Whitsundays
Just off the Central Coast of beautiful subtropical Queensland is a collection of continental islands that make up the Whitsundays. The island group centres on Whitsunday Island but the commercial centre is the popular Hamilton Island.
While the islands attract tourists from all over the world for snorkelling, scuba diving and island resort getaways the islands are also one of the most popular yachting destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
There are several groups of islands within the Whitsundays starting with the main Whitsundays Group which includes some 74 islands. After this there is also the Lindeman Group to the south east, the Molle Group in the south west and the Northern Group (that’s to the north).
Whitsundays Cruises, Boating & Boat Charters
The waters around the Whitsundays Islands are a Mecca for cruisers, yachting, sailing and power boating. With a combination of crystal clear waters, magnificent ocean views, warm tropical climate and stunning beaches it’s easy to see why this is such a boating hotspot.
The sailing conditions in this area are fantastic from March through to October as the south east trade winds fan the Queensland coast. There are 4 main marinas in the Whitsundays area, the largest of which being Abel Point with 500 berths, full marine services and launching ramp. After this there is Mackay (almost as large as Abel Point), Laguna Whitsundays and Hamilton Island.
Many holiday makers with their own yachts, catamarans and even power boats often bring them along to take advantage of these waters but watercraft can be chartered for long and short periods. Most charter companies offer complete provisioning fees and services to take all the worry out of planning and procuring.
For those without the nautical know-how or simply wanting a lazy holiday there are crewed charters available. Such vessels come with a licenced skipper and assistant to run the boat and pamper the guests.
Whitsundays Pampering & Day Spas
What are the holidays for if not to pamper yourself a little as you relax by the pool, indulge in a massage and spend the day relaxing by the beach.
If you do find yourself in the Whitsundays in the middle of a rain spell don’t despair. A day indoors at a day spa is ideal to help you forget you’re missing the sunshine. There are a multitude of day spas to choose from on the Whitsundays coast, from independent therapists to the most luxurious of resorts.
Don’t hesitate, just get out there and treat yourself.
Whitsundays Accommodation
No matter what budget or type of holiday you want, there is accommodation in Whitsundays to suit you. Experience luxury island resorts, tropical five star hotels, hotels, holiday homes, backpacker hostels or even spend an unforgettable night under the stars on your own private yacht.
Getting to the Whitsundays
Flying into the Whitsundays will have you landing at the Whitsundays Coast Airport in Proserpine, operating as the main gateway to the area. From here there is plenty of transport in way of shuttles and taxis to Airlie Beach where you can get boat rides out to the islands. There are two small plane airports at Shute Harbour and Lindeman Island.
For train travel the 'Sunlander' and 'Queenslander' services depart Brisbane and Cairns for Proserpine several times a week with sitting and sleeping berths available. Heading north from Brisbane is the Sunlander operating on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, arriving at Prosperine late afternoon the following day. Daylight running of the Tilt Train 3 times a week in each direction allows passengers to enjoy the Queensland landscape in a comfortable environment.
The Bruce Highway which runs from Brisbane to Cairns goes past Proserpine. Take the Airlie Beach turnoff for a short 20km drive into the beach town. Buses and Coaches also run this route to Airlie beach from Cairns and Brisbane.
Whitsundays Weather
Beautiful and warm all year round, the weather in Whitsundays is perfect for holidays and beach goers.
In summer the temperature will range from 23°C to 29°C. This is also the wet season so it will get a little humid but the heat is usually interrupted with the occasional tropical shower.
Winter is the perfect time for a tropical holiday as the temperature sits at a comfortable 17°C to 24°C. The humidity is not as bad during the winter and there is less rain, making every day a beach day.