The Visitor Guide 2018/19 - To book your holiday go to - Tourism Whitsundays
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The
Visitor Guide 2018/19
7 4 I S L A N D W O N D E R S I N T H E H E A R T
O F T H E G R E A T B A R R I E R R E E F
To book your holiday go to
www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au
WISHLIST WHITSUNDAYS
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE PICTURE-PERFECT
BEAUTY OF THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
From secret beaches to sleeping under the stars, a once in a lifetime adventure awaits in Australia’s great tropical wilderness,
with the region’s premier day cruise operator. Choose from a range of tailored coastal experiences: Great Barrier Reef Adventures,
Reefsleep, Camira Sailing Adventure, Whitehaven Beach Cruises, Island Escapes, and Resort Connections.
REEFSLEEP PONTOON GREAT BARRIER REEF ADVENTURES CAMIRA SAILING ADVENTURE
TO BOOK PLEASE CONTACT CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS RESERVATIONS
+61 7 4846 7000 info@cruisewhitsundays.com cruisewhitsundays.com
WHITEHAVEN BEACH, QLD
Where in the world would you rather be?
There’s plenty to do during your Hamilton Island holiday, in the heart of the Great Barrier
Reef. Enjoy a wide selection of bars and restaurants, year-round cultural and sporting
events, an 18-hole championship golf course and an abundance of water sports and
activities - and that’s just the start. To find out more, visit hamiltonisland.com.au
Welcome
to the Whitsundays
The wonderful Whitsundays, a place like no other…The Whitsundays is right in the heart of the
Great Barrier Reef - a World Heritage-listed natural wonder that stretches 2,300 kilometres along
Queensland’s coast. The Whitsundays offers the best Great Barrier Reef experience you can find,
WHITSUNDAY INFORMATION SERVICE
07 4945 3967 with limitless options including diving, snorkelling, sailing and flying over the reef.
info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au
www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au The Whitsundays is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, an Guide which is designed to showcase all that’s on offer in this
amazing living structure that protects the Coral Sea. The reef spectacular region.
Tourism Whitsundays acknowledge the traditional surrounds the 74 Whitsunday islands and mainland, creating a
owners of this land. We pay our respects to their Elders, We encourage you to also check out our website for more
past and present, and Elders from other communities safe and calm aquatic playground in which visitors can swim, information, as well as the websites of individual tour and
living in the Whitsundays today. snorkel, dive and sail. accommodation options.
Tourism Whitsundays would like to thank In addition to all this, we also have two of the most Whether you are in the middle of planning your holiday or are
Andrew Caitens on behalf of Hamilton Island, stunningly beautiful natural attractions in Australia, with
Cover Image – Hill Inlet, Whitsunday Island, here visiting us now, we hope you enjoy your time in our slice
Tourism and Events Queensland, 8 Seconds,
Heart Reef – a natural coral reef in the shape of a heart that of paradise.
Cherene Poidevin, Gareth McGuigan, @levicaleballan, is only visible from the air in the Whitsundays – and world
@johnny_gaskell, @photobohemian, @jasoncharleshill, famous Whitehaven Beach, with its 7kms of dazzling white,
@julesingall, @caitensphoto, @nics_mindset,
silica sand, disappearing into the swirling turquoise waters of
@_samfrith, Explore Whitsundays, Whitsunday Escape,
@_markfitz,@thesailingyogi, Gabby Ritter, Hill Inlet.
Natassia Wheeler
@alivialatimer, Salty Wings, Hamilton Island,
Cumberland Yacht Charters, Alani, Derwent Hunter, The Whitsundays offers a great diversity of attractions, Chief Executive Officer | Tourism Whitsundays
@reedplummerimages, Ocean Rafting, activities and experiences. We truly hope you enjoy this Visitor Destination Marketing & Visitor Attraction
Weddings Whitsundays, Whitsunday Jetski Tours,
Hemingways Airlie Beach, Shirley Wodson and
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for providing
images for this production
www.facebook.com/whitsundaysQLD www.instagram.com/whitsundaysqld www.twitter.com/WhitsundaysQLD
#lovewhitsundays @whitsundaysQLD #lovewhitsundays @WhitsundaysQLD #lovewhitsundays
Stay connected
share your holiday photos and other stuff at #lovewhitsundays
2 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 3
Getting Here
The Whitsundays is located along Queensland’s central coast in north-eastern Australia,
approximately 1120kms north of Brisbane and 630kms south of Cairns. Getting here is easy,
whether driving from nearby towns or travelling from the other side of the world.
By Air Important Information Weather
The Whitsundays is serviced by Proserpine Hospital The Whitsundays enjoys a tropical
two airports: 26 – 32 Taylor St, Proserpine climate of hot summers, warm winters
Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) T 07 4813 9400 and bright spring and autumn days.
Approximately 30 minutes to Airlie Beach. Water temperatures remain a welcoming
Shuttle buses meet all flights. PolicE 25˚C most of the year.
Bowen Police Station
Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island) 25 Powell St, Bowen | T 07 4720 4555
If you are not staying on the island, you
Collinsville Police Station Jan 31°C
can take a ferry with Cruise Whitsundays
to Airlie Beach and beyond or to other Sonoma St, Collinsville | T 07 4785 5377
Feb 30°C
island resorts. Proserpine Police Station
18 Mill St, Proserpine | T 07 4945 9666 Mar 29°C
Note: Maximum temperatures shown
By RAIL Whitsunday Police Station Apr 28°C
2 Altmann Ave, Cannonvale
Queensland Rail services link May 26°C
T 07 4948 8888
Proserpine to all the major destinations
Jun 24°C
from Cairns to Brisbane, Sydney,
Melbourne and beyond. For more information, please visit
Jul 23°C
www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/
By ROAD useful-information Aug 25°C
Sep 26°C
The Bruce Highway is the major highway
linking Queensland’s coastal cities and Oct 28°C
towns. Major national coach operators
include the Whitsundays in their regular Nov 31°C
Breathe
scheduled services into the coastal Dec 31°C
communities of Airlie Beach and Bowen
from all major centres along the east
coast of Australia.
6 Great barrier Reef 26 Weddings
8 Snorkelling & Diving 28 Maps
Following an extensive $100 million redevelopment, the new premium resort will become a tropical haven
10 Whitehaven beach & Hill Inlet 32 Whitsunday Events for romantics, families and groups.
12 Crewed Sailing 36 Fishing & Golf There will be an expanded food and beverage offering with three restaurants and five bars across the
island, giving guests a plethora of options catering to every need. An exciting Asian Fusion restaurant will
14 Bareboating 38 Eating Out be added to the collection of dining venues to sit alongside the Buffet and Modern Australian Restaurants.
