The Whitsunday Islands: The Heart of the Great Barrier Reef

Whitsunday islands are home to the most beautiful beaches in the world, and teh heart of the great barrier reef

Devastated by Cyclone Debbie two years ago, the Whitsunday Islands took a severe battering. Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef – islands large and small, scattered like emeralds in the sea – they were one of Australia’s loveliest destinations.

Their famous powdery white beaches, the Reef’s stunning coral, hotels, guest houses, bars and restaurants; all were lifted up, broken and spat back out by the swirling typhoon. Nothing escaped the wrath of Debbie who hoovered up everything in her wake.

Thanks to a £1.2 billion investment in the area, regeneration is well under way and the main islands are open for business again.

Planning an epic adventure? This nature lovers’ playground is waiting for sailors, divers, wildlife fans and fishers, tempted by the warm, calm waters.

Devastated by Cyclone Debbie two years ago, the Whitsunday Islands took a severe battering. Now thanks to a £1.2 billion investment in the area, regeneration is well under way and the main islands are open for business again. This nature lovers’ playground is heaven on Earth.
This nature lovers’ playground is waiting for sailors, divers, wildlife fans and fishers

The 74 Whitsunday Islands host some of the oldest archaeological sites on Australia’s Queensland coast, and, the Reef is regenerating, with new species of coral popping up where the old once was.

Accommodation has stepped up a notch too. Be one of the first to stay in a reefsuite; luxurious underwater accommodation with glass walls, that gives you a front row seat to the spectacular Barrier Reef.

Sailing is the obvious way to make the most of The Whitsundays and can be experienced on an organised cruise, in sleek, modern, yachts or old timber boats. Yachts come with fun crews or go under your own steam – ‘bareboating’. Family friendly water sports are available across the islands.

Five of the main islands have resorts.

The Whitsunday mainland is the stepping off point for the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a holiday destination in itself where you can visit Airlie Beach, which has its own lagoon, the mountainous backdrop of Conway National Park, and famed nightlife at sundown. Bowen in the North; has eight beautiful beaches surrounding a small town. Dingo Beach and Cape Gloucester, with its empty sands, handful of houses, caravan park and pub, and Proserpine, surrounded by swaying cane fields and Art Deco architecture. The mainland also has walking trails and waterfalls. Trek through Conway National Park, with its mangroves, rocky upland and tropical rainforest.

Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island – named by Captain Cook in the 1700s – is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches, if not the most beautiful beach, in the world. With 7 km of pure white sand, lapped by aquamarine sea, it’s guaranteed to take your breath away. Kayak, swim, walk, sail, lounge… but don’t miss Whitehaven.

Daydream Island, with its $100 million redevelopment, is the new premium resort, a tropical haven for romantics, families and groups. Guests will be able to join a team of marine biologists who live on Daydream, to feed baby stingrays; or snorkel to watch the 100 species of fish, coral, starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.

Whitsunday Islands at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
Home to the most beautiful beaches in the world

Then there’s Hamilton Island, the largest of the inhabited islands which has its own airport. Car free, it is covered in bushland and the coast is fringed with coral reefs.

Long Island is closest to the mainland and measures only 9 kms. Mostly national park, it has 13 kms of walking trails, perfect to study the flora and fauna. It’s a place to relax, rejuvenate and escape.

Camp Island has just 4 bungalows and a 3-bedroom house. Described as the ‘rock star’ experience, it’s available for exclusive use.

Hayman Island, is all about the 5 star luxury of the InterContinental. Step off your seaplane, helicopter or luxury boat to discover private pools, diving the Great Barrier Reef, sailing the Coral Sea or extreme pampering.

There are plenty of eating choices across the islands, with an elegant fine dining scene that has grown significantly. You never need set foot in a bar or restaurant and can stick with self-catering. There are food markets on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Airlie Beach, Whitsunday and at Hansen Park on Bowen.

Eat off the beaten track like a local too, with plenty of eateries tucked away just waiting to be discovered. Free BBQ facilities, or catch your own fish, means you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a good meal.

Sleeping choices suit every budget, from camping in the national parks, to self-catering in Balinese style accommodation on Long Island Beach, to eco-friendly, to 5 star or reefsuites. There are countless beautiful spots in the refurbished Whitsundays. Your toughest decision will be choosing which ones.

  • Sally Beck

    Sally Beck is a national newspaper and magazine feature writer who’s written about celebrity, health, real life and travel for the Mail, Mirror and Sun titles, as well as magazines like Woman, Woman’s Own, Glamour and Cosmopolitan. She is also a published author and has written 6 books, 5 of which reached the best-sellers' list. She loves nothing more than a good adventure, whether it’s at home or abroad, and is happiest embarking on a journey - any journey. Oh, and in her spare time, green-fingered Sal grows her own fruit and veg.

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