the whitsundays.
Transcription
the whitsundays.
TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd 1 6/4/09 10:36:07 AM TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd 2 6/4/09 10:36:27 AM Contents 2. 74 islands. 1 Essential Map 5. Welcome to the Whitsundays 8. Getting to the Whitsundays 9. Getting around the Whitsundays 11. Regional events 12. The Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef 13. Whitehaven Beach 14. Ultimate Island Escapes 24. Endless Sailing Adventures 26. Skipper yourself 28. Your personal crew 30. 1 Amazing Airlie Beach 31. Abundant accommodation choices 36. Caravan, tourist parks and camping 39. 1000 Activities 40. In the air 41. On the water 42. Land adventures 43. 1 Remarkable Whitsunday Coast 43. Hydeaway Bay and surrounds 44. Proserpine 45. Bowen 46. National Parks of the Whitsundays 48. Self drive tours 50. Dining Out and Catering 52. Just say I Do! Your Whitsunday Wedding 54. Whitsundays Navigator Symbols 24 Winner - Whitsunday Tourism Awards 2008 Day spa Full day Pool(s) Eco Certified Disabled facilities Internet facilities Restaurant/bar Advanced Eco Certified Exercise equipment Laundry facilities Self-contained 24hr reception Games room Low numbers Tennis court BBQ facilities Golf course Lunch included Transfers Child friendly Half day Operates daily Undercover parking 1 The Whitsundays Holiday Planner 2009/2010 is provided as a free guide to assist travellers in gaining a wider knowledge of the Whitsundays region and to assist in making their holiday choices. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this guide no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. The content and offers included in advertisements in this publication are not the responsibility of either Tourism Whitsundays or the publishers. All enquiries related to specific ads should be referred to the advertiser in question. No liability can be accepted by Tourism Whitsundays or the publisher for loss, damage, inconvenience, delay, injury, accident, expenses or negligence due to inaccuracy or incorrect descriptions within editorial, pictorial, cartography or advertisements or any other costs incurred arising out of information or offers included in this publication. Copyright © 2009. Material published in The Whitsundays Holiday Planner 2009/2010 is protected under copyright and may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a computer or transmitted by email or Internet without the written authority of the publisher. Any breach of copyright will result in legal action. NB. Properties that include star ratings are representative of ratings independently assessed by AAA Tourism, the national tourism body of the Australian motoring organisations. The Stars are trademarks of AAA Tourism Pty Ltd. For more information about using star ratings, please visit www.aaatourism.com/stars. Published by zest design. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:1 6/4/09 10:36:30 AM 74 ISLANDS. The Whitsundays Cairns Whitsundays Hamilton Island Direct flights Brisbane Great walks Connecting flights Sydney Melbourne Distance Table (km) Airlie Beach 9 Shute Harbour 25 34 Proserpine 89 98 67 Bowen 149 158 125 192 Mackay 288 297 266 206 391 Townsville 482 491 458 525 335 724 Rockhampton 632 642 611 500 736 350 1068 Cairns 1115 1124 1091 1157 968 1356 633 1701 Proserpine River See crocs! Brisbane 1.6 kilometres = 1 mile Gloucester Island Hydeaway Bay Dingo Beach Catch a Barra! Peter Faust Dam Cape Gloucester Bowen Proserpine Peter Faust Dam Whitsunday Coast Airport Beautiful Beaches 2. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:2 6/4/09 10:36:42 AM 1 ESSENTIAL MAP. Great Barrier Reef Beautiful waterfall Knuckle Reef Heart Reef Bait Reef Hardy Reef Airlie Beach Lagoon Hook Reef Lookout views of the silica sands Hayman Island Spectacular Whitehaven Beach Hook Island Whitsunday Island Hill Inlet Whitehaven Beach North Molle Island Daydream Island Airlie Beach South Molle Island Shute Harbour Long Island Cannonvale Hamilton Island Hamilton Island Airport Lindeman Island Cedar Creek Falls Conway Beach Laguna Whitsundays Laguna Golf Course Midge Point Brampton Island WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:3 3. 6/4/09 10:37:05 AM DARWIN CAIRNS WHITSUNDAY COAST HAMILTON ISLAND BRISBANE PERTH ADELAIDE MELBOURNE NEWCASTLE SYDNEY CANBERRA LAUNCESTON DIRECT FLIGHT CONNECTING FLIGHT 4. HOBART SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:4 6/4/09 10:37:30 AM WELCOME TO THE WHITSUNDAYS. Welcome to the Whitsundays The heart of the Great Barrier Reef So many holiday experiences. One fantastic destination. Welcome to the Whitsundays, where romantic getaways, family fun or time to relax awaits you. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays offer endless possibilities... The world’s largest coral reef, 74 tropical islands and stunning beaches beckon you to come and indulge. Discover the reef - under it, in it, on it, above it – there is a myriad of ways to experience this magical wonder. Looking for a little adventure? These are some of the most beautiful and enjoyable sailing waters in the world, where you can skipper your own yacht, chart your own course, and drop anchor for the night in a sheltered bay of turquoise water off an uninhabited island. Or simply pull out a towel and lie on the beach, escaping all your worries as you listen to the gentle waters of the Coral Sea lap at the sand. No matter which way you choose to enjoy your Whitsundays holiday, you are assured a holiday to remember. The choices are many so read on and let your imagination run wild but remember, it is all waiting for you here, in the beautiful Whitsundays… WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:5 5. 6/4/09 10:37:41 AM WELCOME TO THE WHITSUNDAYS. 1 holiday to remember The hardest part is choosing Heart Reef The Whitsundays lie midway along the Queensland coast a group of 74 islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and cradled by the calm and sheltered waters of the Coral Sea; a picturesque coastline of wooded peninsulas, sandy coves and welcoming holiday retreats. There are so many ways to experience the Whitsundays. There is something for every taste and budget and every visitor can be assured of a great holiday. You could start by marvelling at the delights of the Great Barrier Reef from an under water perspective in a semi-submersible. Or jump into the water and enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving around fringing reefs and coral gardens; spend the night on the reef on a boat or your own private pontoon; or gain a bird’s-eye view from up above with a chartered helicopter or scenic seaplane tour, making sure to take in the spectacular naturally formed ‘Heart Reef’. However you choose to experience the Whitsundays, be sure to include a trip to Whitehaven Beach, consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world. The spectacular white silica sands of this gorgeous location stretch on for seven kilometres. The amazing pictures left in your memory will leave you planning your next trip to the Whitsundays already! 6. Whether you’re adventurous or not, there’s something for you to do, see and stay in the Whitsundays. Go adventure sailing on a tall ship or head out for a day of breathtaking exhilaration on an ocean racing yacht. Experience the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from above, below or within, or just relax around the spectacular Airlie Beach Lagoon. Be as lazy or action packed as you like! With endless accommodation options, the Whitsunday Coast is an excellent base for discovering all that the region has to offer (see pages 30-37). With plentiful shopping, luxurious day spas and gourmet dining with stunning views the ‘Big Island’ has something for even the most discerning traveller. For lovers of an island getaway, there is simply no better holiday destination than the Whitsundays (see pages 14-23). Here you can indulge in island resorts that cater for everything from family fun to couples seeking an escape of style, luxury and romance. Those seeking to be at one with nature will fall in love. You will enjoy the many bush walking tracks and National Parks throughout the islands and coast, and discover the local flora and fauna. The Whitsundays Great Walk takes hikers on a 30km journey through Conway State Forest from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach. You can relax by beautiful seasonal creeks, enjoy cool sea breezes and take in the rewarding island views (see pages 46 & 47). Discover National Parks SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:6 