in the Great Barrier Reef on longer expeditions.
