DESTINATION LOVE
ACCOMMODATION
Designing your destination wedding does require careful planning – and helping guests narrow down fabulous accommodation options is a start . Unsurprisingly , Airlie Beach is positively bursting at the seams with a vast collection of accommodation options , but let ’ s start with perfect properties for group accommodation . Mantra Boathouse Apartments is a top-notch choice for its edgeof-town location , overlooking the five-star Port of Airlie . Designed to capture the magnificent views that stretch beyond the harbour to the Coral Sea , you and your guests will love the spacious interiors , self-contained facilities , and large balconies of the two-and-three-bedroom selfcontained apartments . Guests will particularly appreciate the convenient location , which offers a short , flat walk ( important to note in a town known for its hills ) to the shopping and restaurant strip of Airlie town . While at the other end of town , Mirage Whitsundays takes tropical luxe to another level with its spacious apartments , villas and penthouses . Some villas even have their own pools ! Indeed , this resort ticks all the boxes for group accommodation and is one of the best on the mainland for its north-facing views ( you ’ ll adore the sunsets !). Getting to town is easy too . Stretch the legs with a scenic 20-minute walk via the Airlie Beach Boardwalk that runs directly in front of the resort , or take a five-minute taxi ride .
I DO WITH A VIEW : Set above the iconic sea-front boardwalk , the lush lawn at Mirage Whitsundays is an ideal location for your private wedding ceremony .
Nothing says holiday wedding like an itinerary of bitesized celebratory pre-and-post activities to share . And in The Whitsundays , you ’ re spoilt for choice with a slew of memorable adventures suitable for the whole group .
EAT , DRINK & BE MERRY
Why not kick off the festivities with a casual welcome dinner , a beautiful way to acquaint your guests and ease into the week ? Located at the Coral Sea Marina , the Ocean View Deck at Sorrento Restaurant & Bar is a fabulous choice and well regarded by locals as one of the best spots to catch the sunset ( cocktail anyone ?). However , if you ’ re a seafood lover , you ’ ll be hard-pressed to top award-winning local fave , Fish D ’ vine Restaurant & Rum Bar . Conveniently situated across from the Airlie Esplanade , here you can indulge in a delectable selection of locally sourced seafood , soak up the town ’ s holiday atmosphere – and sample one of their 450 types of stocked rum ( oh , did we mention their must-have ‘ World ’ s Best Mojito ’?). If it ’ s views and good fare in a laid-back tropical setting that ticks the box , another top spot to try for lunch or dinner is the Whitsunday Sailing Club .
LOVING LOCAL : The Bali Hut Pavilion and lawn at the Whitsunday Sailing Club is a divine spot to say ‘ I do ’! Or , if you have your venue sorted but are in need of catering options , turn to Fish D ’ vine Catering . They ’ re the first choice for many mainland venues , offshore locations and private vessels .
UNDERWATER
Of course , a holiday to The Whitsundays is not complete without time to experience the world ’ s most extensive coral reef system . And the specialists at Cruise Whitsundays are just the team to help you get closer to this World Heritage wonder ! Our top tip ? Jump aboard one of their daily departures on Great Barrier Reef Adventures that will whisk you and your group for a full-day adventure to Reefworld , a multi-level reef facility permanently moored 39 nautical miles from shore at spectacular Hardy Reef . Believe us when we say that snorkelling and swimming in this incredible ecosystem is an epic experience that is sure to take pride of place in your holiday memories .
ADRENALINE JUNKIE : Ready to dial up the thrills ? Consider an expertly guided introductory scuba dive with onboard experts , Reef Safari Diving . A truly aweinspiring bucket-list experience !
PHOTOS FROM TOP : CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS AT REEFSLEEP ; MIRAGE WHITSUNDAYS . ( OPPOSITE PAGE ) FROM TOP : SUNDOWNER CRUISES ; WHITSUNDAY HOT ROD TOURS ; TOURISM & EVENTS
96 Autumn 2022