The Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands reside in the very centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Get up close and personal with this natural wonder, flippers in hand, snorkelling and diving the coral-laden stretch. Or avoid getting wet altogether, taking a seaplane to catch a glimpse of the natural beauty from the sky.

With a bounty of beautiful sandy stretches to choose from here, there’s an island for everyone. Tempted by the endless activities on offer, families tend to sway towards Hamilton Island, while the more adventurous may stray for the uninhabited, like Hook Island. The beaches here are second to none. In fact, they’re award-winning; the Whitsundays is home to the iconic Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, a seven-kilometre stretch of swirling silica sand that has been dubbed the world’s best. From resort towns to rainbow-hued reefs teeming with marine life, exploration here is encouraged and you’ll be rewarded at every turn for making the effort.

The seaside town of Airlie Beach has long been considered the gateway to the Whitsundays region, while the family favourite of Hamilton Island is home to as many accommodation options as it has beautiful beaches. As its name suggests, the coral outcrop of Heart Reef is shaped just like a heart and has become one of the country’s most recognised attractions. Best reached by plane, take in the view from above before landing for a swim in the surrounding waters of Hardy Reef.