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The Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Islands

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The Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 tropical islands and located in the Coral Sea off the Queensland central coast.  
The Great Barrier Reef is the main attraction bringing people from across the globe to dive and to see this amazing reef spectacular. The Great Barrier Reef is so unique that it is protected by world heritage 

 Some of the Resort Islands in the Whitsundays:

Hayman Island, Heron Island, Hamilton Island, South Molle Island, Brampton Island, Daydream Island, Hook Island and Lindeman Island are some of the more popular resort islands of the Whitsundays. 

From Bowen in the north, inland to Proserpine, south to Laguna and east to Airlie Beach we can identify as the gateway to the 74 Whitsunday islands.   

Captain Cook named the Whitsundays  in 1770 and they are the largest group of offshore islands in Australia. The region is an amazing holiday destination giving tourists the opportunity to experience sparkling azure seas, lush national park islands, coral cays, coral reefs and stunning world class beaches. The Whitsundays is a perfect holiday destination for any age group because it has everything to offer. It is truly a feast of indulgent experiences that are unique to the Great Barrier Reef.

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                   Photo by Queensland Tourism                                                  Photo by Queensland Tourism
The majority of the Whitsunday islands are designated national parks, uninhabited, and can still be experienced in their purest natural state. There are numerous stunning, secluded beaches and coral reefs teeming with so many different species of sea creatures. There are also spectacular state forests that are home to hundreds of species of wildlife.  Only 8 of the 74 islands are inhabited with some offering spectacular 5 star resorts as well as a range of other accommodation and attractions.  

The Great Barrier Reef

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The largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef spans more than 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of islands and submerged reefs:  National Geographic

Visitors to the Whitsunday Coast may choose to stay on the mainland at one of the popular towns that have direct access to the islands or at one of the many island resorts. Whatever the decision, either would be suitable to explore the Whitsunday region.

The Whitsundays is ideally the perfect central location to enjoy all  the Great Barrier Reef has to offer.  Diving, snorkelling, scenic flights and sailing, you can try the lot. You can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands from above, below and in between. Heart Reef is featured on many brochures for the area. It is a beautiful composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart and can be found within Hardy Reef off the Whitsundays.  Whitehaven Beach (currently named Queensland’s Most Beautiful Beach) is a MUST SEE. The sand is white and almost pure silicon and can be used to clean jewellery it is so pure. The beach stretches for 7km and is absolutely breathtaking. It has become known as "the region's crown"

The waters of the Whitsundays is known as one of the best sailing grounds in the world with the The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands offering natural protection from the open ocean. The area has so much to enjoy such as secluded coves and anchorages, reefs and isolated beaches. It truly is a sailor's paradise.  

Underwater Coral Viewing is a huge hit with tourists

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The options of accommodation and the diverse food/wine experiences is designed to  suit all budgets.  From Airlie Beach’s ‘eat street’ on the Esplanade, to five star dining on Hamilton Island, and the Chef’s Table on Hayman, give visitors’ an exquisite sample of tastes to satisfy the most fastidious diner.
Luxury resorts, hotels, motels, caravan parks and backpackers accommodation is all available
Day spas, rainforest walks, sailing trips, swimming, snorkeling, relaxing or exploring – the range of activities is endless and will satisfy every fitness level.  The hardest part is deciding!
The Whitsundays has so much to offer, you won't be disappointed.

The Great Barrier Reef and The Whitsunday Islands  are voted as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Check out the other holiday destinations that have been voted the best holiday destinations.

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