Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays compromises of 74 tropical islands and the Whitsunday Coast. Enjoy scuba diving, island hopping and sailing.

Great Barrier Reef

Centrally located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday area offers a variety of ways to experience one of the natural wonders of the world. From high-speed catamaran to private seaplane, there's something to suit anyone wishing to visit this natural attraction.

Visitors are offered a variety of options for viewing the reef, including snorkelling, diving for both beginners and enthusiasts, including semi-submersible boats. One of the best ways to view the reef though is from the air. Scenic flights offer visitors a bird's eye view of not only the entire area but also one of its most distinctive features, Heart Reef. The Great Barrier reef is easily accessed from both the Whitsunday coast and the surrounding islands.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays include 74 magnificent islands, most of which are National Parks and are surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Whitsunday Island, the largest in the group, boasts Whitehaven beach – a dazzling expanse of pure white silica sand that stretches for as far as the eye can see. Eight of the islands in the Whitsundays are resort islands, all varying in size and style to capture a different mood. The island resorts include Hamilton, Hayman, Daydream, Brampton, Long Island, Peppers Palm Bay, South Long Island nature lodge, Club Med Lindeman, Hook and South Molle and each caters for any whim or desire that visitors may search for in an idyllic island getaway. The islands and resorts are easily accessible by boat or plane from Shute Harbour on the coast or from Hamilton Island.

Whitsunday Coast

From Bowen in the north to Laguna Whitsundays in the south, and the hills of Conway National Park.

National Park as a backdrop, coastal Whitsunday and the gateway to the islands, Airlie Beach is a holiday haven in itself. Palm-fringed beaches, the lively village atmosphere and a large range of day tours and cruising options make it the perfect destination for a Whitsunday vacation.

Sailing And Diving

As Australia's premier sailing destination, the Whitsundays offers a sailing option to suit any visitors; from sleek internationally renowned maxi racing yachts to romantic square riggers; from stately ketches to comfortable skipper yourself "bareboat". Visitors can choose to experience the thrill of a day tour option or perhaps enjoy a longer stay, spending several days living aboard a vessel as it sails the picturesque 74 Islands of the Whitsundays.

The Whitsundays are considered among the safest sailing waters in the world, with the islands providing visitors with not only spectacular scenery but also a relaxing sailing environment throughout the year.

Diving enthusiasts are also catered for and can join crewed charters from a day to a week. Dive courses are taught at all levels and include pool instruction as well as diving around the fringing reef of the islands and the outer Great Barrier Reef.