Abandon yourself to the delights of sandy beaches, clear waters, sailing and many colorful reef fish in Whitsunday’s which are part of the Cumberland Group, the largest group of Coastal Islands on the Australian Coast.
The Islands were formed around 10,000 years ago when the Ice Caps melted and the sea level rose around 100 meters. The islands are in fact mountaintops.
Sunrise in Hamilton island, Image credit: Prescott Pym
Airlie Beach on the Australian mainland is an ideal spot for all tourists who want to explore the Islands. Ferries cross from Airlie Beach to the islands nearly every hour. Tourists arriving by jet begin at Hamilton Island, the island with the most hotels, bars and restaurants.
The Dent Island Lighthouse, it overlooks over the Whitsunday Islands. Image credit
The best known are Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Long Island and Lindeman Island, all of which are easily accessible to tourists. They include resorts and hotels that lure thousands of vacationers all year round.
Whitsunday Islands, image credit: Christoph Specht
The Whitsundays provide terrific sailing conditions. Each August, many famous yachts make their way to the Whitsunday’s to race in the Hamilton Island Race Week and Hoggs Breath Regatta.
If you look carefully you will be able to see the far off yatches, Image credit: Shapelive
Humpback Whales visit the Whitsundays from July to Sept each year. During their stay calves are born. Other marine life that we regularly see throughout the year include: Turtles, Dugong, Dolphins, Mantaray, Maori Wrasse and hundreds of different Reef Fish.
Hamilton Island, Image credit
In total, there are 74 islands located right in the centre of the Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Out of which only 17 are inhabited. The rest are reserved for native plants and animals. The Whitsunday group consists of 22 islands, that were named by Captain Cook on his voyage on the Endeavour in 1770.
So do take time out to go sailing in the turquoise, clear waters of these beautiful islands!
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