The Whitsundays is one of the world's most desirable holiday destinations, boasting a warm tropical climate comparable to Fiji, Tahiti and the Bahamas...is it any wonder that nearly 700,000 holiday makers visit the Whitsundays each year? Some stay forever. Most come back - again and again!
The Whitsundays are only a short cruise from the Great Barrier Reef - an underwater marine life spectacular with coral the colours of the rainbow and magnificent schools of brightly coloured fish. Featuring 74 islands, the tropical Whitsundays are made up of endless deserted beaches, secluded coves, unspoilt National Parks and some of the worlds most beautiful holiday resorts - designed for the eco tourist, family, couples, honeymooners, empty nesters or backpackers. Well known island resorts such as Hamilton Island and Club Med Lindeman Island are only a short cruise from the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.
If you don't choose to island hop, the Whitsunday Coast is a great holiday destination in its own right. The coastal township of Airlie Beach offers stylish resorts, economical apartments and an abundance of things to see and do. A short drive to the Whitsunday Hinterland reveals a different landscape - volcanic mountain peaks, ancient rainforests, abundant wetlands, cooling waterfalls. And if you like you history, don't forget to visit the charming old sugarcane town at Proserpine.
Take your pick of reef cruises, island cruises, diving, snorkelling, fishing, hiking, jet skiing, sailing, coral viewing, charter fishing, crewed cruising, parasailing, kayaking, ocean rafting, dam fishing, whale-watching, rainforest walks, camping, visits to Aboriginal caves, scenic helicopter rides, eco river tours, bike riding, golf, skydiving.....the list goes on and on!
More than 8 hours of sunshine a day and an annual average temperature of 27º C mean it's always a good time to visit! Click here to visit our links page for useful websites about accommodation and other things to see and do in the Whitsunday Region.
Getting here by Road
On the Bruce Highway drive north from Brisbane, approximately 1100 km and from Cairns drive south, approximately 700 km. Airlie Beach is located on the coast approximately 28km off the main Bruce Highway. The turn off to Airlie Beach is 1km north of the sugar cane town of Proserpine between Mackay and Bowen. The major coach companies have regular daily services to Airlie Beach from the north and from the south.
Getting here by Air
There are two airports in the region, one located at Proserpine (serviced by Virgin Blue and Jetstar) and the other on Hamilton Island (serviced by Qantas Link, Virgin Blue and Jetstar). Proserpine Airport, also known as Whitsunday Coast Airport, is a short 40 minute drive from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. A Whitsunday Transit coach and Whitsunday Taxis meet all arrivals and departures. The major car rental companies also service the airport. From Hamilton Island Airport, a Fantasea transfer takes you to Abel Point Marina (Airlie Beach) and/or Shute Harbour.
Getting here by Rail
Queensland Rail's The Sunlander and the Tilt Train provide regular services into Proserpine from both Brisbane and Cairns. A Whitsunday Transit coach meets all train arrivals and departures for transfers to Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