16 The Whitsunday Mainland 40 National parks & Camping
The Living Reef, will also be making its return to the island in an even bigger and better capacity than
before, further developing its education and eco-friendly focus. Guests will be able to join the team of
18 Whitsunday Islands 42 History & Heritage
marine biologists who live on the island and feed baby stingrays who live amongst over 100 species of
marine fish, coral and invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.
20 Luxury in the Whitsundays 43 Road Trip
22 Adventure 44 Self Drive Itineraries
24 Family 46 Walks Menu RESERVATIONS TOLL FREE 1800 075 040 | EMAIL reservations@daydreamisland.com
D AY D R E A M I S L A N D . C O M
25 Shopping 47 Advertisers
4 tourismwhitsundays.com.au
Great Barrier Reef
More people visit the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park from the
Whitsundays than from any other
destination and it’s not hard to see
why! You can swim, snorkel, dive,
sail and fly over this natural wonder
in the Whitsundays, the heart of
the Great Barrier Reef.
THE WHITSUNDAYS is the ideal place to explore this World
Heritage-listed attraction that is the envy of the world. It is
hard not to be mesmerised by the dazzling array of corals and
brightly coloured fish as you swim and snorkel on this amazing
living structure.
You can choose from any number of vessels to transport you
there, from romantic old timber sailing boats to fast and sleek
motor cruisers and everything in between.
Or you can fly over the reef for a totally different perspective,
including the most photographed reef in the world, Heart Reef,
a natural heart-shaped formation that can only be seen in the
Whitsundays and has stirred many a declaration of love!
However you choose to have your Great Barrier Reef
experience – and you might choose more than one! –
you will certainly fall in love with the heart of the reef,
the Whitsundays.
Did You Know?
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is home to:
zz 1,625 species of fish
zz 133 species of sharks and rays
zz 3,000 species of molluscs (shells)
zz 30 species of dolphins and whales
zz 630 species of starfish and sea urchins
zz six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle
zz one of the world’s most important dugong populations
zz one third of the world’s coral species
(including giant clams).
6 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 7
Snorkelling & Diving BE DAZZLED by the many different corals – the reef is home to one third of all known species – as you swim with a multitude of
colourful fish (more than 1,500 different kinds!) and rub shoulders with green turtles and manta rays. Look out for stunning
Humphead Maori Wrasse and the shy clown fish or ‘Nemo’, who hides in sea anemones.
Visitors flock to the Whitsundays to experience diving and snorkelling Snorkelling Diving
on the Great Barrier Reef.
Most tours and trips out on the water include snorkelling but Diving in the Whitsundays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,
check with the operator when booking as this is a ‘must-do’ for whether you are a complete novice or have some time under
visitors to the Whitsundays! your weight-belt.
The local knowledge shown by operators is excellent (don’t There are several diving options, so you can choose your
be afraid to ask questions) and they will take you to the best Whitsundays diving adventure to best suit your experience
spots, given the weather and tides. and timings.
Remember to wear sunscreen – even in winter – and bring a For those serious about taking their diving further, there are
towel and a warm top for the boat ride home. certified courses available in the Whitsundays including Open
Water and Advanced Open Water courses.
There are also many spots on the mainland with excellent
fringing coral reefs, some of which are so close to the beach
you can walk to them!
Underwater Sculptures
In 2019, avid snorkellers and divers will be
treated to an underwater wonderland with the
introduction of Queensland’s first underwater art
in the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The underwater sculptures will provide a new
experience for travellers and marine enthusiasts
who will be amazed by the unique sculptures,
designed by a range of renowned artists. The
sculptures are the first underwater sculptures to
be placed in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,
and are bound to be a major drawcard for tourists
and locals alike.
8 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 9
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet
There are two bucket list items to tick off in the Whitsundays! Sink your toes into the
white, silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and take the short walk up to the lookout and
enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Hill Inlet.
Whitehaven Beach Hill Inlet Getting There
The sparkling, pristine Whitehaven Beach At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach There is a wide choice of day trips to
is often voted one of the top beaches in is Hill Inlet, a stunning, swirling fusion Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet including
Australia and the world. of colours created by the sand meeting by private vessel, power boat, sailing
the sea as the tide comes in and out of yacht or super-fast inflatable!
The 7kms of pure white, silica sand the inlet.
stretching into the distance will take your Most overnight sailing trips also stop
breath away! Best seen from the viewing platform in and many self-sufficient boaties are
where the swirling pattern can be seen drawn to anchor along its peaceful shores.
Whether you want to lay on the beach in its entirety, most tours to Whitehaven
and soak up the stunning scenery, swim in Beach and Hill Inlet also incorporate a For amazing aerial views, you might want
the crystal clear water, or venture deeper walk along the bush trail that leads to to see Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
into the bushland bordering the beach for the lookout. by seaplane, light aircraft or helicopter.
a walk, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed
when you are visiting the Whitsundays. to bring home memories that will last
a lifetime.
10 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 11
Crewed Sailing
Sailing in the Whitsundays is an adventure in paradise that will give you a lifetime of
memories and so many insta-moments! Experience pristine islands and be invigorated
by the sea air as you sail, swim, snorkel and dive in this amazing aquatic playground.
Whitsunday sailing holidays come in all shapes and sizes and There are dozens of different boats to choose from, all fully
you can choose between modern and sleek or the charm and equipped with everything at your fingertips for a comfortable
grace of an old timber vessel. and relaxing holiday, including freshly prepared meals and
knowledgeable, fun crews keen to share their local knowledge
Spend one, two or three nights sailing among the islands and with you.
fringing reefs with ‘your tribe' or just a few people if you are
seeking solitude. There are plenty of on-water activities to choose from with
snorkelling being the most popular and some tours also offer
scuba diving and kayaking.
12 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 13
BareBoating
There is no better way to experience the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands than onboard a
boat. Why not set your own course around the stunning waters of the islands by chartering
your own ‘bareboat’ (without a crew) – meaning you, your family and friends are the crew!
Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own route and going at your
own pace as you discover cascading waterfalls on the islands
and are the first to leave footprints on untouched beaches each
morning. Have fun paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkelling and
fishing, all at your leisure.
The bareboat team will help you plan an itinerary perfectly
tailored to your needs as you carve out your own adventure
amongst the islands, mostly uninhabited National Parks. With
more than 40 anchorages, there is always a tranquil spot to lose
yourself at night under the endless expanse of starlit sky.
You can opt for a sailing yacht or a power cruiser and you will
receive a detailed and comprehensive briefing before you start.
Vessels are equipped with all the necessities for a comfortable
stay. Make sure to slip, slop, slap and bring along your sense
of wonderment.
14 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 15
the whitsunday Mainland
The Whitsunday mainland is the ‘stepping-off’ point for the 74 Whitsunday Islands and Great
Barrier Reef. It is also a holiday destination in itself with vibrant townships, stunning scenery,
beautiful waterfalls and walking tracks through ancient rainforest.
