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Whitsundays

Airlie Beach
74 Islands
Mainland

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. Explore this incredible diversity from the bow of a sailboat…cruise through the islands and drop anchor for a quick snorkel and fall asleep at night to the gentle rocking of the waves under a canopy of stars.

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.

Spend the day exploring the pure white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from one of the world's most exquisite lookouts, or enjoy the views of the reef from the cockpit of a seaplane. Paddle a sea kayak gracefully through the water, or follow bushwalking trails overlooking the Coral Sea.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, Queensland's pristine 74 islands. It is a cosmopolitan and vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants.

Airlie Beach is the epitome of a beach town; you'll instantly feel the carefree and relaxed attitude emanating from every space. You'll find it in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a manmade saltwater swimming area surrounded by sand and grassy knolls, where backpackers and travellers lounge away the day in the sun. You'll find it in the beachside parks where afternoon barbeques proliferate and continue into the evening hours. And you'll find it in the alfresco dining restaurants where fresh seafood overflows from every dish.

Airlie Beach is surrounded by several small communities: Bowen to the north, Shute Harbour to the west and Abel Point Marina to the east. Bowen is renowned for its impeccable beaches, while Shute Harbour is the departure point for the island ferries and Abel Point Marina is home to many of the cruising yachts. The drive between the beachfront communities winds along a jagged coastline with breathtaking views to the distant Whitsunday islands.

Airlie Beach is easily accessible and only a thirty-minute drive from Proserpine Airport, the closest airport in the region.

74 Islands

You'll be amazed at the beauty of this idyllic region at every turn. Visit one of the several luxurious island resorts where you can sip cocktails by the pool, bask in the sun or relax under the experienced hands of a masseuse. Sail between the islands and make sure to visit the lookout overlooking Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach where the colours of pure silica sands and crystal clear water blend and swirl with the movement of the tide…it’s truly stunning.

Mainland

Just west is Proserpine, the heart of local sugar and cattle industries, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the parks or a drink at a local pub. Bowen to the north is a picturesque seaside town with several pristine beaches while charming Midge Point to the south boasts an acclaimed resort golf course.