The heart of the Great Barrier Reef

Tourism Whitsundays are offering a free guide to assist travellers in gaining a wider knowledge of the Whitsunday region and to assist in making their holiday choices. The Whitsundays lie midway along the Queensland coast – a group of 74 Islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and cradled by the calm and sheltered waters of the Coral Sea; a picturesque mainland of wooded peninsulas, sandy coves and welcoming holiday resorts.

There are so many ways to experience the Whitsundays – something for every taste, every budget – and every visitor can be assured of a great holiday.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s seven natural wonders, right here in the heart of the beautiful Whitsundays. Under it, in it, on it, above it – there are a myriad of ways to experience this magical wonder. Marvel in its delights from an under-the-water perspective in a semi-submersible sub. Get into the water and go snorkelling or scuba diving around fringing reefs and coral gardens, spend the night on the reef on a boat or Reefsleep, or get a bird’s-eye view from up above with a charter helicopter or scenic seaplane tour.

However visitors choose to experience the Whitsundays, they will be sure to include a trip to Whitehaven Beach, consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world. The spectacular white silica sands of this gorgeous location stretch on for seven kilometres, ensuring travelers want to return to experience its beauty again.

Looking for a little adventure? These are some of the most beautiful and enjoyable sailing waters in the world, where you can skipper your own yacht, chart your own course, and drop anchor for the night in a sheltered bay of turquoise water off an uninhabited island. Go adventure sailing on a tall ship or head out for a day of breathtaking exhilaration on an ocean racing yacht.

For lovers of an island getaway there is simply no better holiday destination than the Whitsundays. Here you can indulge in island resorts that cater to everything from family fun to couples seeking the last word in style, luxury and romance.

Gateway to the 74 Islands, the Whitsundays Coast is also a fantastic destination. The towns of Airlie Beach, Bowen and Proserpine boast excellent natural attractions and activities and accommodation options that provide a great base for discovering all that the region has to offer.

Those seeking to be at one with nature will fall in love with the Whitsundays. Many enjoy the variety of bush walking tracks and National Parks throughout the Whitsundays Coast and 74 Islands discovering the local flora and fauna. The Whitsunday Great Walk takes hikers on a 30-km journey through Conway State Forest from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach.

Highlights of The Walk include wandering through a majestic tropical rainforest lined with tulip oak trees, grass trees and cycads. Relax by beautiful seasonal creeks, enjoy cool breezes and take in the rewarding coastline views out to the 74 Islands of the Whitsundays.

The Whitsundays Holiday Planner covers this and a whole lot more. Why not take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.

To receive your free copy of the Holiday Planner, email 74islands@tourismwhitsundays.com.au or log on to Tourismwhitsundays.com.au.