Airlie Beach Dingo Beach and Cape Gloucester
WITH the STUNNING mountainous backdrop of Conway COMPRISING JUST A handful of houses, resort, caravan park and
National Park, the coastal town of Airlie Beach is vibrant pub, this is the perfect spot for getting away from it all and
and cosmopolitan with a variety of shops, cafés, bars maybe casting a line off the beautiful, almost-empty beaches.
and restaurants.
Just a few kilometres further on you will come to Gloucester
You can chill out at the renowned Airlie Beach Lagoon Point, overlooking Shag Islet and Green Island. With its
during the day and enjoy the famed nightlife when the sun palm tree-lined beaches and sparkling water it is an idyllic
goes down. Make sure you also sample the excellent dining tropical escape.
options available.
Proserpine
Bowen
SURROUNDED BY swaying cane fields, Proserpine is a charming
Bowen, in the north of the Whitsundays, delights visitors with town with Art Deco architecture, friendly, laid-back hospitality
its gentle charm. There are eight beautiful beaches surrounding and an eclectic mix of original shops, each with its own look
the town where you can walk, fossick, swim and snorkel, with and feel.
some fringing coral reefs just metres from the beach.
Enjoy a counter meal with the locals at one of the
The region is also known for its abundant fruit and vegetables characterful pubs on the main street. If you’re lucky, they
and produce mangoes, tomatoes, corn, capsicum, melons, might take you fishing on Lake Proserpine in search of the
beans, pumpkin and limes. There is also a plentiful supply of elusive barramundi or head to the Proserpine River to see
fresh, wild-caught seafood at the marina. crocodiles in the wild.
Don’t forget to check out the Big Mango! The Hinterland
Collinsville Delve deeper into the Whitsundays and you will discover
lush rainforests, walking trails, waterfalls and windswept
COLLINSVILLE IS A SMALL outback town that offers a huge country promontories, such as the one at Conway Beach, a stunning
welcome! Built on mining, the town celebrates this with its and solitary stretch of sand where kites fly overhead.
Coalface Experience, a fascinating look at life underground for Stop at Cedar Creek Falls, where a beautiful natural
the many miners who worked there. amphitheatre of bushland surrounds the crashing falls as they
Stop by the Pit Pony monument for a photo. The area is also tumble into the pool below, providing a year-round swimming
home to heritage-listed architecture, making the beautiful hole. You can also walk the Conway Circuit, through the
history perfect for a photo opportunity. Conway National Park, from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach.
16 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 17whitsunday islands
The Whitsunday Islands were formed when sea levels rose, creating ‘drowned’
mountains that now protrude from the Coral Sea with their distinctive emerald green
vegetation and rocky outcrops.
With 74 ‘island wonders’, it really is a paradise for sailors,
scuba divers, snorkellers and swimmers…not to mention
Camp Island
kayakers, paddleboarders, jetskiiers and fishing fanatics!
LOCATED 50Kms NORTH OF BOWEN and 3kms offshore, Camp Island is
Visit an island resort for some relaxing indulgence or mix the Makepeace Island of the Whitsundays. With 4 bungalows and
it with nature and explore the many walking trails and a 3 bedroom house, it offers guests a rockstar experience with
camp overnight at a National Parks camping ground. exclusive use – your own private island escape.
Daydream Island
Hamilton Island
FOLLOWING AN EXTENSIVE $100 million redevelopment, Daydream
Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Island Resort is set to reopen in Autumn 2019. The island will
Whitsunday Islands and has its own commercial airport. offer 3 restaurants and 5 bars, an absolute beachfront pool,
There’s plenty to do with a wide selection of bars and adjacent infinity pool and central lagoon-style pool with an
restaurants, year-round sporting events and a great attached kids area. The Living Reef will be bigger and better than
variety of watersports and adrenalin activities! Most of ever before with an eco-friendly focus allowing you to get up close
the car-free island is covered in bushland, and the coast and personal to the inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef.
is fringed by coral reefs.
With six different levels of accommodation to choose Hayman Island
from – ranging from 5-star couples’ pavilions to family-
friendly apartments and holiday homes – a stay on Welcome to a secluded paradise of serenity and breathtaking
Hamilton Island offers something for everyone. beauty. Surrounded by verdant cliffs, a crescent-shaped white
beach and celestial-blue sea, the re-imagined InterContinental
Hayman Island Resort will immerse you in a world of five-
Long Island star luxury and island wonders beyond your imagination.
From the moment you step off your seaplane, helicopter or
Long Island is the closest island to the mainland, and as luxury boat, you’ll discover an idyllic destination of privacy and
suggested by the name, is 9kms long while only being pampering. Diving the Great Barrier Reef, swimming in your
400m wide at its widest point. It is mostly national park private pool, sailing the Coral Sea, indulging in culinary artistry
and has 13kms of walking trails to explore, with plentiful and personalised spa treatments are just a few of the many
native flora and fauna. experiences waiting for you.
Palm Bay Resort offers a unique holiday experience Prepare to redefine the art of luxury travel with InterContinental
combining gorgeous balinese-style accommodation right Hayman Island Resort. Opening mid-2019.
on the beach with the convenience and affordability
of self-catering. Palm Bay is a quiet paradise for Camping on the islands
visitors seeking tranquillity. A place to relax, rejuvenate
and escape. with secluded beaches, fringing coral reefs and distinctive
hoop pines and ‘dry’ rainforest, the Whitsunday Islands are a
Elysian Retreat – the newest resort opening in December spectacular camping ground.
2018 – offering one of the most secluded island retreats
in the Whitsundays. Elysian promises a blissful escape Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the group, has many great
from the crowds with a small team of dedicated staff, camping spots including Dugong Beach, which is suitable for larger
including a private chef, to cater to a maximum of 20 groups (up to 36 people allowed) and has a good sandy beach
guests. Allow time to slow down and immerse your backed by rainforest. Or Nari’s Beach is more private (maximum
senses in nature and island life. Elysian is exclusively for six people) and the camping area is under the rainforest canopy,
guests aged 16 or over. tucked against a steep hill with outstanding views of Cid Island.
18 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 19Luxury in the Whitsundays
New developments on the mainland and islands have taken the Whitsundays to a new
and welcome direction with numerous luxurious resorts, hotels and vessels now on offer.
Swanky restaurants are also pushing the boundaries with their culinary skills and use of
local produce. If your ideal holiday involves world-class service and premium experiences in
an idyllic tropical paradise, then look no further than the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays has an elegant fine dining scene that leisure golfers are put through their paces. The only course
has grown significantly in recent years, especially on the on its own island, it has a sophisticated clubhouse to help you
mainland. Home to award-winning chefs, the Airlie Beach enjoy the spectacular views after your round of golf.
dining scene is awash with exquisite cuisine bound to
tantalise the tastebuds. Both Hayman Island and Daydream Island are undergoing
major multi-million dollar refurbishments to ensure they
Airlie Beach’s two marinas – Port of Airlie and Abell Point continue to deliver a first class experience for their guests
Marina – continue to expand and evolve, offering visitors and are due to open in 2019.
smart and chic precincts for shopping and dining.
