Whitsunday Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, Queensland’s pristine 74 islands. It is a cosmopolitan and vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants.

Airlie Beach is the epitome of a beach town; you’ll instantly feel the carefree and relaxed attitude emanating from every space. You’ll find it in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a manmade saltwater swimming area surrounded by sand and grassy knolls. You’ll find it in the beachside parks where afternoon barbeques proliferate and continue into the evening hours. And you’ll find it in the alfresco restaurants where fresh seafood overflows from every dish.

But once the sun sets on Airlie Beach, another ambiance embraces the town. You’ll find a thriving energy exuding from the bars and nightclubs where backpackers and travellers party together well into the night. This energy is both contagious and irresistible, and often encourages travellers to stay longer than expected.

Bowen is a jewel in the Whitsunday crown with untouched beaches, beautiful bays and a perfect tropical climate. Bowen is one of the undiscovered treats of Queensland and an ideal destination for those seeking a laidback beach holiday.

Bowen is situated in the northern region of the Whitsundays on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay, just 40 minutes' drive north from Airlie Beach. It’s a picturesque seaside town that offers a beachcomber’s paradise with eight award-winning, palm-fringed beaches to explore. Plus there's the reef, beach and estuary fishing. With a daily average of eight hours of sunshine all through the year, it can also lay claim to having Australia’s best climate.

The most popular beaches are Horseshoe Bay and Queens Beach. Visitors are well provided for at most beaches in the Bowen area, with facilities including barbecues, picnic tables, children’s playgrounds and neatly maintained parkland areas. The Bowen foreshore has recently been redeveloped with fun family activity in mind and boasts a sound shell for outdoor events.

With some of the best fringing reefs of the Queensland coast lying just a few metres offshore, the area attracts snorkellers and divers keen to explore the coral gardens.

Just three minutes to the west of the tourist hot spot of Airlie Beach you’ll find its quieter, less known, but just as beautiful cousin Cannonvale.

A perfect place to base the family, Cannonvale is conveniently located close to all the sights and sounds the Whitsundays has to offer. Cannonvale’s beautiful sheltered beach is perfect for splashing about with the kids away from the big crowds. There are children’s play areas, public barbecues and picnic spots along the water and at the end of the beach you’ll find a curious molten rock formation begging to be explored, with rock pools to be combed over at low tide.

As the main residential centre in the area, the town has good shopping facilities as well as cafes, banks and the area's main post office. Launch your trailer boat at the boat ramp at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Club on Altmann Avenue.

From Cannonvale you can easily get to Abel Point Marina or Shute Harbour to jump on board a cruise to the spellbinding Whitsundays archipelago and Great Barrier Reef. Follow the boardwalk around the waterfront from Cannonvale right into the heart of Airlie Beach for a leisurely afternoon stroll or to get a bit of exercise.

Cannonvale Beach is situated directly next to Airlie Beach in the heart of the Whitsunday Coast. Following the coastline, much of the accommodation in Cannonvale either has water views, is situated right on the beachfront, or is a short stroll away from the beach. The beach is sandy and has a stinger net in the warmer months. With some of the biggest tide changes on the east coast of Australia, at low tide Cannonvale Beach is a beachcombers paradise, with interesting rock formations at the western end of the beach.

Walkers will enjoy Cannonvale Beach as the new Botanic Gardens are situated alongside the beach, and it forms the end to the beautiful Bicentennial Walkway and Boardwalk. Kids will enjoy the playground facilities at the beach, in the park beside the school and at the skate park along the foreshore, opposite the state school. There are free public barbecues and covered picnic facilities along the beachfront.

Conway Beach is located on the southern Whitsunday Coast, approximately 30 minutes drive from Airlie Beach and Proserpine. A small hamlet, along with Wilsons Beach, Conway Beach is a popular spot for fishing and wind-powered sports such as kite surfing and land kiting. The two kilometre sandy stretch of Conway Beach is situated at the mouth of the Proserpine River, an excellent location for fishing and crabbing. Mudcrabs, barramundi and prawns are common catches in the Conway Beach area, as are king and blue salmon, grunter, whiting, flathead and bream.

Daydream Island is the closest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays to the mainland shore at Airlie Beach. Daydream is extremely popular due to its natural beauty and variety of water activities available. With modern, contemporary rooms, several dining options, a wedding chapel, an award-winning day spa, kids club and loads of facilities to keep the whole family amused.

