Sail the Whitsunday islands
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The Whitsunday Islands are a piece of paradise on the Australian east coast. When I was 18 during my first big 6-month backpacking trip through Australia, this place was definitely my biggest highlight. The Whitsunday Islands have everything you are looking for: beautiful corals, imposing rocks, rainforests, the whitest beaches, unique animals (including six species of turtles), and the Coral Sea that turns blue-green. These tropical islands on the east coast of Queensland may rightly be called a treasure on our beloved planet Earth.
The island group consists of no less than 74 islands and lies just off the coast in Queensland near the towns of Mackay and Bowen, situated in the middle of the famous Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef has a length of 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles) and is the largest coral reef in the world. Around almost every island you will find beautiful blue, clear water and pearly white beaches, often combined with hills and forested landscapes. Since the islands are located in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, you have great opportunities to go diving or snorkeling and enjoy the most brightly colored corals you have ever seen. It was my first dive ever, which wasn't the smartest move because I have never encountered so much underwater beauty since then.
Sailing Trip
A great way to see as much of the archipelago as possible during your trip is to go on a sailing excursion. You sail along the most beautiful islands and the whitest beaches while looking out over the clear blue water from the boat. Every now and then you leave the boat and settle down on the soft, warm sand for a few hours of sunbathing (wear sunscreen!). In Airlie Beach and other popular backpacker destinations, you can find good boat trip deals. Most people choose a 2-night, 3-day adventure, which typically costs between AUD $300-600 depending on the boat and inclusions. Make sure you check your boat on TripAdvisor for reviews. Some are real party boats, and that might not be what you're looking for. Book in advance during peak season (June-October) or look for last-minute deals if you're flexible.
Picture credit: https://cruisewhitsundays.com/
By the way, don't be put off by stories that the Whitsundays are overflowing with tourists. Yes, of course it's a popular destination, but with so many different islands, you always have the opportunity to find a place where there are few or no other people.
Whitehaven Beach
The 7-kilometer-long (4.3-mile-long) Whitehaven Beach is breathtakingly beautiful. It is one of the best known and, according to many, one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. The beach is famous for its pure silica sand that stays cool even on hot days and creates stunning swirling patterns when mixed with the turquoise waters.Where to Go
The coastline of the Whitsundays has great destinations such as Airlie Beach and the town of Proserpine. Stay in Airlie Beach, which is a backpacker's paradise, or travel a little further to quiet secluded beaches, deserted bays, and rainforests. The closest airports are Hamilton Island Airport (direct flights from major Australian cities) and Proserpine/Whitsunday Coast Airport (about 30 minutes drive to Airlie Beach). You can also drive from Brisbane (about 11 hours) or take a Greyhound bus. Proserpine is a picturesque town near Airlie Beach with a real countryside feel. Bowen is a good base when you want to relax—there are beautiful undiscovered beaches, and there are backpacker hostels where you can sleep and eat for a reasonable price. Many boat trips and tours to the islands depart from Airlie Beach.
Where to Stay
You should not miss a visit to Hamilton Island during your holiday in the Whitsundays. No less than seventy percent of this island consists of national parks. Nature on Hamilton Island does not disappoint. As the largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday Islands, located in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Hamilton Island is committed to continually reducing its environmental footprint.
For accommodation, there are options for every budget. Budget travelers can stay in Airlie Beach hostels (AUD $25-40 per night) like Nomads or Base Backpackers. Mid-range options include motels and apartments in Airlie Beach (AUD $80-150 per night). For those seeking luxury, Hamilton Island has many upscale resorts and hotels. One of the best is called Beach Club.
This resort has a superb location right on Catseye Beach. The guest amenities are fantastic, and it might possibly be one of the best hotels you will ever stay in. On Booking.com, it receives an average rating of 9.5. Other quality resorts on Hamilton Island include qualia and Reef View Hotel, though expect to pay AUD $400-800+ per night for these premium options.
Best Time to Visit
The best travel period is "winter" in the Whitsundays, between June and October, with pleasant temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius (74 Fahrenheit). Summer between November and March is hot and humid, with a fair amount of rain. From November to May is also the 'stinger season,' when the east coast is affected by dangerous jellyfish, and you should only enter the water wearing a protective stinger suit. Have a look here for more climate details about Airlie Beach.
Written by our reporter and co-founder Jan:
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