And luxury is not limited to dry land, with the Whitsundays
Luxury offerings on the mainland aren’t confined to food. being the only destination in Australia where you can charter
There is a range of premium accommodation available, award-winning opulent power cruisers, offering the ultimate
including full service hotels, holiday homes and self- in comfort, design and performance.
catering resorts. On the islands, the yacht club and qualia on
Hamilton Island are proving to be a big hit with travellers, Whatever luxury experience you desire, you won’t be able to
while the 18-hole world championship golf course on fault the Whitsundays, which time and time again delivers
neighbouring Dent Island ensures both professional and first-class luxury to all visitors.
20 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 21Adventure
If you like some action with your holiday, the Whitsundays
can certainly dish up plenty of adventure and adrenalin sports.
You can dive, snorkel and sail in the Whitsundays – with
the Great Barrier Reef providing natural protection that
ensures calm waters – and there is a wide choice of watersports
on offer including jetskiing and jetboating for the speed-freaks, and
parasailing if you want to get high over the islands. And there are also
go-karts on Hamilton Island for some cracking fun!
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, skydive from a plane 15000 feet above sea level
and enjoy the best view of the Whitsundays you will ever encounter.
There is also excellent fishing, including rivers, lakes, estuaries and ocean fishing. Chasing
giant trevally on the outer reef is an adrenalin-packed pastime.
Or put on a backpack and walking shoes and explore the many tracks criss-crossing the islands
and mainland, leading to secluded beaches and bays…and stunning views. Remember to tell
someone where you’re going and always take water with you. You can also camp overnight in
designated National Park sites for a very special back-to-nature experience.
22 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 23Shopping
The Whitsundays has a great variety of interesting shops on offer,
with many individually- owned stores having their own distinct
style, as well as colourful markets around the region.
Jewellery, homewares, artworks and indigenous artefacts are all to be found by the
curious shopper, as well as fashions, food and fun things for the kids.
Not surprisingly, the main street of Airlie Beach – the stepping off point for the
Whitsunday Islands – is also dotted with souvenir shops with colourful swimwear,
sarongs, sandals and sunhats swinging from rails on the footpath.
For a unique experience check out Proserpine’s lanes and alleyways with their striking
‘Art Deco’ shopfronts. Wander through the narrow lanes crammed with clothing and
delve into a cornucopia of homewares, jewellery and gemstones. Don't forget to
check out the great boutique offerings in Bowen too.
Some of the island resorts also offer retail therapy with leisurewear, bags, shoes
and swimmers on offer to give your holiday some zing! And if you’re looking for
something uniquely Australian, there are shops offering didgeridoos, boomerangs
and Australian opals.
Markets
Markets are a highlight of holidaying in the Whitsundays with
Family brightly coloured clothing, jewellery, bags and sarongs glinting
in the sunshine.
The smell of fresh produce mingles with the aroma of coffee,
as locals and holidaymakers pore over bric-a-brac, books,
paintings and homemade crafts.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities on offer in the Whitsundays, starting with the
famous Airlie Beach Lagoon, in the centre of Airlie Beach, and the fabulous waterparks
along Bowen’s main beachfront and in Proserpine. These facilities are all free. Markets in the Whitsundays
Saturday morning..................... Airlie Beach Foreshore
There are swimming pools at Proserpine, Bowen and Family-friendly activities include segway tours – either
Sunday morning......................... Hansen Park, Bowen
Collinsville and many resorts and van parks have pools through the rainforest or along the boardwalk from Airlie
and waterparks. If the ocean is more your thing, there are to Cannonvale Beach – and the fascinating crocodile safari MONTHLy......................................Collinsville
plenty of family-friendly watersports available including on Proserpine River, complete with educational tour of the
kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and, of course, adjoining wetlands. Many day tours cater to families where
snorkelling. you can visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet and also include
a spot of snorkelling. The Great Barrier Reef is also a fantastic
Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay in Bowen are very family-friendly option or if you prefer solid ground under your feet, enjoy a day
as the fringing reef is close to the beach – at low tide you can trip out to one of the island resorts.
walk out to it, or snorkel straight from the beach – and it is
Or how about some strawberry picking at Mount Danger, just
very protected.
outside Bowen, when in season!
There are literally dozens of beaches across the Whitsunday If you’re a family that loves getting amongst nature, there
region and most of the main beaches also have free BBQ facilities. are countless trails and tracks across the Whitsundays, many
leading to secluded beaches, so pack a picnic and don’t forget
Plenty of fish abound the Whitsundays, so it’s no surprise that
to take water, sunscreen and a hat.
angling is a family favourite. Choose from the open sea, or
head inland for some fishing on Lake Proserpine in search of In winter, you might spot a passing whale on her way to give
the prized barramundi. birth to her calf in the warm Whitsunday waters.
24 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 25weddings
The Whitsundays is the wedding ‘heart’ of Australia due to its stunning natural beauty,
year-round warm weather, sublime locations and swaying palm trees evoking the tropics.
Couples from around the world descend on the Wedding Heart of Australia for their special day. With about 1,000 weddings
taking place in the region annually, the Whitsundays has an excellent choice of ceremony and reception venues in addition
to professional wedding suppliers.
So much choice A wedding with a difference!
The Whitsundays offers every kind of wedding, from ‘barefoot The Whitsundays is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and
on the beach’ to opulent luxury. Whether you are eloping with you can be married on this unique living structure, one of the
just you and your betrothed or you have all your family and Seven Natural Wonders of the World. You and your wedding
friends with you, the Whitsundays can offer the right venue party can cruise to the reef and say ‘I Do’ with the incredible
and accommodation. backdrop of colourful corals and the ocean stretching into
the horizon.
Catering is also taken care of with wedding venues making the
most of the fresh local produce and wild-caught seafood the Or why not have a rural wedding and invoke some rustic
region abounds in. charm? Weather-beaten barns and old tractors against a
backdrop of sugarcane create striking wedding photos and you
And while you might think that getting married away from can enjoy good old-fashioned hospitality in a farm stay, bed
home could be a chore, think again! and breakfast or country pub.
The Whitsundays has dozens of professional wedding An incredibly romantic spot for a Whitsundays wedding is the
suppliers including celebrants, cake-makers, photographers beautiful Cedar Creek Falls, just 40 minutes from Airlie Beach.
and chauffeurs ready to make your dream wedding come true. Equally pretty in the summer or winter, Cedar Creek Falls is a
tranquil and serene spot to say ‘I Do’.