Snorkel directly off the beach to the fringing reef at Lovers' Cove or go sea kayaking, water skiing and windsurfing with the watersports team at the resort. There are also several walking tracks on the island for you to explore. The central and highest point of the island is a small but dense jungle of tropical vegetation inhabited by parrots and tiny sunbirds.

Daydream Island Resort occupies the majority of the island and offers many activities and impressive facilities including an excellent mini-golf course where you can "play your way around Australia" in 19 holes, and the Living Reef Lagoon, where you can experience the Great Barrier Reef without even getting your feet wet, if you don't want to. Handle a baby shark, pat a stingray and feed the barramundi in the large outdoor aquarium, guided by Marine Biologists.

Dingo Beach is a small township on the northern side of the Whitsunday Coast. Dingo Beach and its sister town of Hydeaway Bay are situated on Edgecumbe Bay on Cape Gloucester and boast miles of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, bountiful fishing and plenty of opportunities to relax in the sun or kick back with a cold beverage or meal from one of the small group of beachfront pubs and eco resorts.

Dingo Beach boasts a public boat ramp on its beachfront, enabling visitors to explore the northern waters of the Whitsunday Islands which are renowned for big game fishing and excellent snorkelling. The long, sandy beach has a stinger net for swimming safety in summer and public barbecues and picnic tables dotted along the beachfront under the shady trees.

You can only get there by car, so if you didn't bring your own, hire one from the many outlets in Airlie Beach and explore one of the hidden wonders of the Whitsundays at your own pace, for a day or a few nights.

Gloucester Island is situated at the northern end of the Whitsundays islands group,and is easily accessible by boat from Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay. Dingo Beach and Hydeaway bay are approximately 45 minutes drive from Airlie Beach, and a trailer boat is easily towed along roads of good quality, culminating in a three to four kilometre stretch of dirt road at Cape Gloucester. A public boat ramp is available at Dingo Beach, with sealed roads all the way, but this boat ramp is best used at high tide and may be inaccessible at low tide.

National Park Camping is available on Gloucester Island on two locations, Bona Bay and East Side Bay. Bona Bay is the most easily accessed with a good sandy beach and anchorage. The westerly outlook is a favourite with local campers, and the site offers facilities such as compost toilet, picnic tables and all tide access, taking up to 36 campers at once. East Side Bay is exposed to most winds and can be rough. This self-sufficient site has no facilities and takes a maximum of just six campers at one time.
All campsites require permits.

Hamilton Island is nestled amongst the Whitsunday Islands, a group of 74 islands just off the Queensland coast, at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Hamilton Island is one of the most popular Whitsunday islands offering an idyllic island experience.

Set amidst pristine surroundings, Hamilton Island offers a multitude of activities and luxurious accommodation options to suit the most discerning traveller. You’ll be spoilt for choice with sea-kayaking, game fishing, scenic helicopter flights and ‘Breakfast with the Koalas’ at the Koala Gallery. Of course, you might simply want to concentrate on doing nothing at all, and lay around one of the pools or simply relax on the beach. Hamilton Island is also a gateway to other gems in the Whitsundays including Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.

Choose from the luxurious and intimate setting of Qualia, the beachfront luxury of the Beach Club or the sweeping views of the Coral Sea at The Reef View Hotel. If it's a little more independence you're after, you can choose from the Polynesian style Palm Bungalows or the high-rise Whitsunday Holiday Apartments which are ideal for families or groups of friends, or choose an independent holiday home for a self-catering holiday.

Hayman Island is located in the beautiful Whitsundays just off the Queensland coast and home to Hayman, one of the world's finest resorts. Hayman Island is the epitome of tropical paradise.

On a sparkling sunny day the colour of the water of Hayman's lagoon and Whitsunday Passage are simply stunning - the hues range from turquoise to emerald and sapphire. There's excellent snorkelling directly off the beaches in Blue Pearl Bay. Some argue this is the best beach snorkelling in the Whitsundays.

Hayman Island offers guests plenty of activities ranging from bushwalks to tours of the nearby Great Barrier Reef. Cruise or fly by helicopter to see Heart Reef, Hill Inlet or Whitehaven Beach - it’s all possible at Hayman Island.

