Whitsunday Holidays
Lots Of Great Information On Holidays In The Whitsunday Islands, Including All Inclusive Deals.
The Whitsunday Islands are one of the most beautiful holiday destinations you could ask for in Australia. Lying off the coast of central Queensland – north of Brisbane and south of Townsville – these 74 islands have national park status and are gateway to the Great Barrier Reef proper. Captain James Cook named the islands on June 4, 1770, and was awestruck by their beauty. They are an exquisite collection of lush retreats surrounded by azure seas and fringing coral reefs and offer the perfect Whitsunday holidays for all types, including those into relaxing with the family at a classy resort to those looking for a bit of adventure and cruising.
Many of the islands are sheltered, meaning great snorkeling and swimming off of the many beaches. The best way to get a feel for the islands is to get on a cruise, or hire a bareboat charter. You don’t need to have a sailing license to do so and are free to explore and moor up almost where you please. Some of the islands are privately owned, however, including Hamilton Island and Hayman Island; the latter of which can only be visited by those with a reservation at the swanky resort here. Hayman Island is the most northerly main island in the chain and its beaches and resort are most tasteful.
Hamilton Island is the most developed island, yet not so much that it spoils it. There are classy hotels and restaurants here, as well as a marina and even an airport. You can fly here direct from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and also ferry it over from Shute Harbor near Airlie Beach. Hamilton is just shy of the main Whitsunday Island, the biggest in the group. Although tourists are permitted to camp here, it has no facilities and is under the banner of the national park. Most famed for its long beach, Whitehaven Beach, it also has some nice walking and outstanding viewpoints.
Other islands worth checking out on Whitsunday holidays include those of Haslewood and Hook islands to the east and north of Whitsunday Island respectively. Hook Island is quite large and popular with boaters as it has many pretty bays and mooring points. You can moor up here and go snorkeling in some of the region’s clearest waters where all sorts of coral and fish reside. The Great Barrier Reef proper is farther offshore from Hook Island and you will need to get on a tour or have your own boat for at least a few days to take it in.
Several other nice islands reside closer to the mainland, including Daydream Island, South Molle Island, and Long Island. These are quiet and scenic and good for nature lovers, while Airlie Beach itself is the busy tourist center on the mainland and is popular with backpackers. It has cheaper digs and eateries and you can get involved with all sorts of water- and land-based activities, including trekking, skydiving, scuba diving, and kayaking. Getting in is best done by flying to nearby Proserpine Airport, or direct to Hamilton Island for those staying there. Trains and buses also hit Proserpine from north and south, from where buses and shuttles serve Airlie Beach and Shute Harbor.