There is also a good choice of day spas, for pre-wedding
pampering and hairdressers and make-up artists for your Or make a splash and get married on the water. Couples
Big Day. have dived, snorkelled and sailed into married life together in
the Whitsundays!
You might also want to think about hiring a local wedding
planner to assist with ‘on the ground’ details and some resorts And for those who feel more at home in the sky, you can
have their own wedding co-ordinators. charter your own seaplane or helicopter for an intimate
ceremony with just you and your closest family and friends on
a deserted beach.
You can also opt for any of the array of wedding venues in-
between offering tropical, lush, luxurious, intimate, laid back
or DIY wedding opportunities.
Whatever your wedding theme, your guests will be elated in all
that the Whitsundays has to offer, with most guests staying
longer to enjoy the beaches, islands, bush and so much more!
26 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 2728
Abbot Point
Line Reef
Hardy Reef
great barrier reef Heart Reef
in t R d
Beaches Rose
t Po
WAY Bay
HIGH Queens Barb Reef
CE
Abbo
B RU Beach To the Great
DELTA
Delta BOWEN Barrier Reef 80km Bait Reef
tourismwhitsundays.com.au
Gloucester Is. Rattray Is.
Merinda
Eshelby Is.
Montes Reef Blue Pearl Hayman Is.
Cape Gloucester Resort Bay
Butterfly Bay
Cape Gloucester Hydeaway Bird Is.
Eco Resort Dingo Beach Gumbrell Is.
Brisk Bay Bay Double Cone Is.
Black Is.
Hook Peak
Olden Is. 459m
Armit Is.
Edgecumbe Bay Rocky Hill
408m
Grassy Is.
Hook Is. Deloraine Is.
BRU
CE Double Bay
Grimston Pt.
t Rd
HIG
HW Border Is.
A
men
Y
NARA Inlet
p
Pioneer Bay North
Dingo Beach Rd
el o
Molle Is.
Dev
Pioneer Whitsunday Is.
Mt Dryander Point
Bowen
Ma 820m
in N AIRLIE Daydream Is. South
ort Molle Is. Whitsunday Hill Inlet
hS North Gregory BEACH Whitsunday Cid Is. Peak
out
Riordanvale Rd
Airport 436m
hR
Whitsu
ail
wa Sugarloaf
y d
Gregory- Cannonvale Whitehaven
Rd
loa
r
Ca
Shute Harbour Beach Haselwood Is.
ou
nday Pass
Su g ar f R
nno
Henning Is.
n
e ag
Harb
Mt Pluto Upriver Valle y Rd ek Rd State Forest
Rd Cre
te
550m Spruce Rd CONWAY
an
Strathdickie dy Forest
ry R d CIRCUIT
hu
Crystalbr Br Long Is.
Lake Proserpine & Strathdickie Rd S WALK
ook
Peter Faust Dam Rd Brandy Creek
Hamilton Is.
Crystalbrook Mt Julian Dent Is.
Conw
Con
a wa
y
Kelsey Creek d Saltwater Creek Rd
reek R
Na
yC
t
y Rd
lse Penticost Is.
Ke
ion
Pine Is. Great Barrier
al
P
PROSERPINE Cedar Creek Reef Airport
Dittmer Mine
ark
Falls
Dittmer Mt Proserpine Shaw Peak
444m 413m
Rd
Lascelles Av Lindeman Is.
Conway
e nt
Beach Green turtles
Sir Reginald Ansett Dr grazing ground
Wilsons Beach
BRU
C
Silver Creek Whitsunday Coast EH Shaw Is.
v e lopm
e
Airport Cape Conway
IGH
WA
Andromache River Rd Gunyarra
Y
en D
Keyser Is.
Rd
Bow
Lethebrook
ra
COLLINSVILLE pa
Thoo Lethebrook Rd
Thomas Is.
Repulse Bay
Rd North Repulse Is.
y
Thoopara
one
Silversmith Is.
M al
East Repulse Is.
Anchorsmith Is.
South Repulse Is.
Cr
nt Rd
oi
Joan S
ys
t
ta
eP
lbr
dg
oo
Mi
Com
kR
d
pton
St
Showground
Jupp St
Lake Proserpine
Barry St
Peter Faust Dam 20km
Doherty St
Phaff St
Dodd St
Dodd St
Nicol St Eddie St
Lurline Dr
Tennis Courts
Guides & Scouts Halls
Faust St
Anzac Rd
Ann St
Telford Street
Oval
BRU
Library
Les Stag
Centre &
Station
Railway
Les Stagg Ln
Hinschen
Entertainment
St
CE H
Mann St
Cascara St
Bowen 70km
Hinschen
Pepper St St
IGHWA
Honey
Y
Holmes St
-
Phillip St
Court
House
Police &
Elizabeth St
Stanbury St
Smith St
Damson Cr
Mytle St
Mcdonal Ln
Sugar Mill
Tamarind Cr
Lagoon
Grass Tr
ee S Blvd Robert St Mill St
High
School
Fig Tree t
Dobbins Ln
St
Proserpine
Setter Lne
Chapman St
Waite St
Blue Gum St
Taylor St
Bottle Brush St
Bode St
Calista Ct
Renwick Rd
Allamanda
St
Golden Wattle St
Ln
Marathon St
State
Sarah
Fire
Sterry St
School
Dudley Rd
Compton
Florence St
Station
Proserpine
Main St
Herbert St
Proserpine River
Keith Johns
Ed
Ruge St
Dr
Atkinson St
wa
Telia St
rds
Strathdickie
Fuller St
St
Pindar Pl
Badilla Cr
B RU
Debney St
Tr o j a CE H
Strathdick
ie Rd
Blair
Dav
IGHW
n Ct
AY
Ryan Ct
yA
School (Jnr)
St Catherine's
ve
Fuljames St
Fuller St
Hansen Dr
Daybell St
Spalla Dr
SH UT E H AR B
Hansen Dr
MA
Fresh Fields
Spalla Dr
Mackay 126km
Shopping Centre
Hor
IN S
OU R R D
Carnation St sf
T
(Bruce Hwy Cont’d)
Tu l i p
ord
C
Renwick Rd
Ja
Pl
Larkspur St
sm
t i
Rose St
School (Snr)
Petunia St
St Catherine's
ne
Dr
PROSERPINE
Myrtle Creek
Gardenia St
Airlie Beach &
Y
IGHWA
B RU C E H
Glen
Isla Rd
Whitsunday Islands 26km
Tobin St
tourismwhitsundays.com.au
29Don River