At the resort, all rooms have magnificent views of the Whitsundays or the tropical landscaped gardens. Visitors receive the best of both worlds, combining magnificent service and accommodation with natural beauty. The most discerning traveller will be satisfied, but most likely delighted, at the luxurious amenities of the resort.

Access to Hayman Island is by luxury launch transfer from Hamilton Island, or via seaplane or helicopter connections from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.

Hook Island, in the Whitsundays, is a rugged island with breathtaking lookouts and excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. The diversity of coral in the fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef on the northern shore (especially Crayfish Beach) offer excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving.

Hook Island is mostly national park and boasts beautiful beaches and walking tracks. Make sure to try the track that leads to Butterfly Bay, so named because of its unique shape and the butterflies which swarm around its shores.

There are also two magnificent, five kilometre fjord-like inlets, Nara and Macona, cut into the southern end of Hook Island that provide a spectacular anchorage for yachts. Several Aboriginal cave shelters can be found on Hook Island and a walking track leads to one such shelter in Nara Inlet where you can view Aboriginal rock paintings.

Camping is permitted at several sites around the island and guests wishing to spend a few nights on Hook Island Wilderness Resort can do so as part of an overnight sailing package –contact the resort for more information.

Perhaps one of the best kept secrets on the mainland in the Whitsunday region is Hydeaway Bay. It's not hard to understand why locals have kept this place to themselves for many years. Even now, Hydeaway Bay is a tiny village situated at the end of Dingo Beach Road, accessible only from Gregory-Cannon Valley Road, which branches off the main thoroughfare Shute Harbour Road. There is no access through to Bowen from Hydeaway Bay.

Although Hydeaway Bay residents have built right up to the beachfront, there are still five public access ways to the beach. Boat access to the bay is very limited, but a public boat ramp at Dingo Beach is available. Nonetheless, locals say that anglers could catch a whole gamut of fish from anywhere along the beach, in a boat on the bay or by the rocks at the ends of the beach. However, wily locals say that the best thing to catch in Hydeaway Bay is peace and quiet or fresh air.

The word is that the only break to peace and quiet is the times dugong, dolphins, whales or turtles break the surface by your boat.

Tucked away in the hills of the Whitsunday mainland, Jubilee Pocket is just two minutes drive from the tourist haven of Airlie Beach on the road to Shute Harbour.

Jubilee Pocket’s relaxed ambience and proximity to the tropical, seaside town of Airlie Beach has made it popular in recent years with sea-changers. A short drive through the area and it’s not hard to see why. The township is nestled amongst rainforest and picturesque countryside.

Nature walks, jet-ski hire and other water activities are close at hand. The warm, tropical climate at Jubilee Pocket means that winters are very mild and water activities occur all year round.

Two minutes drive west will find you amidst the hustle and bustle of popular Airlie Beach. With its wide range of restaurants and bars, vibrant nightlife, tourist services and boutique shopping, Airlie Beach is a hive of energy set in a tropical paradise.

Lindeman Island is one of the southern Great Barrier Reef islands in the Whitsundays, and is mostly National Park with over 20 kilometres of bushwalking tracks. Stroll through Butterfly Valley or climb Mount Oldfield which is 212 metres above sea level and experience 360 degree views of Pentecost, Hamilton and Whitsunday Islands.

Lindeman Island has seven stunning beaches with Gap Beach a fantastic location for snorkelling and oystering. Golden orchids grow on the mangroves at the end of the beach and over 90 species of birds dart through the trees.

Dolphins can often be spotted from the shore all through the year. While during whale-watching season from July to November, Humpback whales can often be seen as well.

There are a number of tiny islands dotted around Lindeman - all a short dinghy ride away and perfect for a day of personal paradise. There is a camping ground at Boat Port in the north of the island.

Long Island is located in the beautiful Whitsundays off the Queensland coast and boasts amazing wildlife and scenery. It is the nearest island to the Whitsundays mainland. Long Island is mostly national park and has over 13 kilometres of walking tracks which end at stunning lookouts and beautiful secluded beaches. Hard to beat is the fringing coral reef in the bays, great for snorkelling or just relaxing in a hammock under the coconut palms.

