Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are situated 725km south of Cairns on the Queensland coast, and are bordered by the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsundays are made up of 76 islands, most of which have National Park status. The Whitsundays are popular with honeymooners due to their relaxed, tropical ambience, but many other holidaymakers flock to islands such as Hamilton and Hayman to escape and unwind on sun-kissed beaches such as Whitehaven Beach – voted one of the world’s top three beaches. Whitehaven is considered to be the closest place on earth to paradise, with its clear blue waters and porcelain white sands.

The calm turquoise waters surrounding the Whitsundays are renowned as one of the world's best sailing destinations, and day cruise tours to the various islands on catamarans, yachts and tall ships are available to explore the fringing coral reef and multicoloured marine life. Airlie Beach is a great base from which to explore the Whitsundays, and is a cosmopolitan harbourside town with a vibrant nightlife and al fresco cafe culture.