Wh ucest ek St
itsu
Airlie
v Queens
Mouth tt A
Glo
Sco v
nda
Ave nt A Beach
me
Ocean View
yS
C le
v
er S
t
Beach
A
Cre
e
Hillcrest
mb
t
Airlie ecu
Summit
Edg
Cape
ater Ave
Bay Twin
Esp
Close Up Cinemas Edgecumbe
Kirkpatrick Ct
lan
Murray Av
Mazlin St
Tra
Mu
Whitsunday
ade
Airlie Swimming Tennis
cey
adw
rro
Sailing Club
ona
Coral Bay
St
Lagoon Enclosure Boathaven
B ro
v Horseshoe
Abell Point ATM Ocean Rd sA
Beach me Bay
St
Marina Cres Bea
Simmons Headland Park Av Skate Park
ant
e
Pe
Bike Track
Airli
St Bry
ter
Grv d
Begley S
t nut tt R
sP
Nu
ATM Airlie Esp acons R
d Mt GOL Grays Bay Lookout
l
o
The Be F LIN
Coc
ATM Marshall St KS R Murray Bay
Mt Nutt Rd
Shingley ATM D
Waterson Way
t
s St
Field
o nd S
Beach Dalmore La Potts Ln
Port of Airlie St
Dr
oe y Rd
wi
La Mt Nutt Lookout Strickland St
Le
m
Ba
The Cove Beaches
ley
The ster
Web
ing
Sh Gol
Argyle St
Boathouse
esh
Nona St
Reservoir Rd
rs
Gilb
de
The Cove Rd Ho
ay
Orana St
nO
Mu
ert S
on W
Craigie Crt HORSESHOE B r ray Bay R d
Coach Transit Centre AY RD Mother Beddock
rch
Kara Crs Verna St
t
Catalina Ct
Pod Pl Lookout
St Kilda St
id
Po
t ers
& Ferry Terminal Ro
Holborne St
Crofton St
Queens St Grantham St se
Dr
Kap
rt
Rd
Ba
Dr
ATM yR
Wa
ok Rd
Rd
Argyle Park
SOLDIERS RD
Duke St d
S il k
TO
LLI
Bany St
Ba
Brighton Rd
NG
uh
n
ina
TO
Robe St
a
Inverdon Rd
NR
Wests La
Dr
Dr
Jilletts La l
D
He Suthers St lP
S e a vi e nel
w
r Poinciana Dr
Mt Nutt Rd
don
North Ct
y Showground Mc
Casuarina St
Wa
m
r
Lime Tree Ct
Toms Ct Lotus La
e Pl
Avicennia St
Seaview D
Bluewater Pde
ita
s Tafe College
Chilli Ln
Horizon
Summer Pl
re
ge
int
Emmerson Dr
Rose
Dr
Ra
Lemon Gr
BOWEN Bay
SOLDIERS RD
Mullers Ln
QU
Troyon Crt Cullen
Fitzalan St
EE
Eglinton St Ezzy St
NS
Storey St
High Crowley St
RD
Richm Hammond St
ond R School Mullers
d Hillview Rd
Boundary Rd
Hillview Pl
Centrepoint Lagoon
u ry Cr
Beaches
Avoca Rd
Plaza
Gre
Hill St
Rd S a li ksia Carleton
West St
sb
Johns St
gor
d
ach R
t
ds
nS
lan an St s Be
yS
Morrill St
r B ilip St Ric
rto
od Denison St e St hm King
t
o h
QUEENS RD
Ba
h
W Racecourse Pilc l P ld Av ougal ond
Rd
P ney wa cd St an La
Dove St
Ho M St Kings Beach
tt s Cow
Tyn
Telegraph Rd Rodney Pl Allan Pl Sco l St old
ie R eyn King St
Leic
Bol St t Panorama Pl Da n
tS o n S
hha
t hristis yner La
Kor
Bowen les
C cel
rdt
Ra
ah
Flemington Rd
Russel Hill Las
St
St
Lower Don Rd
t
tall
e
Ke
n oul
Spr t
Art
Townsville 199km
Pan
S NE ST
HER
Betzels Ln
DON ST
hur
Leic
St
Bris
Collinsville 76km STO ennedy
BER
St
HAY
St
hha
s IN G
ban
ld V K
TS
n o g L I
rdt
Rey
ST
T in t
eS
t
S n l S
T
Bu t e
Ln
N Poo
t
DO Belgravia Rd S
Bu
BRUCE HWY
ll S
Gre
Rd
Salt Gillies St
Leic
Peter Wyche Dr
t
Mit
Sin
gor
ach
Works
che
hha
cla
yS
s Be
ir S
ll S
rdt
No
t
M argaret
King
t
Boat
t
rris
St
St
Sta
don
St
Reyn
Gor Harbour
rbo
Airport ell
St St Pde
old
St
ard
ple ara
s Dr
Pow sS
t rge rym arb Marina
Geo Lookout
Dr
liam Dal ta B
Wil San
H WY
Water Park ua
rt St
Coke St Flagstaff Hill NORTH HEAD
t
El
sS ISLAND
UCE
ph
Works ma
Bootooloo Rd
ins
Scul Tho t Jetty Sailing Club
to
ly S S The Catalina
ne
BR
We
Dr ay
St
nt
Eyles Rd
e Qu Memorial NORTH HEAD
t
rin wo
the th
Ca Port St LIGHTHOUSE
Banks Dr
Denison
Banks Dr
Cypress Cr
Dalrymple
Coolibah Pl
Point
Drays Rd
Bradfield St
In
Proserpine 70km us
tria
d
l
Aberdeen St
Airlie Beach 77km Bowen Reynolds St
Dev. R Du
Whitsunday d Jenkins Pl
Sca
nlo
"The Big Mango" p Drake S
t
rtw
Shores 12km Bowen 76km Drake
Info Centre Ga
ater
int
rr ick
ssa
(Mt Gordon) 5km
St Flinders Speirs
Tou
Belmore
S
Wa Bulloch Crt Logan St Leichhardt St
t
lker
Pelica
Gar
St
Cun
St
rick
n
ning
n Ck R
ilto
m
Ha
ham
Mclennan St Mcnaughton St
Ruff Crt
St
Strathmore
t
d
lin S
Son
Shrubsole St
Pete Dev
Belmore
rse Doonan St
oma
nS
St
Mill
t
can
Sta
Parkinson
er S t
St
eli
nley
P
E Gra Murphy St
St
St
Sonoma Park rge lto
Geo n
pity pony orge St
Ge
statue Conwa Burn St
Isb
y St
Carpet
ell
John St
Malcolm St
Bowen
n
Garrick St
idso
St
Sonoma St
King St
Blake St
Dav
Pelican St
ion
Macarthur S
Stat
t
St
Henderson St ort
Sh
Peli
Coll
Railw
ay Rd
can
Collinsville
Fairway St
insv
Rd Ck
Coalface
ille
Redhill Rd experience /
M t Dou
Hillview Cr
Moongunya Dr
Scottville Rd
As
pin
glas Rd
Collin Rd PELICAN CREEK
all
Rd
Scottville 4km
30 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 31Events in the Heart of
the Great Barrier Reef
Come one, come all! The Whitsundays plays host to a myriad of events over the year that
will help make your holiday to the Whitsundays even more special. Don’t forget to bring
your family and friends so they don’t miss out on all the fun.
