Whitsundays

• Summary
• Weather for Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef on the Queensland coast, 150km north of Mackay and 200km south of Townsville, and ascends out of the rich blue tropical waters that lie in an archipelago of green islands and sandy atolls.

The stepping off point for the Great Barrier Reef, is a place of contrasts. Airlie Beach, a thriving coastal town buzzing with nightlife and backpacker hype, is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. No matter what you’re into; from diving and snorkelling to skydiving and hiking, the region is host to a fantastic range of activities & attractions.

Hire a luxury yacht, join a scuba adventure or test your skills on an offshore fishing trip. There are two luxury marinas, one at Airlie Beach and the other at Shute Harbour, which are popular set off points to discover the islands and reefs. Nearby is the sugar cane town of Proserpine where the Whitsunday Gateway Airport is located. Another place of interest is Bowen, famous for extensive mango plantations.

Offshore, The Whitsunday Islands, part of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, form the largest offshore chain of islands on Australia’s east coast. You can skipper your own vessel, go sailing for the day, snorkel and scuba dive at the second largest dive destination in Australia. The Whitsunday Islands are renowned worldwide for resort style holidays, water skiing, explore rainforests, go horse riding or be pampered on the island hotels, resorts and retreats.