Whitsunday Islands
Capt James Cook entered the waters of this group of idyllic islands on Whit Sunday, June 3, 1770. He spent much time charting these beautiful islands comprising 74 tropical islands, only 8 of which are inhabited. The Whitsunday Group lies off the stretch of coast between Mackay and Bowen. Paralleling the island group, further offshore in the Coral Sea, are the coral reefs and lagoons of the Great Barrier Reef a wonderland of marine diversity. The islands have been compared with the beauty of the Caribbean Islands and are a favourite holiday destination for visitors from around the world.
With an estimated 8.25hrs of sunshine per day and an average yearly temperature of 25°C, the Whitsunday coast is an idyllic retreat. The region boasts unspoilt coral-fringed islands, beaches, turquoise waters, a tropical climate and alluring seaside resorts. Offering consistently perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing and cruising, the Whitsundays are a dream-holiday destination.
Charter and tour companies based on the mainland offer a wide variety of tour and recreation options. Explore the area by boat or seaplane, try parasailing and tandem skydiving. Take a cruise to the nearby Great Barrier Reef and see the migrating whales in season (around July-Sept). The Whitsundays offer a range of accommodation to suit most budgets, from camping on a deserted island to a suite in a luxurious five-star resort.
Airlie Beach: Within the exotic perimeters of the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef and Conway Range NP, Airlie Beach is a prime holiday destination. There is a range of activities related to land, sea and air and all styles of accommodation. The village is the perfect base for exploring the region's many diversions. Airlie Beach boasts a year-round safe swimming lagoon surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Brampton Island
Sitting at the southern entrance of the Whitsunday Passage, Brampton Island is a blue water, white sand tropical island haven. Almost entirely National Park, Brampton has seven glorious beaches and its own coral reef.
Daydream Island
Daydream Island is the closest of the Whitsunday Islands to Shute Harbour, lying just five kilometres from the mainland. The island features one of the oldest Whitsunday resorts which has recently been spectacularly refurbished. Just one kilometre long and half a kilometre wide, Daydream is always popular with day visitors as it is only a short ride from the mainland.