The Whitsundays is renowned for its crystal blue waters, crisp the entire course of the Great Whitehaven Beach Run
white sand and sprawling lush rainforests, making it the set on the shores of this iconic beach.
perfect location for a range of events, whether that be sailing
A few times a year, Bowen’s daytime tides are low enough for
or athletic adventures. When it comes to what’s on in the
visitors to walk to North Head Island, Queensland’s third oldest
Whitsundays, you will be spoilt for choice with an extensive list
lighthouse. Known as the Walk to the Lighthouse, thousands of
of big-ticket events to suit families and adventure-lovers as
people gather for this unique event which takes walkers on a
well as leisure travellers.
beautiful journey that not only celebrates the history of Bowen,
It’s no secret the Whitsundays is a sailing mecca. With 74 but also the wonderful array of sea life that inhabits the shores
tropical islands, the region is every sailor's dream. With the of the bay. Bowen’s Walk to the Lighthouse draws the biggest
Whitsundays home to two world-renowned sailing race events, crowds when the winter low tide connects North Head Island
participants and keen spectators continue to flock to the to the mainland via a sand spit dotted with Bowen’s giant red
beautiful town to get front seat views of the thrilling races starfish. The Walk to the Lighthouse is an exciting adventure
undertaken by the sailing elite. For the triathlon enthusiasts, for all ages, with the once low-key tradition now emerging as a
you can’t go past the COLORBOND® steel Airlie Beach must-do for many travellers along the Queensland Coast.
Triathlon Festival. The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is fast becoming the biggest
event in the region's lively music scene. Headline musicians
From big ticket music events, to ocean swims, and everything
and avid music goers from all over the world descend on our
in between, the Whitsundays is the perfect place to explore and
pristine shores for three big days of song and dance.
get involved in an event, enabling you to tick off your bucket
list destination while doing so. Every event in the Whitsundays The Whitsundays certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to
is truly a memorable one. For example, endurance runners can the events calendar. We hope you enjoy the diverse and unique
also lap up the beautiful world-famous Whitehaven Beach, with range of events this great region has to offer.
32 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 33Calendar of Events Hamilton Island
Race Week
17 – 24 August
Run the Great
Whitsunday Trail
15 September
There’s always something happening in the Whitsundays! Here’s our ‘at a glance’ summary of Every year, spectators and avid
the region’s biggest events, from family-friendly celebrations to music and sport – it’s all here. yachties sail to Hamilton Island
For a complete guide to what’s on in the Whitsundays please go to: for this not-to-be-missed sailing
spectacular. Situated in the heart of
www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/whats-on/events
the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s
favourite yachting event draws big
crowds from all over the world as
Hamilton Island people flock to our tropical paradise
Endurance Series for the on-water and off-water Airlie Beach Race Week
sailing carnival.
17 – 18 November 8 – 15 August
Known as one of the largest yacht
Hamilton Island Triathlon racing regattas in Australia, Airlie
Set in one of Australia’s most beautiful Hamilton Island Beach Race Week is a seven day
locations, the Hamilton Island Triathlon
provides the ultimate test of endurance.
Endurance Series event that attracts entrants from
2019 COLORBOND® steel Great Whitehaven across the country as well as
Whitehaven Beach Airlie Beach Triathlon Beach Run overseas. The racing regatta boasts
a variety of challenging courses and
Ocean Swim Festival 23 June tactical races and a fun filled off-
What better location for an ocean swim water program.
event than at one of Australia’s most 23 – 25 August
pristine and iconic beaches, Whitehaven For the ultimate test of strength
Beach. This annual 2km and 750m ocean and endurance, the triathlon puts
swim meet, plus a fun 350m junior swim the fittest through their paces as Bowen River Rodeo
is sure to become as iconic and famous as they swim through the crystal 7 – 9 June
its location. clear waters of the Coral Sea, ride
through the scenic mainland and hit
the pavement while soaking up the Pit Pony Festival Whitsunday Reef Festival
tropical scenery. 20 July 1 – 4 August
Schoolies Week
17 November – 1 December
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep
2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019
Whitsundays
Festival of Motoring Brave
3 – 5 May
This family-friendly event is a treat
hamilton Island
for motoring enthusiasts! Round 5 of
21 – 24 June
the Queensland Rally Championships This exciting weekend workshop
will also include car parades with features prominent Australian talent
cool classics and custom hot rods and is designed to motivate and
Airlie Beach Hamilton island on display. Featuring a range of fun encourage participants to achieve
Festival of Music Endurance Series activities for the young and old, make something they may have never
Airlie Beach Walk to the
9 – 11 November Stamford Financial sure to fasten your seat belt as you imagined was possible. Do you dare
Running Festival Lighthouse, Bowen
to be Brave?
This hugely popular boutique music Hilly Marathon gear up for a fun day out with family
and friends. 21 July 31 August
festival draws big-name artists from 5 May
around the world. With a great range Get your heart rate up at one of the Bowen’s Walk to the Lighthouse is
You can enter this iconic marathon most popular running events in the an exciting adventure for all ages
of live music to suit all interests
as part of a team or as an individual. Whitsundays. The unique four lap that occurs when the winter low tide
and age groups, the Whitsundays
There’s also a kids fun run, making it off road marathon is sure to put you connects North Head Island to the
comes alive during the biggest music
a great event for the entire family. through your paces. mainland via a sand spit.
festival on the calendar.
34 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 35Fishing
With its 74 tropical islands, saltwater creeks and estuaries, rivers and a freshwater
lake at Proserpine, the Whitsundays really is a versatile fishing spot and is
becoming known for being a top angling destination.
The quality fishing and stunning scenery combine to create There are many reputable fishing companies in the
a truly special experience. Whitsundays and they will be able to take you to the best
spots given the weather and tides on the day. If going it alone,
The varied habitats are home to a myriad of fish, from big make sure you get a GBRMPA zoning map to check where you
bream in the estuaries to giant trevally in the deep blue. The can and can’t fish if you want to avoid a fine!
sport fishing on offer rivals anywhere in Australia.
Lake Proserpine (also known as Peter Faust Dam), 20kms
The reef fishing is also first class, and you’ll often catch an north-west of Proserpine, is well known for its impoundment
assortment of species including coral trout, grassy sweet lip, barramundi, a style of fishing that has become very popular
emperor and tusk fish. in recent years. But be patient as the iconic barramundi can
prove elusive…but very worthwhile when you catch one!