There are three resorts on the island, with varying styles of accommodation ranging from luxurious to world-class, eco-friendly and an affordable family resort. Day visitors are welcome to moor off the beach at Long Island Resort in Happy Bay, on the western side of the island, and visit the resort for a meal and a drink.

Heading out through Mackay and beyond the Hibiscus Coast lies the charming Midge Point area. Midge Point is an ideal place to bushwalk, go fishing and crabbing and generally relax in a peaceful and tranquil area by the beach. It is home to various accommodations and caravan parks. Stay in semi tropical rainforest, enjoy direct beach access for hours of fishing, walks and fossicking.

A little further north of Midge Point is Laguna Whitsundays Resort, home to Queensland's number one resort golf course. Enjoy a host of resort activities including golf, horse riding, watersports, beach and pool volleyball, tennis, archery, nature walks.

Proserpine is the admin and service centre for the Whitsundays region. Proserpine was named by the explorer George Dalrymple, after Persephone the Greek goddess of fertility, recognising the fertile qualities in the region. Since the late 1800s, cattle grazing and sugar cane have been the economic mainstays here. The eerie glow of cane field fires make a spectacular sight at night from late June onwards. Now tourism is a major drawcard.

Although it has many modern facilities (including a hospital, schools, library and sporting facilities), the town's Main Street is a reminder of how life used to be – particularly the 'art deco' period evident in the shop architecture which has been well preserved. Old-fashioned courtesies still survive in Proserpine, particularly at many of the charming retail outlets and country-style hotels.

You will find an excellent counter lunch at any of the Main Street pubs and soon find yourself yarning with the locals.

There are pleasant picnic grounds at Pioneer Park near the town entrance, Mill Street Park and the Cultural Centre. The bus stop for Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour is at the Mill Street Park which has an enormous historical shady fig tree. Rotary Park in Faust Street has a childrens playground.

Shute Harbour, near Airlie Beach, is the major port facility for the transfer of visitors to the Whitsunday Islands and resort destinations. A small residential community, it commands outstanding views from most locations. A selection of holiday homes and one small hotel situated right on the crest of a hill take in some of the best.

The port is one of the busiest small vessel facilities in Australia, and is also a major base for bareboat and charter yacht activity. Daily scheduled ferries and water taxi services are offered by commercial operators. A public boat ramp is available, with limited trailer parking, for launching of small private vessels. The public fishing jetty is an excellent spot to dangle a line and try your luck at catching some of the famed tropical Whitsunday fish and squid species.

To get to Shute Harbour, drive east for ten pleasantly winding kilometres through Conway National Park from Airlie Beach. The park itself has a camping and picnic area. There is plenty of paid parking for those heading out to the islands, including an undercover parking station suitable for parking boats, trailers, caravans and more, while you enjoy the islands.

South Molle Island is located in the heart of the Whitsundays. South Molle Island is the largest of the Molle Island Group and features one of the longest-established resorts in the Whitsundays. The resort is currently operating as a backpacker / adventure travel resort for the young and young at heart.

South Molle is a hilly island with grasslands, lush pockets of rainforest, secluded bays and fringing reefs. The Molle Islands are virtually joined along a causeway so you can walk across to Mid Molle Island at low tide.

South Molle has extensive birdlife that includes dozens of colourful lorikeets, currawongs and the endangered bush stone curlews.

Adventure Island Resort, used to be known as South Molle Island Resort, and now caters predominantly to the 18 - 35 year old, independent traveller. There are also camping grounds located at Sandy Bay in the south of the island and Paddle Bay to the north of the resort.

Access to the island can be arranged from Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach.

In the heart of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef lie the Whitsundays, 74 islands floating like jewels in the tropical waters of the Coral Sea. Discovering the Great Barrier Reef is one of life's must-dos and it's easily accessible from Airlie Beach or directly from the islands. It is a cosmopolitan and vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants.

The best way to fully explore this lovely region is on a sailboat… cruise through the islands and drop anchor for a quick snorkel and fall asleep at night to the gentle rocking of the waves under a canopy of stars. Spend the day exploring the pure white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from one of the world's most exquisite lookouts, or enjoy the views of the reef from the cockpit of a seaplane. Paddle a sea kayak gracefully through the water, follow bushwalking trails overlooking the Coral Sea or simply relax with a cocktail by the pool.

There's well over 74 unique experiences at your fingertips.