6/4/09 10:37:48 AM WELCOME TO THE WHITSUNDAYS. Fast Facts Keep up to date with local and interstate current issues, with Channel 7 Mackay and Whitsunday News at 6pm. Must see and do • Sail around the Whitsundays 74 islands • Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef • Let your feet sink into the white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach • Relax by the Airlie Beach Lagoon • Spend an unforgettable night on the reef in your own comfy hotel room • Learn to scuba dive at some of the best reefs in the world, including the Stepping Stones and the Cathedral • Snorkel among some 1500 species of fish and 400 types of coral • Fly over Heart Reef for a bird’s-eye view of this amazing icon • Hike to the lookout at Hill Inlet for stunning views of Whitsunday Island • Catch a seaplane or helicopter to a private beach for a picnic to remember The highlight of my holiday! • Go whale watching or crocodile spotting • Enjoy great food and wine on the Airlie Beach Esplanade • Hike through a National Forest on the Whitsundays Great Walk • Watch the sun set over the 74 islands of the beautiful Whitsundays. Gorgeous weather The Whitsundays enjoys a tropical climate of hot summers, warm winters and bright spring and autumn days. Temperature and average monthly rainfall chart Month Temp Max. Temp Min. Rainfall Jan 30.4 24.9 239.0 Feb 30.1 24.9 277.0 Mar 28.8 24.0 228.2 April 27.1 22.6 226.7 May 24.8 20.8 143.4 June 22.4 18.4 100.8 July 21.9 17.6 69.7 Aug 22.8 18.0 51.3 Sept 25.4 19.8 21.9 Oct 27.6 21.8 51.3 Nov 29.1 23.3 92.9 Dec 30.0 24.4 202.4 *Latest available data: 19 Jan 2009. Taken from Hamilton Island. Temperature: ( ˚C). Rainfall: (mm). Average daily temperatures range from just over 21°C in the winter months of June and July and up to 32°C in December during the height of summer, with average water temperatures remaining a welcoming 25°C year round. Higher rainfall can be expected January to March when days can be steamy and the summer heat can be broken by tropical showers. Marine stingers Marine stingers may be present in the waters of tropical Queensland (with higher-risk period October-May), but by taking a few simple precautions you can minimise risks. Please see www.marinestingers.com or ask your tour operator for more information. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:7 7. 6/4/09 10:37:55 AM GETTING TO THE WHITSUNDAYS. Getting to the Whitsundays By Air The Whitsundays is serviced by two airports. The Great By Road The Bruce Highway links Queensland’s major Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island is serviced by Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Qantas Link with direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. coastal cities and towns, including Proserpine. Just north of Proserpine lies the turn off east to Airlie Beach and surrounding communities, while further north the Bruce Highway reaches the town of Bowen. The Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine is serviced by Virgin Blue and Jetstar, with direct flights from Brisbane, and connecting flights from all major cities. Air transfers by helicopter, light aircraft or seaplane are available from Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hamilton Island and the smaller non-commercial Whitsunday Airport located between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Major coach operators include the Whitsundays in their regular scheduled services from major cities along the coast. By Rail Traveltrain services to Proserpine include the Tilt Train and The Sunlander. These trains link the Whitsundays to the coastal centres between Brisbane and Cairns. experience Queensland by rail From the Tropical Far North to the hub of Brisbane city, or west to the Outback’s pioneering past, the sights of Queensland’s spectacular landscape are as diverse as its local characters are colourful. Get a front row seat on one of Traveltrain’s proud fleet and see Queensland like never before. There is a rail adventure just right for you. Your journey begins at your local travel agent or QR Travel Centre, by calling &-%%IG6>CH-,')+, or visiting igVkZaigV^c#Xdb#Vj QR Passenger Pty Ltd ABN 71 132 181 090 8. TTH2814 SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:8 6/4/09 10:37:59 AM GETTING AROUND THE WHITSUNDAYS. Fast Facts Read the Whitsundays local paper, The Whitsunday Times, for local news and what’s on. Fast Facts Now that you’re here Tune into Sea FM on 92.3 or Hot FM on 94.7 There are many ways to get around this magnificent region. Scheduled bus services operate seven days a week with over 70 services daily in the Whitsundays region. The service connects Proserpine (including Whitsunday Coast Airport and Proserpine Railway Station), Cannonvale, Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. All services are wheelchair accessible. Door to door sedan, limousine and bus transfers are also available from Whitsunday Coast Airport to most accommodation houses and marinas. Taxis service the Whitsundays, including Whitsunday Coast Airport and Proserpine Railway Station. Taxi ranks are located along Shute Harbour Road in the centre of Airlie Beach and at the major shopping centres. A number of car hire services are available from Whitsunday Coast Airport. You will also find in Airlie Beach a number of car rental companies that also include scooter and moped hire. There are many locations for parking including secured parking available at Shute Harbour. Cruise Whitsundays and Fantasea Adventure Cruising operate connecting water transfer services between the islands and mainland. Services operate from Hamilton Island, Shute Harbour and Abel Point Marina on the coast to island resorts. They also provide services for flights arriving at the Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hamilton Island. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:9 9. 6/4/09 10:38:04 AM WELCOME TO THE WHITSUNDAYS. DAILY DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE WHITSUNDAYS! Daily direct flights from: Melbourne (Tullamarine)) to Hamilton Island Brisbane to Hamilton Island Sydney to Hamilton Island Brisbane to Whitsunday Coast You can enjoy Jetstar’s famous everyday low fares to The Whitsundays with direct flights daily from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to one of Australia’s favourite holiday regions. For more details and to book your flight visit jetstar.com Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd ABN 33 069 720 243. 10. JET3595WSH SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:10 6/4/09 10:38:11 AM REGIONAL EVENTS. A variety of events January 2009 19th................... Run for a Cure 18th................... Whitsunday Cup – Bowen Turf Club 14th Dec 08 – 25th Jan 09 ...... Kites and Kids – Conway Beach 26th................... Grand Wedding Expo – Coral Sea Resort 19th Dec 08 – 18th Jan 09 ...... Hamilton Island Summer Festival 26th................... Australia Day Celebrations August 2009 February 2009 14th – 20th ....... Meridien Marina’s Airlie Beach Race Week 15th................... Ben Bolt Cup – Bowen Turf Club 7th..................... Kelly Auty’s Wild Women Show and Dinner Coral Sea Resort 14th................... Valentines Day Celebrations 14th – 28th ....... Latin Festival – Club Med Lindeman Island 16th................... Parrothead Party – Airlie Beach 21st – 29th ........ Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 29th – 30th ....... Airlie Beach Festival of Sport 28th................... Airlie Beach Outrigger Regatta September 2009 March 2009 12th................... Whitsunday Fun Race 8th..................... Zonta International Women’s Day Celebration 28th................... Q150 Celebration – Airlie Beach April 2009 18th – 19th ....... Relay for life 25th................... Anzac Day Services and Commemoration Events 29th – 3rd May .. Whitsunday Offshore Yacht Racing Event May 2009 1st – 4th ............ Wintermoon Festival Cameron’s Creek via Calen, 50k south of Airlie Beach 3rd .................... Airlie Beach Food and Wine Festival 3rd .................... Hamilton Island’s Hilly Half Marathon 3rd .................... Whitsunday Airport Air Show 27th................... Q150 Steam Train arrives into Proserpine 12th................... Q150 Celebration Coalface Museum – Collinsville 20th................... Run the Great Walk October 2009 10th................... Bowen Cup – Bowen Turf Club 15th – 18th ....... Airlie Beach Reef Festival 24th................... Proserpine Harvest Festival November 2009 3rd .................... Melbourne Cup Day Celebrations 3rd .................... Collinsville Show 5th – 8th ........... Mustang Marine Whitsunday 2009 Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament 7th – 8th ........... Come Camp with BIG4 21st – 28th ........ Schoolies Week (QLD) – Airlie Beach 28th................... Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea – Coral Sea Resort December 2009 31st ................... Blessing of the Fleet 24th................... Carols by Candlelight June 2009 25th................... Christmas Day Celebrations 31st ................... New Years Celebrations – Airlie Beach 5th – 8th ........... Masters of Fare Food Festival – Hamilton Island 6th..................... Q150 Celebration – Bowen 6th – 7th ........... Oceanic Whitsunday Boat and Leisure Show 6th – 7th ........... Whitfunday – Dingo Beach 13th – 14th ....... Proserpine BMX Wacky Whitsunday Carnival Weekly Events Wednesdays 13th – 23rd ....... Dent to Dunk Centenary Race and Rally 19th................... Proserpine Show 23rd .................. Bowen Show Fridays 25th – 28th ....... Powerade Hamilton Island Outrigger Cup July 2009 5th..................... Whitsunday Wedding and Party Expo 12th – 17th ....... Ken Duncan Northern Exposure Photography Course – Hamilton Island Saturdays Sundays Twilight Yacht Racing 3pm – 7pm Whitsunday Sailing Club, Airlie Beach Barefoot Bowls 7:30pm – 10pm Airlie Beach Bowls Club Airlie Beach Markets 8am – 12pm Airlie Beach Foreshore Bowen Lions Markets 8am – 1pm Hansen Park, Bowen Airlie Sunset Markets 4pm – 8pm The Esplanade, Airlie Beach (during peak periods) WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:11 11. 6/4/09 10:38:19 AM THE GREAT BARRIER REEF & HEART REEF. The Great Barrier Reef If diving is your passion, then this is your paradise. Home to tens of thousands of species of brilliantly coloured fish, coral and other marine life including whales, dolphins, turtles and dugong, enjoy the diversity of your underwater playground. Iconic Whitsunday diving sites such as the ‘Stepping Stones’ and the ‘Cathedral’ are simply stunning. Local dive companies cater for every skill level from novice to dive master. If snorkelling is more your style, then the many fringing reefs of the islands, and the warm shallow waters of Hardy and Knuckle Reef provide some of the most colourful fish and coral formations anywhere in the Great Barrier Reef. Or stay dry, and enjoy the reef views from an underwater viewing chamber, glass bottom boat and semi-submersible. Dive the Great Barrier Reef Said to be the world’s largest living structure and the only one visible from outer space, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Whitsundays region, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is unique in being home to 74 tropical islands all within close distance of each other, and in such close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, which ensures it is the ideal hub from which to explore this aquatic wonderland. Stretching over 2000 kilometres in length, the Great Barrier Reef protects the Whitsunday coast and islands from ocean swells, providing the region with some of the most protected cruising grounds in the world. 12. Travel to the outer reef via ultra fast and modern catamarans, boats, seaplanes and helicopters which all depart daily from both the Whitsunday coast and island resorts. The Whitsundays offers the only opportunity to spend a night with all the comforts of a hotel room right on the Great Barrier Reef. This experience is certainly something special and unique. There is definitely a reef experience on offer for everyone. In the heart of the reef The Whitsundays is quite literally situated in the “Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.” Heart Reef is a beautiful composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart. Located within Hardy Reef, Heart Reef can best be experienced from the air by helicopter or seaplane. A visit to Heart Reef is the perfect Valentine’s Day, anniversary, proposal or romantic surprise for a loved one. Seeing the unique heart shaped coral formation from the air is a Whitsunday experience you will never forget. Many tour companies will combine a visit to Heart Reef with trips to other breathtaking locations in the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:12 6/4/09 10:38:28 AM WHITEHAVEN BEACH. Fast Facts It is possible to find as many as 200 species of fish in just one hectare of the Great Barrier Reef. The GBR Marine Park is the largest coral reef system in the world. Fast Facts Pristine Whitehaven Whitehaven Beach won the Cleanest Beach in Queensland Award for 2008. Whitehaven Beach is a definite “must-see” in the Whitsundays. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of Whitehaven stretch over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It defines nature at its best and provides the greatest sense of relaxation and escape. The breathtaking beauty of Whitehaven Beach ensures it is an icon of Australia’s natural history. Its magnificence has seen Whitehaven win many world-wide awards including Queensland’s Cleanest Beach in 2008. At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning cove where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. If time permits, don’t miss a walk to the lookout on Whitsunday Island where you can take advantage of the best views of both Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Whitehaven Beach can be experienced in several ways. Many motor cruises and luxury sailing yachts offer day trips that depart from Airlie Beach and some of the island resorts. A variety of sailing companies offer multi-day charters that include a memorable visit to Whitehaven Beach in addition to stops around Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The more adventurous can try ocean rafting, sea-kayaking or a jet boat trip out to Whitehaven. Or why not travel by seaplane or helicopter for a spectacular aerial view over the iconic beach, Whitsunday Island and Hill Inlet and indulge in a champagne picnic on your own private section of the beach. However you choose to explore Whitehaven Beach, it will be an experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Whitehaven Beach WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:13 13. 6/4/09 10:38:33 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. Ultimate island escapes The 74 islands of the Whitsundays form the largest offshore island chain on Australia’s coastline. With eleven resorts on eight islands there is something for every visitor. Whether it is eco-style, family friendly, all-inclusive, activity based, food and wine focused or pure luxury, there is a resort experience to suit everyone. 14. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:14 6/4/09 10:38:43 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. Fast Facts Brampton Island Islands of the Whitsundays were once part of the mainland, drowned by sea after the Ice Ages. At the southern end of the Whitsundays, Brampton Island is almost entirely National Park. Voyages Brampton Island Resort sits snugly on the island, offering a range of holiday experiences. With a rhythm of its own there are activities to enjoy at every imaginable tempo – from fast and furious water sports, to relaxing by the pool, pure escapism at the island spa, fine dining or a sunset cruise. For the highly adventurous, try the Jet Ski Safari to circumnavigate the island and explore beautiful beaches and secluded spots. The channel between Brampton and neighbouring Carlisle Island disappears at low tide, enabling guests to walk across to uninhabited Carlisle Island. Boat access is available, complete with tours of the island’s 1000 year old Melaleuca Forest. Daydream Island Daydream Island is easily accessible from Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach or nearby Hamilton Island. Daydream Island Resort and Spa encompasses the entire island. Hamilton Island Hamilton Island is perfectly located in the heart of the Whitsundays and at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. On Hamilton Island you’ll find a wide range of accommodation, from island-style bungalows to spacious hotel rooms with breathtaking views or the ultimate indulgence of qualia. If self-catering is more your style, choose from hotel-style holiday apartments or a private holiday home. There are also over 40 different activities available; snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, discover 20km of bushwalking trails, take a scenic flight, or speed through the water on a jet ski tour. And when it comes to food and