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Articles A coral wonderlandCoral gardens lace nearly every Whitsunday island, but it's also easy to take a boat to the Great Barrier Reef itself. Dive sites are dotted up and down the reef and qualified instructors will guide you through an encounter with tranquil marine life.  Cruising reef watersMuch of the Great Barrier Reef is ideal for cruising or sailing, with islands providing idyllic sheltered waters and safe havens. Overnight, week-long or extended trips are on offer for those who love the wind in their hair and the sun on their face.  Discover tropical national parksThe region is a bounty of national parks, and many invite trekking and camping. Three make a backdrop to Airlie Beach, and many of the Whitsunday islands are entirely national parks. Others contain protected green chunks surrounding idyllic resorts. Dive down to the coralThe clear, warm waters of the Whitsundays invite divers from around the world. Great visibility, and abundant marine life await! Coral gardens lace nearly every Whitsunday island, and it's also easy to take a boat to the Great Barrier Reef itself. Dive sites are dotted up and down the reef and qualified instructors will guide you through an encounter with tranquil marine life. Day and extended dive trips are available to make the most of your coral adventure.  Diving the coral depthsThe Great Barrier Reef is a scuba diver's paradise. Queensland's warm subtropical climate is perfect for year-round diving and the water is clearer than crystal. Introductory dives and lessons are readily available along the length of the reef. more  Get happily maroonedThe seven Whitsunday resort islands – offering lodgings from budget to luxury - promise care-free days and a rich diversity of fun: parasailing, swimming, fishing, bushwalking, diving and coral viewing. Marooned happinessThe seven Whitsunday resort islands - offering lodgings from budget to luxury - promise care-free days and a rich diversity of fun: parasailing, swimming, tanning, fishing, partying, bush-walking, diving, eating, sleeping, coral viewing...a true escape. more  Sail in sheltered watersThere's no better place to sail than the Whitsundays, sheltered from the open ocean by the Great Barrier Reef and laden with frequent, secluded anchorages. Be your own skipper or charter a crew. more  Sail the WhitsundaysThere's no better place in the world to sail than the Whitsundays, sheltered from the open ocean by the Great Barrier Reef and laden with frequent, secluded anchorages. Be your own skipper or charter a crew for a superb way to explore these waters. more  The world's best beachesRecognised as one of the world's best beaches, Whitehaven Beach is found on Whitsunday Island. Perfect for swimming, its pure white silica sands slope to clear, warm blue water, mostly shallow and calm. White-sand best beachesThe Whitsundays shelter the world's best beaches, particularly Whitsunday Island and its heavenly Whitehaven Beach. Ideal for swimming, its pure white sands slope to clear, warm, blue water, shallow and calm enough for snorkelling amid fishes and rays.  Whitsunday coral gardensCoral gardens lace nearly every Whitsunday island, offering sheltered spots for snorkelling, diving and relaxing line-of-sight sailing in the tropical waters. Visitors thrill to see the coral formation of Heart Shaped Reef at beautiful Hardys Reef. |
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In the heart of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, lie the Whitsundays, 74 islands floating like jewels in the tropical warm waters of the Coral Sea. Discovering the Great Barrier Reef is one of life's must-dos and it's easily accessible from Queensland’s mainland coast at Airlie Beach or directly from the islands. It is a cosmopolitan and vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants.