The Whitsundays coast stretches hundreds of kilometres possessing some
of the most beautiful parts of the Australian Coast, including the
Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.
The main access point for the Islands is Airlie Beach, a small but
lively town, popular with backpackers and tourists alike - where
you can participate in everything from sailing to diving lessons.
Each September it becomes the epicentre of activities during the
Whitsundays Fun Race (Yacht race).
The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands that are simply
in a league of their own. Their natural beauty is nothing short of
remarkable, and yet they are not overrun with resorts. Whitsunday
Island, home to the heavenly Whithaven Beach, is the largest of the
Whitsundays and having a campsite as the
only form of accommodation is a prime example.
Other islands include Hamilton Island, with its own airport and a wide
range of entertainment including parasailing and helicopter rides.
The Great Barrier Reef, accessible from virtually anywhere on the
coast, is the world's largest living organism. Over 2300 kilometres
long, it stretches from Bundaberg (Fraser Coast) up to the coast of
Papua New Guinea. South of Cairns the Reef extends up to an incredible 325 kilometres
out to sea! Visitors can view this phenomenon through glass bottomed
boats, or by snorkelling or scuba diving, activities which are abundantly
available. The Great Barrier Reef contains over 400 colourful varieties
of coral, which in turn attracts an array of wildlife making
it Australia's most beautiful tourist attraction.
The largest center of the region is Cairns - and is universally regarded
as one of Australia's top tourist destinations. Offering a whole host
of activities from bungee-jumping to white water rafting to reef trips,
though you will have to go a little further north to find beaches.
Welcome to the Whitsundays...
Click on the map or buttons below to find specific local information.