wine, choose from almost as many restaurants as you would expect to find on the mainland. From gourmet pizzas by the marina to a long lunch at the Beach House, Hamilton Island has it all, including a range of takeaway outlets and bars if you are looking for something more casual. Located on the secluded northern most tip of Hamilton Island, qualia sets a new pinnacle for luxury in Australia. This world-class resort immerses you in a relaxed atmosphere, offering personalised and intuitive service and is a truly special place where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind yet completely spoil the senses. Unique to the resort is a man-made outdoor aquarium, a stunning network of reef lagoons containing over 40 marine fish species and 50 coral varieties. Visitors can snorkel or dive the island’s fringing reef. Recreational activities also include water sports, mini golf, movies at the scenic open-air cinema or swimming in one of the island’s pools. Others choose to be pampered at Daydream’s award-winning Rejuvenation Spa, which offers a range of health and beauty treatments. The resort offers 296 rooms, including 9 suites to choose from and, for those in love, the Endeavour Wedding Chapel. Lovers Cove - Daydream Island WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:15 15. 6/4/09 10:38:52 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. Ultimate island escapes Hayman Island Hayman Island is Australia’s celebrated private island destination, home to Hayman, the resort laps the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Hayman welcomes guests to enjoy a unique and memorable experience offering luxury, relaxation, adventure and a lifestyle that is genuine and sincere. The resort features superbly appointed rooms, suites, penthouses and a villa, world-class restaurants offering contemporary Australian, modern European, Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine, the award-winning Spa Hayman health and beauty facility and a children’s activities centre. Marine facilities offer PADI diving, fishing, snorkelling, sea kayaking, reef cruises and seaplane and helicopter adventures. Guests can relax and enjoy Hayman’s superb salt and fresh water pools, head to the island’s beaches for sunbathing and snorkelling, take one of the fascinating art and garden tours, or try their skills on the golf putting green, driving range and tennis and squash courts. Hook Island Step onto the beach at Hook Island and the serenity will take your breath away. The Hook Island Wilderness Resort is set on the edge of 58 square kilometres of Australian national park, the second largest island of the Whitsunday group. With spectacular fringe reef diving and snorkelling immediately offshore, forest walks onshore, Hook is especially for those looking for a unique, close-up encounter with the Australian wilderness and Whitsunday Islands. Various levels of budget accommodation exist on the island – camping facilities, dorm style rooms and standard rooms right through to ensuite rooms. Hook Island is ideal for families wanting to get back to nature and spend some quality time together, couples who wish to rediscover nature’s adventure on this secluded paradise, or individuals looking to reward themselves with some time out. 16. Hayman Lindeman Island Australia’s only Club Med resort is located on Lindeman Island. Club Med is famous for its all inclusive packages, where guests are encouraged to do nothing, or do it all... a friendly welcome, a family atmosphere, evening shows, tuition and sports on offer, spa centres and fun lively atmosphere provided by a team of international GO’s (staff). Led by the Chef de Village (General Manager) these guys are hard working, high energy youngsters from around the globe dedicated to making guests feel happy and welcome. Take in one of the island’s many bush walks for breathtaking hilltop views, or just chill out on one of its secluded beaches. Lindeman Island boasts 670 hectares of World Heritage National Park. Long Island A holiday on Long Island is filled with options. The island itself is a wonder to explore filled with National Park walks and plentiful flora and fauna. Hard to beat is the fringing coral reef in the bays, great for snorkelling or just relaxing in a hammock under the coconut palms. With three resorts situated in secluded parts of the island, on Long Island you are spoilt for choice. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:16 6/4/09 10:39:01 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. Long Island Resort is a true Whitsunday tropical island experience. Holiday makers can enjoy two pools, a great beach, extensive outdoor entertainment areas plus an extensive range of water sports. Enjoy a massage or beauty treatment at the award winning spa or relax at the swim up beach bar right on the waters edge. Night time brings a variety of live entertainment where you can join in the activities and dance the night away. Nestled amidst swaying palm trees and lush vegetation on a secluded bay, Peppers Palm Bay exudes Balinese charm. Twenty two private bures, bungalows and cabins enjoy ocean views, and without in-room phones or TVs, this resort offers serene isolation in one of Australia’s most sought after destinations. Laze in a hammock on your private balcony, lounge by the pool or sail away to discover the remote beaches of the national park – this is tropical indulgence at its tempting best. Imagine arriving by helicopter to your own island escape, with waterfront bungalows, National Park rainforest and private beach. This is the life at Paradise Bay Eco Escape. With no television, phones, children or day visitors to disrupt your day, relaxation definitely comes first. A friendly chef and hostess are on-hand to care for your every need, while an experienced skipper waits to set sail to explore the beaches and coral gardens of the surrounding islands. Paradise Bay Eco Escape only accepts a maximum of 16 guests at any one time and is all inclusive. One Tree Hill - Hamilton Island South Molle Island South Molle Island is one of the Whitsundays’ natural gems with a number of walking tracks and lookouts to enjoy. 400 hectares of National Park rimmed by inlets and palm-fringed beaches – the South Molle Island holiday experience is all about adventure with hiking, snorkelling, paddle safaris and day cruises offered. Koala Adventure Island on South Molle is a new addition to the Whitsunday islands’ holiday choices with the resort catering for holiday makers 18+ who want plenty of activities and partying! Chill around the pool in the morning, get active in the afternoon and party into the night – it’s all here for the young-at-heart who enjoy being with like-minded people in a beautiful setting. Tennis, golf, archery and volleyball are just some of the sports on offer and there are movies and massages for chilling out. Entertainment, resident DJs and guest bands ensure every night’s a party night. Peppers Palm Bay - Long Island Four styles of accommodation are offered all with patio or balcony and either ocean or rainforest views. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:17 17. 6/4/09 10:39:06 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. Indulge your senses... Best Deluxe Accommodation ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 296 tropical rooms including 9 suites World class state of the art Rejuvenation Spa Coral reef lagoon outdoor aquarium Diving and snorkelling off the amazing fringing coral reef Latest movie screenings at the open air cinema 3 swimming pools and spas 3 restaurants and 3 bars Endeavour wedding chapel Wild fish feeding, mini golf, tennis, gym, watersports, rainforest walk and much more. For more information contact your local travel agent or the island direct on 1800 075 040 or book online at www.daydreamisland.com 18. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:18 6/4/09 10:39:20 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:19 19. 6/4/09 10:39:22 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. Discover ...Club Med Lindeman Island Club Med Lindeman Island in Queensland’s beautiful Whitsundays is the ideal destination for families seeking an all-inclusive getaway. With a wide variety of sports and activities with instruction for every level, your entire family will enjoy a once in a lifetime holiday experience. Your all-inclusive package includes:* • Your choice of accommodation including Ocean Front, Superior Terrace and Poolside rooms • Fully supervised Kid’s Club (4-12 years) • Three gourmet meals a day • Open bar and snacking service • A huge range of sports and activities • Daily and nightly entertainment • Luxurious spa treatments available^ • Prime beachfront location • Plus the warmest, friendliest team of professionals to ensure your holiday experience is exceptional! www.clubmed.com.au To find out more about Club Med all-inclusive packages contact your travel agent or call 1800 258 263 WHERE HAPPINESS MEANS THE WORLD *For full terms and conditions and to find out about our latest offers, please contact Club Med. ^Additional costs apply. MED8313 20. