WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS & NORTHERN QUEENSLAND
WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS & NORTHERN QUEENSLAND
Magnetic Island
Mission Beach
Townsville
Hayman Island
Whitsunday Islands
Airlie Beach
Cape Hillsborough NP Eungella NP
Great
Barrier Reef Great
Daydream Island
Mackay
Whitsunday Islands
Barrier Reef
Hamilton Island
Coral-fringed archipelagos with picture-postcard beaches , this is Mother Nature at her best
One of Australia ’ s most iconic destinations , the cluster of 74 Whitsunday Islands perch majestically off the Queensland coast in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef . Jam-packed with bucket-list experiences you could discover a new island , a new beach or a new snorkel site every day . Most are uninhabited national parks , with several offering a variety of resort accommodation , all fringed by the Great Barrier Reef , a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
The Whitsundays is the ideal location to explore this magnificent underwater world , whether you ’ re an expert or a beginner there is a reef experience for everyone ! Day trips and short cruises take you to floating pontoons for diving and snorkelling , or dreamy beaches where you can release your inner Robinson Crusoe .
The mainland hub of the Whitsundays is Airlie Beach , which enjoys a stunning setting amidst the lush tropical hills of Conway National Park and the endless blues of the Coral Sea . Spend time here and discover its great holiday vibe as well as fantastic shopping and dining .
So , which island should you escape to ? Hamilton Island is one of Australia ’ s most spectacular and sought-after holiday destinations and close to Whitehaven Beach , known for its dazzling silica-white sand and crystal-clear azure blue sea . Tranquil Daydream Island is cherished for its seclusion and solitude , while Hayman Island offers a new immersive luxury in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef .
In the Mackay region , which sits in the middle of the Queensland coast , see wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park , dive with shy platypus in Eungella National Park or hop around the offshore islands .
Further north , Townsville provides a true taste of the tropics with its mix of modern architecture and restored heritage buildings , bustling cafés , boutiques and quirky galleries , all linked by a shady park-lined beach promenade . Nearby are the 23 bays and beaches of Magnetic Island , while in fabulous Mission Beach nature takes centre stage with its unspoilt beaches , deserted islands and white-water rivers fringed by rainforest .
Getting there : Brisbane is about 21 hours from the UK ( including a stopover ). Onward flights are available to Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine for Airlie Beach ; and the Great Barrier Reef airport on Hamilton Island . Boat transfers operate between the smaller islands .
Best time to go : The subtropical climate brings warm summers and mild winters . Most rainfall tends to occur December-March , but this is usually in the form of brief tropical showers .
UNMISSABLE WHITSUNDAY ISLAND & NORTHERN QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS & WHITEHAVEN BEACH from £ 76
This 4 hour cruise from Hamilton Island , Airlie Beach or Daydream Island takes you through the beguiling Whitsunday Islands to Whitehaven Beach . Hike the short Solway Circuit for show-stopping views , laze on the sand and cool off in the sea . Tour includes afternoon tea .
MAGGIE DISCOVERY ECO TOUR from £ 81
This five hour tour from Magnetic Island takes you to some of the healthiest and most abundant reefs where you can swim and snorkel in the pristine waters and amongst the corals , possibly encountering some of the awesome marine life !
BBQ DINNER CRUISE from £ 84 ( includes BBQ buffet dinner ) For a dinner experience like no other , depart Hamilton Island and cruise to a secluded bay for a delicious BBQ buffet dinner . Keep your eyes peeled for a stunning sunset and magical starlit sky .
TONGARRA DAY SAIL from £ 99 ( includes lunch ) Depart Airlie Beach for an exhilarating day cruising the Whitsunday Islands aboard Thundercat , which has the highest level of ECO certification offered in Australia . Visit Whitehaven Beach , take a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet lookout and snorkel at two sites over the Great Barrier Reef .
WHITEHAVEN BEACH CAMIRA SAILING ADVENTURE from £ 125 ( inc lunch ) Cruise from Airlie Beach aboard the catamaran Camira , taking in the azure blue waters of the Whitsunday Islands , see the Hill Inlet lookout , learn about the history and snorkel the inner reef .
WHITEHAVEN & HILL INLET CHILL & GRILL from £ 135 ( includes lunch ) Begin this full day tour cruising the full length of Whitehaven Beach and across Hill Inlet . Here , take a leisurely guided walk to the lookout for picture-perfect views . Further walks are available or you can chill on the beach . Available from Hamilton Island , Airlie Beach or Daydream Island .
44 AUSTRALIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900