Whitsunday Coast
Queensland's beautiful Whitsunday Coast has everything a holidaymaker could dream of. From bright
clear skies to picturesque islands surrounded by the ocean's clear turquoise waters, the region's beauty cannot be understated. Much of the Whitsunday Coast belongs to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, ensuring that its allure is protected and remains for generations to come. While the main attraction here is undoubtedly the group of islands that make up the Whitsundays, visitors can also immerse themselves in the range of national parks where bushwalking and camping provide an ideal alternative to the endless days of snorkelling, diving and sunbathing on the beaches and in the sea. Mackay and Around In contrast to the endless stretch of tropical beaches, Mackay is a study in cultural and architectural diversity. The city is the largest metropolitan centre in the Whitsunday Coast and serves as an excellent base to explore the surrounding national parks. Around Mackay, through Pioneer Valley, adventure awaits in the rainforests where visitors can fly through the forest canopy, witness thriving wildlife or discover serene swimming holes inhabited by platypuses. Airlie Beach Serving as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands is the bustling Airlie Beach. The town is a delectable backpacker's haven where the next party is just around the corner and never too far away. Outdoor and water activities are plentiful here while sea and plane transport operators are on hand to transfer you to the nearby splendour of the Whitsunday Islands. Whitsunday Islands The Whitsunday Islands consist of a group of over 90 islands, mostly uninhabited, scattered on both sides of the Whitsunday Passage. Sun-drenched and surrounded by placid green waterways, they make up the best-known and most beautiful group of islands in Queensland. The islands are continental islands, consisting of the tips of submerged underwater mountains and made up of mostly hills and woods with passages between them. Most of the islands are national park with resorts established at the main islands. Visitors to the resorts should try to book in advance for good package holiday deals. See our detailed Whitsunday Coast map. Getting to Whitsunday Coast
Hamilton Island's airport in the Whitsundays serves as the Whitsundays main airport taking both domestic flights and international charters. Alternatively, the Whitsunday Coast Airport lies on the mainland in the town of Proserpine. Both airports service flights from Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. Bus and coach services around the region are operated by Greyhound Australia and Whitsunday Transit. Check their websites or contact them for more information. The Whitsunday Airport is a small airfield located between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour which provides several forms of transportation to the Whitsunday Islands and reef including helicopter, light plane or seaplane. To travel by boat, contact Fantasea Cruises near Shute Harbour or the Abel Point Marina for bookings.
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