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:20 6/4/09 10:39:26 AM CumminsNitro © HAY 0044 ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. HAY 0044 TW Holiday Planner FP [267x180].indd 1 H A Y M A N .C O M. A U 27/1/09 3:23:09 PM WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:21 21. 6/4/09 10:39:28 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. LONG ISL AND RESORT, WHITSUNDAYS moons and honey Weddings Garden or beac hfront rooms Full board - all meals included Our award winn ing club spa M.I. C.E. & te am build ing pkgs This award winning idyllic island resort is located in the Whitsundays, set amidst frangipani’s, coconut palms and tropical flame trees, surrounded by rainforest and near the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. With sensational wildlife with 2500 acres of bush walks, this is your natural choice. Abundance of water sports and reef activities to explore! Packages include: Family Favourites, romantic escapes, and lodge and bunk room stopovers. Long Island Resort, Whitsundays • Club Crocodile Airlie Beach • Hides Hotel, Cairns • Sunlover Reef Cruises, Cairns Cape Tribulation Resort & Spa • Ferntree Rainforest Lodge, Cape Tribulation 22. OHT13173 Long Island Resort, Whitsundays QLD 4802, Australia Reservations: 1800 075 125 airliebeach@oceanhotels.com.au Take a preview tour at www.oceanhotels.com.au SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:22 6/4/09 10:39:29 AM ULTIMATE ISLAND ESCAPES. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:23 23. 6/4/09 10:39:31 AM ENDLESS SAILING ADVENTURES. Endless sailing adventures Picture yourself at the helm of a stylish 12-metre yacht... the salty sea breeze in your face as you cruise through the Whitsunday Passage, passing by the 74 islands of the Whitsundays. Choose your adventure as you chart your own course through some of Australia’s, if not the world’s, best sailing waters, or simply enjoy the ride as your chartered crew take you on the trip of a lifetime. Read on for a look at great sailing adventures to get the adrenaline pumping or just to relax. Fast Facts Very fine sediment suspended in the region’s waters scatters sunlight, creating the spectacular shade of blue that makes the Whitsundays famous. 24. Sailing adventures With 74 islands to discover it’s easy to be drawn into the romance and adventure of sailing. The Whitsundays offers an entire spectrum of sailing adventures to experience. You can chart your own course on a bareboat (skipper yourself) yacht, be part of the action on a crewed charter, ocean racer or tall ship, or simply lie back and watch it all happen on a luxury yacht. There are countless ways to discover the waters of the Whitsundays. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:24 6/4/09 10:39:35 AM ENDLESS SAILING ADVENTURES. When planning your Whitsunday boating holiday... Pick the Tick Just cruising If aquatic relaxation is more your style then why not take a trip on an exclusive cruise yacht or catamaran. These vessels offer the epitome of luxury cruising through the Whitsundays, and unlike other larger cruise ships, their size allows for travel to the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the best of both worlds as you enjoy the 74 islands in the protected waters of the Whitsunday Passage complete with cruising comforts. A variety of itineraries allow you to explore the islands and coastline for a couple of days or over a week. Routes vary depending on itinerary and conditions but definite highlights include turtle, dolphin and whale watching (seasonal), visiting the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling or diving the Great Barrier Reef. Learn to sail There are dozens of ways to explore the 74 islands of the Whitsundays but one of the most tempting is to skipper your own yacht. Sailing schools are available from the coast and Hamilton Island. Crewed yacht charters also provide learn-to-sail courses to equip you with the knowledge you need to sail off into a Whitsundays sunset. Eco Certified A world first, Australia’s Eco Certification program recognises tourism operators who provide genuine environmentally friendly tours, attractions and accommodation products. The program assures the certified product is backed by a commitment to best-practice sustainable management and provides a high quality nature based tourism experience. Operators are assessed on their economic, environmental and social sustainability and a number of ecotourism principles including business ethics, responsible marketing, environmental sustainability, contribution to conservation, and working with communities. There are three levels of accreditation available in the program: Nature Tourism, Ecotourism, and Advanced Ecotourism. The successful Eco Certification Program is now being exported to the rest of the world as the International Ecotourism Standard. To find out about Eco Certified tourism products in the Whitsundays and across Australia or to learn more about the program visit www.ecotourism.org.au or phone (07) 3229 5550. WHITSUNDAY CHARTER BOAT INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION WCBIA Members are committed to the highest standards of marine tourism and customer service For further information www.wcbia.com WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:25 25. 6/4/09 10:39:46 AM ENDLESS SAILING ADVENTURES. Skipper yourself Become skipper for the day and unleash the explorer in you by chartering a bareboat through the 74 magnificent islands of the Whitsundays. Operators in the Whitsundays provide fleets of yachts, catamarans and motor launches of varying sizes for bareboat charter. The protected waters of the Whitsundays are recognised as amongst the safest in the world and perfect for the beginner sailor. Bareboat charter companies give a thorough briefing and ‘trial run’ before you set sail so that 26. everyone in your party can become comfortable and confident in handling the vessel. Charter companies also keep daily radio contact to maintain your position and assist with any questions while on your sailing journey. The boats are well maintained and are equipped with all the essentials for a few days’ sailing, with everything from safety and navigational equipment to onboard shower, toilet, galley, dinghy, outboard motor as well as fishing and snorkelling gear. Personal and food supplies for your sailing adventure can also be requested in advance of departure from the charter company, just enquire at time of booking. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:26 6/4/09 10:39:49 AM ENDLESS SAILING ADVENTURES. Whitsundays sunset WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:27 27. 6/4/09 10:39:52 AM YOUR PERSONAL CREW. Your personal crew If taking the helm of your own yacht isn’t your thing, then why not sit back and enjoy the view while your personal crew sets course for you. In the Whitsundays you’ll find 74 islands and every type of vessel to explore them. With a selection of motor cruisers, classic yachts or ketches (double masted) available, crewed escapes provide a relaxed alternative to bareboating. Spend a few days sailing aboard a square-rigger tall ship or climb aboard a classic yacht, high tech catamaran or performance racing yacht. Those who want to take an active part in their sailing holiday can, as crewed charters offer the unique experience of being able to choose your type of adventure on the water. Your experience can be ‘all hands on deck’ or simply relaxing on the top deck with the wind in your hair. Several crewed charters also offer the opportunity to learn to scuba dive or master the ship yourself with professional sailing lessons, a great preparation for your next sailing adventure in the Whitsundays. One thing is certain – the service, dining and accommodation of a crewed charter in the Whitsundays are all second-to-none. Crewed charters not only offer great company, great food and comfortable accommodation but also an unforgettable Whitsundays experience. Tall ship adventures Sailing the Whitsundays 28. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:28 6/4/09 10:39:59 AM ENDLESS SAILING ADVENTURES. plore e whitsundays Sail, Snorkel, Dive, Explore the Magical Whitsunday Islands ern ross h S out tures n g Adve Sailin 1800 675 790 or 1800 810 116 Shop 1, 4 The Esplanade Airlie Beach www.explorewhitsundays.com WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:29 29. 6/4/09 10:40:04 AM 1 AMAZING AIRLIE BEACH. 1 amazing Airlie Beach Vibrant and alive, Airlie Beach is the beating heart of the Whitsundays. It is the epicentre of access to the islands and the reef by day, and by night offers such an array of dining and nightlife that every night is Saturday night! Colourful, cosmopolitan and inviting, the community of Airlie Beach is the mainland gateway to the Whitsundays for holiday action and relaxation. Situated in a picturesque peninsula that reaches out to the Whitsunday Passage, the effervescent town is located on the shores of a palm-fringed coastline and overlooks the calm waters and yachts of Pioneer Bay. As you drive into Airlie Beach the road climbs above Abel Point Marina, providing expansive views of aquamarine water with islands on the horizon. The laid back, tropical ambience you experience as you stroll along the main street of Airlie Beach is pure Whitsundays. Here you can book a coastal, island or reef getaway, grab a smoothie or latté at a café, or dine and dance the night away. Be sure to visit the Airlie Beach Lagoon for a day of relaxation. Set in landscaped parkland overlooking picturesque Pioneer Bay, this man-made outdoor saltwater pool also boasts free BBQ areas, toilet and shower facilities and children’s pool and playground. It is also a popular place for travellers to meet for a refreshing swim or to sunbathe and relax. Fast Facts The Whitsundays is situated on the same latitude as Rio de Janeiro and Tahiti enjoying a tropical climate with daily temperatures varying little from month to month. The days are warm all year round and evenings are sultry in summer but cooler in the winter, requiring only a light jacket or sweater. 30. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:30 6/4/09 10:40:07 AM ABUNDANT ACCOMMODATION CHOICES. Abundant choices Airlie Beach has a fantastic selection of accommodation including stylish resort hotels on the waters edge, apartments on the hillside that overlook the beach, bay and islands and comfortable waterfront bed and breakfast and motel options. The Whitsundays also has a wide choice of camping and caravan parks, many with a range of accommodation options from comfortable cabins to boutique bungalows. There is also a host of centrally located backpacker accommodation options. The Whitsundays has all the essential services for visitors to the region and, for shoppers, the added attraction of 7 days a week retail trading, and boutiques galore. Every Saturday morning the foreshore of Airlie Beach transforms into an outdoor marketplace. Under the shade of the coconut palms local vendors sell fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts and more. On Sunday night enjoy free live music on the foreshore. Airlie’s dining and entertainment options are primarily located along the main street and esplanade and vary from upmarket dining to al fresco cafés and cheap eats. Dance the night away in one of Airlie Beach’s many lively clubs and bars that provide plenty of entertainment well into the night. As you’ll soon discover, there is an abundant number of tour booking agents to inform you of everything the region has to offer. Available tours and activities span a wealth of day or overnight trips, cruises to the islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and on-land and aquatic adrenalin pursuits. The only limitation is the number of days you have to explore. Much of the water-based activity in the Whitsundays departs from Abel Point Marina, just a five-minute walk from the centre of Airlie Beach via the scenic boardwalk which winds along the water’s edge. Charter yachts, sailing cruises and dive adventures depart from the recently expanded marina, which caters for cruising yachts right up to the super yachts from around the world. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:31 31. 6/4/09 10:40:16 AM 1 AMAZING AIRLIE BEACH. 32. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:32 6/4/09 10:40:24 AM 1 AMAZING AIRLIE BEACH. 24 WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:33 33. 6/4/09 10:40:27 AM 1 AMAZING AIRLIE BEACH. 34. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:34 6/4/09 10:40:32 AM 1 AMAZING AIRLIE BEACH. EARENE w h i t s u n d a y s r e s o rt 140 * PER APARTMENT $ FRM PER NIGHT *CONDITIONS APPLY • New luxury 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments • Fully self contained with stylish furniture and European appliances • Located central Airlie Beach • All apartments have large spacious balconies with uninterrupted views of the Whitsunday Islands • Heated jacuzzi spas located on balconies in selected apartments EARENE Reservations w h i t s u n d a y s phone 07 4948 6866 www.searenewhitsundays.com.au Email seareneholidays@bigpond.com WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:35 35. 6/4/09 10:40:37 AM CARAVAN, TOURIST PARKS & CAMPING. Tourist parks Camping, caravanning, and cabin accommodation is abundant on the Whitsunday Coast, with a range of choices to suit your holiday taste and budget. The Whitsundays is located a short driving distance from many popular tourist spots along the Queensland coast, so make sure you mark the region as a definite ‘must stop’ on your driving holiday. From four star camping and caravan parks, to family friendly holiday parks, there is a wide choice of places to stay. If you want to extend your camping holiday from one of the many mainland camping facilities, you could catch a boat transfer to a deserted island and set up camp at one of the many camping grounds on the Whitsunday islands (permits required). Or if you just like the atmosphere of a family oriented holiday park, stay in a fully self contained cabin and enjoy all the facilities and fun! Family fun 36. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:36 6/4/09 10:40:39 AM CARAVAN, TOURIST PARKS & CAMPING. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:37 37. 6/4/09 10:40:44 AM 1 AMAZING AIRLIE BEACH. 38. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:38 6/4/09 10:40:48 AM 1000 ACTIVITIES. 1000 activities Fast Facts The waters surrounding the Whitsundays are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – obtain and consult your marine park zoning map available from many fish and tackle outlets, EPA offices and online. The Whitsundays has certainly been blessed with the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef in the heart of this amazing aquatic playground. Whether you want water, land or air based activities, there are endless choices. Marina and Shute Harbour as well as many of the islands. Pick up the pace of your Whitsundays holiday on a thrill-seeking ocean rafting adventure across the waves or step aboard a jet powered boat that will race you over the water’s surface to nearby islands and reefs. For fun and freedom hire a jet ski to seek out that private beach or be at one with the water in a sea kayak. For those visiting the Whitsundays during winter and early spring (July to September), be sure to book a tour on the water to see Humpback Whales as they migrate from the Antarctic to the Whitsundays to breed. On the water, there’s scuba diving or snorkelling, kayaking or cruising around the islands, adventure sailing on the crystal blue waters, high speed catamarans, fishing for all levels, jetsking and many other recreational watersports. Gone fishing On land activities are just as plentiful, from hikes through National Parks, the Whitsunday Great Walk, a round of golf on a championship golf course, quad bike riding, horse riding, crocodile spotting on the Proserpine River, swimming at Cedar Creek Falls, discovering the beautiful beaches of Bowen or simply relaxing by Airlie Lagoon. Big game fishing trips can mean reeling in prized catches of Spanish Mackerel or Sailfish. If you prefer your fishing on a smaller scale, dinghies with fishing gear can be hired for local coastal fishing. Alternatively, head inland for a giant Barramundi at Peter Faust Dam or join in one of the local fishing tournaments around the region. Fishing is an extremely popular recreation in the Whitsundays, with reef, game and mangrove angling all widely available. Or you could see it all by air. To really appreciate the size of the Great Barrier Reef and see Heart Reef for yourself you can choose from a range of helicopters and sea planes. Or to incorporate a little ‘you time’, fly to a romantic spot on Whitehaven Beach or Langford Reef with a gourmet picnic hamper. Feel the salt spray For the ultimate day trip experience, jump aboard a maxi ocean racing yacht or catamaran and speed your way through any number of the 74 islands. The Whitsundays is home to many famous ocean racing yachts and day sailing on these beauties will be an exhilarating holiday experience. Adventures depart from the coast at Abel Point What a catch! Fishing in the Whitsundays WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:39 39. 