Whitsunday Islands Information
Whitsunday Islands information that ou need to know before your vaction .The Whitsundays Islands are located on the east coast of North Queensland Australia. Made famous by Whitehaven Beach this group of islands stretches along the coastline from Mackay to Bowen. However, the main cluster of islands is situated in the middle and are accessed by the mainland tourist mecca, Airlie Beach.
Airlie beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays through its 2 main ports, Abell point Marina and Port of Airlie. Another major marina in the area is Hamilton Island and is used for guests staying at the island resort. Both Hamilton Island and Airlie beach are major tourist centers and have everything you will need for your Whitsundays vacation.
The Main Islands Close to Airlie Beach are
- Hamilton Island (Resort)
- Day Dream Island (Resort)
- Molle Group
- Hayman Island (Resort)
- Hook Island
- Whitsunday Island
- Long Island (Resort)
- Double Cone
- Gloucester
Since Cyclone Debbie in March 2017 the only resort operating are Hamilton Island and Palm Bat Resort on long island. Day Dream and Hayman are due to reopen after refurbishments in 2018. For most tourists who visit the Whitsunday Islands on a tour they will never see any of these resorts as the main destinations are not kept free of populations.
Why are the Islands around Airlie beach so popular?
The islands are unique in a few ways, for one they are protected from ocean swell by the Great Barrier Reef and prevailing southerly winds by the mainland. This means the waters are relatively calm most of the year round, when there is a swell it is from the wind and is more like chop on an open lake. As the winds tend to be from the south east for 70% of the year and average between 10-20 knots it makes it perfect weather for boating and especially sailing.
The second reason are the islands themselves what they contain, around most of the islands are stunning bays filled with coral, tropical fish, and turtles. It is easy for tour operators to take guests out comfortable to these bays and snorkel safely in relatively shallow water, this allows all kinds of tourists to snorkel in waters that are calm and safe most of the year round. See our Whitsunday island information on what to do while on holiday and book a whitsundays tours for backpackers or familys with us today
What to do in the Whitsundays? here are our top 10
- Island Day Tour – the perfect way for all ages to see Whitehaven Beach and snorkel the islands
- Overnight Sailing Tour – the best way to see more of the Whitsundays on a sailing adventure
- Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef – Spend the day at the outer reef snorkelling and scuba diving
- Scenic Flight – A truly amazing experience flying low over Whitehaven Beach
- Islands Resorts – Jump on a ferry and visit the resorts such as Hamilton Island
- Airlie Lagoon – Take a swim for free in a man-made swimming lagoon
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding – great way to spend Cedar 2 hours out the front of Airlie
- National Park Walks – There is a range of walks on the main land and islands
- Fishing – whether it’s a tour or off the rock walls there is some exciting fishing to be had
- Cedar Creek Waterfall – just 20 mins out of town this is the best way to cool down on a hot day
Where to stay while on vacation
Airlie beach – as any tourist destination there is a range of accommodation here in Airlie, from motels, apartments, backpacker hostels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks and even air bnb there is something here for you, if you are planning to visit within the school holidays book ahead! the town can fill up very quickly.
Cannonvale – is next to Airlie beach and is about a 20-minute walk around the coast line, or a 5-minute drive, there are motels, apartments and caravan parks located throughout.
Hamilton Island – there is accommodation here from mid budget to high, it is well worth spoiling yourself and taking time away from the hustle and bustle to relax on an island
Day Dream Island – (currently closed but will be back in 2018) a small island but has everything you need, perfect for couple’s getaways
Palm Bay Resort Long Island – This resort is perfect for a secluded break, lovely bungalows with a pool and bar in a small bay, no crowds here!
Hayman Island – This is a 5-star resort and is at the high end, this is where the stars go for a holiday, you will get the VIP treatment here.
Proserpine – 20 minutes west of Airlie Beach this is a farming town and has some small motels and a caravan park, perfect if you do not like the tourist hubs
Bowen – 40 minutes north of Airlie Beach this town was once going to be the capital of Queensland but is now a beautiful town edged in history by the sea, there is all kinds of accommodation here to suit everybody
Mackay – If you cannot handle the small-town feeling stay in MacKay, a small vibrant city by the sea and the very southern end of the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays are the perfect place for a short break or extended vacation, come and explore this marine wilderness with us at Whitsunday Islands Tours
Where to stay while on vacation
Airlie beach – as any tourist destination there is a range of accommodation here in Airlie, from motels, apartments, backpacker hostels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks and even air bnb there is something here for you, if you are planning to visit within the school holidays book ahead! the town can fill up very quickly.
Cannonvale – is next to Airlie beach and is about a 20-minute walk around the coast line, or a 5-minute drive, there are motels, apartments and caravan parks located throughout.
Hamilton Island – there is accommodation here from mid budget to high, it is well worth spoiling yourself and taking time away from the hustle and bustle to relax on an island
Day Dream Island – (currently closed but will be back in 2018) a small island but has everything you need, perfect for couple’s getaways
Palm Bay Resort Long Island – This resort is perfect for a secluded break, lovely bungalows with a pool and bar in a small bay, no crowds here!
Hayman Island – This is a 5-star resort and is at the high end, this is where the stars go for a holiday, you will get the VIP treatment here.
Proserpine – 20 minutes west of Airlie Beach this is a farming town and has some small motels and a caravan park, perfect if you do not like the tourist hubs
Bowen – 40 minutes north of Airlie Beach this town was once going to be the capital of Queensland but is now a beautiful town edged in history by the sea, there is all kinds of accommodation here to suit everybody
Mackay – If you cannot handle the small-town feeling stay in MacKay, a small vibrant city by the sea and the very southern end of the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays are the perfect place for a short break or extended vacation, come and explore this marine wilderness with us. Fo any further Whitsunday Islands Information you can contact us by phone or email.