Proserpine Hamilton Island
Golf
The Proserpine Golf Club is a friendly club that welcomes visitors The par 71 Hamilton Island Golf Course is the only 18-hole
to the only 18-hole golf course on the mainland. Just 20kms course in Australia on its own island! Designed by five-time
from Airlie Beach, the course features a picturesque waterway, British Open winner Peter Thomson, the course is strung With a choice of courses, all offering very different experiences and stunning scenery,
challenging par 3’s, wonderful bird life and a backdrop of along the spectacular ridges and steep valleys of Dent Island
beautiful cane fields. and boasts a variety of obstacles for those willing to take
the Whitsundays is a golfer’s paradise!
on the challenge. The course is a ‘must-do’ for both novice
Bowen and professional golfers and offers spectacular views of the
surrounding Whitsunday Islands and Coral Sea.
Bowen Golf Club was established in 1928 and, over the years,
the course has earned the reputation of being a ‘hidden gem’ Airlie Beach/Cannonvale
– a fantastic 9-hole, 18 tee, links-style course right on the
oceanfront, that is both rewarding and challenging to golfers Golf Driving Range - Now Open
of all levels. The reward is just walking around this beautiful When holidaying in Airlie Beach or Cannonvale and you feel
course, the challenges come with Mother Nature and the like brushing up on your golf skills, make sure to check out the
strong coastal winds she whips up. There is also a 9-hole golf driving range located on Shute Harbour Road. With a self-
course at Collinsville, inland from Bowen. service machine available to assist you tee off, you can set
your own pace to ensure you focus your energy on getting your
swing right!
36 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 37Eating Out
Chefs all over the Whitsundays are making the most of the fresh, local produce
with innovative menus designed to suit the tropical lifestyle.
Fine dining in Airlie Beach has exploded in recent years, with
a variety of restaurants, bars, cafés and grills offering up
Eat your way around the Whitsundays
delicious cuisine to satisfy the tastebuds, including divine
Indulge on Whitehaven Beach: Why not add a bit of luxury when you
seafood and cosmopolitan dinners. With innovative menus
are enjoying one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
designed to suit the tropical lifestyle, two Airlie Beach
Throw in some wine and scrumptious cheese and crackers to
restaurants are now proud recipients of the Australian Good
make it extra memorable.
Food Guide Chef Hat Award along with one on Hamilton
Island, in recognition of their outstanding cuisine. Fresh seafood: Your holiday wouldn’t be complete without a visit
to one of the fresh seafood distributors. Cook up some local
The Whitsundays grows enough fruit and vegetables to feed fish by the beach, or in the comfort of your own apartment.
Queensland, not to mention the fresh-caught local seafood
from the Coral Sea and the beef cattle reared on the farms chef hatted restaurants: The Whitsundays lays claims to not one,
inland. The quaint town of Bowen is famously known as the not two, but three chef hatted restaurants, so make sure you
‘Food Bowl’ of North Queensland thanks to the area's array visit. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
of fresh produce grown locally. From melons, to capsicums, Eat like a local: Get off the beaten track and discover the locals
beans and tomatoes, Bowen is also renowned for its tasty favourites! As the old saying goes, if a local recommends it, it’s
mangoes! Bowen also boasts a living fishing industry, and usually a sure thing!
restaurants and cafés are proud to offer the delicious seafood
caught locally. Cocktail with a view: Cocktails are great, but what’s even better is
sipping on a Mai Tai while watching the sunset over the Coral Sea.
When it comes to satisfying those hunger pains, the
Enjoy some pub grub: The Whitsundays has something for
Whitsundays has something for everyone. Every kind of cuisine
everyone. Whether you’re hungry for bangers and mash or a
is on offer with many eateries choosing to blend cultures and
parmi and chips, the pub grub here doesn’t disappoint.
tastes together in one menu. From simple fish and chips on the
beach, to a delectable ‘degustation’ tasting menu or a counter World famous mudcrub: Accompanied with a mojito! We promise
meal at one of the friendly pubs in Collinsville or Proserpine, you won’t be disappointed.
the Whitsundays has every kind of dining experience on offer,
homemade delights: You can’t beat fresh ingredients and good old
including plenty of children’s options.
fashioned home cooking, many restaurants don’t disappoint
There is also an eclectic mix of bars and cafés for a refreshing with homemade pizza and pasta on the menu.
pick-me-up and some restaurants have live music playing Oyster delight: The Whitsundays is a mecca for fresh seafood,
as well. and oysters are no exception. Don’t forget to indulge in some
champagne too!
For a list of restaurants and cafés and their phone numbers,
please see page 64 in the Directory at the rear of this Dinner with a twist: Indulge in a mouth-watering progressive
Visitor Guide. dinner, with each stop a surprise!
Don’t forget to hashtag #lovewhitsundays and #restaurantaustralia to share your Whitsunday food experiences!
38 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 39National Parks & Camping
Camping in the Whitsundays is a very special back-to-nature experience.
With rugged natural beauty, stunning views at every turn and an abundance of wildlife,
you will feel rejuvenated, relaxed and at one.
There are countless beautiful spots to camp in the
Whitsundays. Whitsunday Island, the largest of the group,
supports a population of rock-wallabies and from June to
September, the Whitsundays are an important calving ground
for migrating humpback whales, resulting in regular sightings.
You can fish, snorkel and swim from the beach of many
campsites and also explore the trails that zig-zag across the
islands. Keep your eyes peeled for white-brown scrub wren,
kookaburras, yellow-faced honey eaters, ospreys, herons
and egrets.
The Whitsunday Islands National Park protects 32 islands
including Whitsunday Island with its world-renowned
Whitehaven Beach, as well as Black, Hook and Langford Islands.
The park is readily accessible by private or commercial boat
from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour and some commercial
transfer companies drop off and collect campers. If travelling
by private vessel, always take the weather and tidal influences
into account.
Facilities vary and are limited to toilets and/or picnic tables.
Campers must be self-sufficient. Remember to take fresh
water, a fuel stove for cooking and insect repellent. Open fires
and generators are not permitted and please remember to
take your rubbish home with you.
Visitor numbers are limited to ensure a quality experience.
You will need to book your site and purchase your permit in
advance and display your camping permit tag prominently on
your tent!
Some Suggested Camping Spots…
zz Camp at sheltered sites in Cid Harbour: Dugong, Nari’s
Beach and Joe’s Beach
zz Other sites on Whitsunday Island include the popular
Whitehaven Beach and Cairn Beach
zz Small camping areas on Hook Island including Maureen’s
Cove, Crayfish, Steens and Curlew beaches; all offering
snorkelling from shore
zz You can also catch your own dinner with some campsites
allowing you to fish right off the beach
40 tourismwhitsundays.com.au tourismwhitsundays.com.au 41You can also read
