> > by Rhonda Bannister
Oprah told the world what Australians should already know – the Whitsundays area is one of the most special places on earth and if you haven’t yet experienced it for yourself, don’t just put it on your bucket list, get on up there and find out what all the fuss is about! The weather at this time of the year is superb; bright sunshine in a sparkling blue sky above, iridescent gin-clear water full of psychedelic coloured fish below. Autumn, winter and spring are the perfect seasons for sailing around these unbelievably gorgeous islands. There are 74 but only seven are inhabited; Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream, South Molle, Lindeman, Hook and Long Islands all boast resorts from five-star luxury to back-packer comfort and all offer amazing day trips off-island so you can come and go as you please! The Whitsundays really does have something for everyone!
The gateway to this magnificent area is the town of Airlie Beach, part of a picturesque peninsula that has recently undergone some startling development, turning it from backpacker haven into a millionaires hideaway, although backpackers still throng here and who can blame them ... it really is heaven on earth.This charming town boasts great accommodation either right on the water’s edge or high on a hill overlooking the calm waters of Pioneer Bay and there’s no shortage of terrific restaurants, cafes, boutiques and tour companies to organise your daily activities.
Virgin and Jetstar fly directly into Hamilton Island and from there Fantasea Cruises can take you to your island hideaway or to Shute Harbour on the mainland. Make sure you check out their websites for some terrific specials throughout the year and put the Whitsundays on your list of must-visit Queensland destinations – it’s simply unbelievable!
Things to Do:
The very first thing you should do is see the reef either by helicopter like Oprah did (which looked amazing!) or by Fantasea Cruising’s high speed catamaran which takes you to Fantasea Reefworld right on the reef for snorkelling and diving. For a truly unique reef experience stay overnight and watch the reef come alive under the stars.
They also run daily trips to magical Whitehaven Beach, an Australian icon and voted one of the ten best beaches in the world. Or if you prefer something more romantic, get dropped onto the beach by helicopter or sea plane with a picnic basket and bottle of wine!
A day spent sailing around the islands is mandatory and there’s loads of options. If you want to include a few days of boating into your itinerary, DescaradA Charters offer a tempting island escape on board a luxury yacht exploring the azure waters, sunny beaches and spectacular landscape of the Whitsunday’s. Perfect as a getaway cruise for couples.
If you want to enjoy a spectacular event, time your visit to coincide with either the Airlie Beach Race Week ( August 12 to 18) or the Hamilton Island Race Week (August 19 to 27), Australia’s largest annual offshore keelboat regatta. Join in the festivities and lively calendar of events, including gourmet meals prepared by celebrity chefs, fashion shows, golfing competitions and wine tastings.
To experience the Whitsundays on a journey over land and sea, the Whitsundays Ngaro Sea Trail is the perfect option, officially opened in June 2010. The Sea Trail is the latest of Queensland’s ‘Great Walks’ and is the first to combine land and water elements. Named after the traditional owners of the Whitsundays, the Ngaro people, this latest walk will allow visitors to follow in the indigenous peoples’ footsteps and experience a remarkable journey on Hook, Whitsunday and South Molle Islands.
Visitors can travel by commercial boat, sailing vessel or canoe and trails will range from short and easy to long and challenging. This product is not brochured, which is naturally enticing for the business events market when looking for something different! www..derm.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/great_walks
Handfeeding stingrays is the newest attraction at Daydream Island Resort and Spa’s Living Reef, one of the world’s largest man-made coral reef lagoons. The island’s new 45-minute Stingray Splash offers small groups of up to four people the opportunity to walk knee-deep into the man-made reef to hand-feed resident stingrays, sharks and barramundi plus pat the stingrays.
Wine & Dine:
Clipper Restaurant & Bar: one of Airlie’s finest restaurants specialising in local seafood, the poolside location at Coral Sea Resort offers breathtaking ocean views. www.coralsearesort.com/
Fish D’vine, Airlie Beach: as the name implies this is all about the freshest seafood cooked and served to perfection. www.fishdvine.com.au
Déjà vu, Airlie Beach: home to the famous gastrotourism event ‘The Long Sunday Lunch’. An eight-course feast for only $44.50 per person! www.dejavurestaurant.com.au
Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Hamilton Island: Ideal for sunset drinks overlooking Dent Passage, Marina and the Whitsunday Islands with a relaxed style menu. www.hamiltonislandyachtclub.com.au