6/4/09 10:40:49 AM IN THE AIR. Flying high Get high on a scenic flight aboard a helicopter or seaplane and enjoy both the flying thrills and incredible views of the Whitsundays. Seaplanes or helicopters can collect you from the coast or islands and take you for a memorable flight across the 74 islands of the Whitsundays. Below you are the island beach atolls and brilliant blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef. It is from the sky that the untouched corners of the reef come into view including Heart Reef, the naturally romantic heart-shaped coral reef complete in its own lagoon. If you want to get away from it all why not fly to a deserted beach for a champagne picnic... just the two of you. Must see and do • Enjoy a private picnic on a secluded beach • See the Whitsundays 74 islands from an aerial perspective • Sky dive over the Great Barrier Reef from 10,000 feet • Fly over beautiful Heart Reef • Enjoy the adrenalin rush of a doors off thrill ride by helicopter • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef direct from your seaplane. Flying over Hill Inlet 40. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:40 6/4/09 10:40:57 AM ON THE WATER. On the water The Whitsundays is the ultimate aquatic playground, with just about every type of water sport on offer, including paddle boards, sail boards, catamarans, speed boat rides and water skiing, just to name a few. As one of the world’s seven natural wonders, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is surely top of the ‘must-do’ list in the Whitsundays. Whether you are under it, on it, in it or above it there are so many ways to experience this magical wonder. Day cruises will whisk you to the outer reef where you will see coral and tropical marine life bursting with colour. Other cruises take you to island (fringing) reefs, where marine life is just as plentiful, and the iconic 7 kilometre long Whitehaven Beach. While visiting Whitsunday Island, a hike to the lookout for spectacular views of Hill Inlet is worth the effort but ensure you have time. Fast Facts Kayaking around the islands Six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles are found in the Great Barrier Reef. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:41 41. 6/4/09 10:41:03 AM LAND ADVENTURES. Land adventures Explore the region via numerous tour options or set your own pace to discover the land based attractions of the Whitsundays. Experience the natural beauty of the islands and coast on foot through National Park tracks winding their way down to protected coastlines and deserted beaches. For a wild adventure head up the Proserpine River on a crocodile safari to encounter some of the 200 estuarine crocodiles and a variety of wildlife including migratory birds of the Goorganga wetlands and waterways. Explore the many boutiques in Airlie Beach or browse through the stalls of the weekend markets along the Airlie foreshore. For the definitive relaxing holiday take the time to unwind, refresh and rejuvenate at one of the Whitsundays many award-winning health spas. Golfing fanatics have the pick of the courses in the Whitsundays. Local courses are available at Proserpine, Bowen and just south at Laguna Whitsundays. Some of the island resorts also have golf courses as part of their facilities. 2009 will also see the completion of the world-class Hamilton Island Golf Course designed by five times British Open Winner Peter Thompson. Crocodile watching on the Proserpine River 42. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:42 6/4/09 10:41:08 AM 1 REMARKABLE WHITSUNDAY COAST. Hydeaway Bay and surrounds Only 1 Hydeaway Located around 20 kilometres north of Proserpine in a secluded peninsula of the Whitsundays is the beachcombers’ paradise of Hydeaway Bay, one of the best areas in the Whitsundays to take in a sunset. Here visitors can camp, hike, picnic, kayak, sail or simply relax. Accommodation options in and around Hydeaway Bay include caravan and camping sites, laid back seaside resorts, or holiday and beach house rentals. Just east of Hydeaway Bay is beautiful and dog friendly – Dingo Beach. Facilities here include boat ramp and fuelling station, picnic and BBQ areas and a café/pub with local seafood options. Hydeaway Bay can be accessed by land and sea. By car, head north from Proserpine on the Bruce Highway past North Gregory to Dingo Beach Road. Follow the directions to Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach. By boat, the town of Bowen (visible in the distance) is just across the water. Must see and do • Enjoy the tranquil scenery of Dingo Beach while sun baking or beachcombing • Be at one with nature ashore the sands of Dingo Beach • Overlook the beautiful Whitsunday Islands whilst enjoying a picnic lunch • Deep sea fishing around Mt. Gregory and Gloucester Island • Tennis on Hydeaway Bay • Water sports and dinghy hire from Dingo Beach. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:43 43. 6/4/09 10:41:15 AM PROSERPINE. Only 1 Proserpine Proserpine is 26 kilometres inland from Airlie Beach on the Bruce Highway and offers a change of scenery and pace with the chance to taste the charm of regional Australia. The historic town has the key infrastructure for the surrounding areas in the Whitsundays, including a rail station, mainland airport, high school, hospital and sugar mill. Proserpine sugar cane During the winter months of the sugar cane harvest, the evening skies around ‘Prossie’ often light up with the spectacular glow of massive cane fires. A must-see is the Proserpine Historical Museum, which provides a comprehensive record of the socioeconomic history of the region. The town’s history is also evident in the art deco buildings from the 1920s and ‘30s along Main Street. Whilst in Proserpine, why not explore its quirky boutique stores and welcoming local pubs where you can cool off with a cold beer and fill up with a country sized Australian counter lunch. Tucked away upstream from the town is Peter Faust Dam. It’s an ideal spot for water sports and an even better location for freshwater fishing with the prospect of landing a prized Barramundi – the prince of freshwater catches. Also popular is crocodile spotting, where you can see these large locals in their native habitat. Must see and do • Catch a monster Barramundi at Peter Faust Dam (permit required) • Enjoy some country hospitality at a local pub • Watch the night sky light up during the pre-harvest cane fires • Be delighted by the colourful shopping in the main street and hidden laneways • Spot an estuarine crocodile on the Proserpine River • Take a step back in time at the Proserpine Historical Museum. 44. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:44 6/4/09 10:41:19 AM BOWEN. Only 1 Bowen Situated in the northern region of the Whitsundays, Bowen is just 40 minutes drive northwest of Airlie Beach. The oldest town in North Queensland, Bowen is an ideal location to experience a laid back beach holiday. Bowen was still one of the undiscovered treats of Queensland, until Baz Luhrmann and Hollywood discovered it and turned half the town into the movie set for ‘Australia’ in 2008. Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and a cast of thousands descended on the region and catapulted the small town to international fame. With the final scenes filmed, and the movie now released, the town of Bowen is still abuzz with Hollywood fever, with plenty of movie sight seeing and stunning natural scenery to enjoy. Bowen boasts 7 beautiful beaches, and visitors are well provided for at the majority of them, with BBQ facilities, picnic tables, children’s playgrounds and neatly maintained parkland areas. Try the Mother Beddock Walking Track – it takes just over an hour and overlooks Horseshoe, Murray and Rose Bays. Or hike to the top of Flagstaff Hill for views of Cape Edgecombe Bay, the North Island Lighthouse and Whitsundays bays and islands as far as the eye can see. Other lookouts are at Gray’s Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Mt Nutt and the World War II Radar Station Lookout. Local growers produce a bounty of salad vegetables and fruits, the most famous of which is the Bowen mango. Be on the lookout for all the fresh fruits and vegetables that can be purchased direct from roadside stalls. Must see and do • Walk or laze about the beautiful beaches of Bowen • Taste the tropical delights of a Bowen mango • Explore the pristine fringing reefs off Horseshoe Bay • Visit the locations where Australia The Movie was filmed • Head inland to the old mining area of Collinsville and the Coal Face Experience museum • Take in the full panorama of Bowen, the islands and countryside from a hill-top vantage point • Be amazed by the live fish display at Bowen Harbour with fish ready for export • Visit Muller’s Lagoon, 23.57 hectares of picturesque parkland in the centre of town, with superb botanical gardens and wetlands habitat. Bowen mangoes Meeting the locals in this country harbour town is a treat. They will have stories to tell as they sell you the fresh fish from their sea-side shops. The fishing industry in Bowen is a major exporter of both live reef fish and processed frozen fish and prawns. Bowen’s history is represented in a collection of 24 historical public murals, which adorn the walls of the town. The murals depict the diverse history from the town’s early settlement to WWII (when Catalina flying boats operated to Bowen) and present day. Museums to visit include the Historical Museum and the Catalina Flying Boats Museum. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:45 45. 6/4/09 10:41:26 AM 1 REMARKABLE WHITSUNDAY COAST. National Parks of the Whitsundays Ranges and rainforest Airlie Beach FINISH HarbShute our Rd CANNONVALE The Hump 3 Great Walk Flame Tree Creek Other Walking Tracks 1 Kingfisher Circuit 2 Wompoo Walk 3 Honeyeater walk Bloodwood Camp CONWAY STATE FOREST Bra Creek ndy Rd Forestr y Mt Rooper 1 Rd Mt Hayward Mt Maclear Mt Conway 2 Conway NP START Proserpine Impulse Creek Shute Harbour Repluse Creek Camp Whitsunday Great Walks map The Whitsunday Great Walk From rugged ranges to aquamarine waters studded with jewel-green islands. Nestled within the Great Barrier Reef Heritage Area, the national parks and forests of the Whitsundays protect an extensive natural area that offers an exciting range of walking, camping and natural experiences. Whitsunday Islands Secluded beaches, fringing coral reefs and distinctive hoop pines complete the picture of the Whitsunday islands, formed millions of years ago when rising sea levels transformed a coastal mountain range into islands surrounded by an aquamarine sea. Today, middens, fish traps and rock art remind us that Aboriginal people have strong ties with this beautiful area. 46. Stretching from the Conway Range to the Whitsunday Passage, the Conway area offers a remarkable range of natural experiences. Explore lowland tropical rainforests, picturesque creeks and lofty peaks overlooking Airlie Beach. A refuge for wildlife, including 20 rainforest plant species found only in this region, walkers can escape to these wildlife havens where cool rainforest, fragrant eucalypts and dramatic views revive the senses. Safety in parks and forests Walk safely • Stay on formed tracks and do not shortcut • Carry sufficient drinking water • Look for and respect sign directions • Wear suitable footwear for a safe and comfortable walk. Campers must be self-sufficient • Take your own drinking water • No fires permitted – use gas or fuel stoves for cooking • Return all your rubbish and dispose of thoughtfully. Conway National Park and State Forest This peaceful coastal park straddles Airlie Beach. Overlooking the Whitsunday Passage its rainforest-clad mountains, forested hills and deep valleys protect the largest area of tropical rainforest outside of tropical North Queensland. Home to rare and threatened species including the endangered Proserpine rock-wallaby, creatures feature in almost every visit to the park. Visitors can walk into bush camps beside a secluded, pebbly beach overlooking Daydream Island or take in spectacular views over Hamilton, Dent, Long and Henning islands from the Mount Rooper lookout. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:46 6/4/09 10:41:32 AM 1 REMARKABLE WHITSUNDAY COAST. Fast Facts The Conway State Forest is home to up to 20 rainforest plants found only in this region, along with rare lizards, brilliant blue Ulysses butterflies, and buff-breasted paradise-kingfishers, which migrate annually from Papua New Guinea. Lindeman Islands National Park A group of 14 peaceful tropical islands south-east of Airlie Beach make up the Lindeman Islands National Park. Well-maintained tracks traverse Lindeman and Seaforth Islands and allow you to explore rainforest in sheltered pockets, open forest in drier areas, grassland and wetlands. Walks from Conway Picnic Area Circuit track 1.2km one way Hayward Gully 3.2km return Walks from Shute Harbour Rd Swamp Bay 4.2km return Mt Rooper 2.4km one way Walks from Shutehaven Coral Beach 2km return Molle Islands National Park This park features six islands just 10km east of Airlie Beach. From mangroves to white sandy beaches, grasslands to pockets of rainforest, all are encircled by pale blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park. South Molle is the largest in this picturesque island group which provide a wildlife refuge and are popular with nature lovers too. Whitsunday Islands National Park Featuring the largest islands, Hook and Whitsunday amongst many more, this park’s hilly islands with towering Hoop Pines dot the aquamarine waters of the scenic Whitsunday Passage. Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, is world renowned for is pure white silica sand and crystal-clear water. Part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the islands fringing reefs contain an outstanding variety of corals and rest just metres from their shore. Gloucester Islands National Park Most northern and more remote than other parks in the Whitsundays, these scenic continental islands offer a quiet retreat. Gloucester Island, the largest of the group, is home to a colony of endangered Proserpine rock-wallabies. Fast Facts Many of the national parks have camping zones, you can contact the Whitsunday Information Centre on 1300 717 407 for your permit to stay in the heart of nature. Hill Inlet Walks from Brandy Creek Kingfisher circuit 2km return Wompoo walk 7km return Whitsunday Great Walk 30km one way Walks on Lindeman Island Mt Oldfield 3.6km one way Plantation Beach 2.1km one way Boat Port 2.7km one way Gap Beach 2.7km one way Coconut Beach – Boat Port circuit 6.5km return Walks on Whitsunday and Hook islands Tongue Point 700m one way Nara Inlet 170m one way Walks on South Molle Island Spion Kop 2.2km one way Mt Jeffreys 2.8km one way Sandy Bay 4.1km one way Balancing Rock 850m one way Paddle Bay 500m one way Lamond Hill 1.4km one way Walks on Long Island from Happy Bay Whitsunday Circuit 3.5km return Round Hill Circuit 1.5km return Pandanus Bay 2km return Fish Bay 2km return Humpy Point 1.2km return Sandy Bay 11.8km return Walks on South Molle Island - Start at the golf course. Information supplied coutesy of the Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:47 47. 6/4/09 10:41:40 AM 4 discovery drive tours Airlie Beach - Bowen Coast Eungella National Park ROAD From Airlie Beach head west along Shute Harbour Road, then either take the Bruce Highway to Bowen or turn before the highway for Cape Gloucester and Dingo Beach. ROAD Head south towards Mackay and inland to Mt Ossa. Join the Pioneer Valley at Mirani and head west to Finch Hatton Gorge and up the Clarke Range to Eungella and Broken River in Eungella National Park. DRIVE Airlie Beach > Bowen 89km. Airlie Beach > Cape Gloucester 45 – 65km. DRIVE Approx. 2.5 hours drive from Airlie Beach. HIGHLIGHTS Dingo Beach – Untouched beaches, HIGHLIGHTS Finch Hatton Gorge – Named after the two great for a relaxing picnic or fishing. Hydeaway Bay – More untouched coastline and splendid island views to enjoy. Cape Gloucester – Further along the Dingo Bay track with beachside settings and idyllic waterfront holiday havens. Bowen – famous for its mangoes and a bounty of produce from land to sea, Bowen is said to enjoy Australia’s best climate. It’s collection of scenic bays with sandy beaches, fringing reefs for diving and snorkel tours and picnic facilities makes this an ideal tropical beach haven. While in Bowen be sure to stroll through the town to view its 24 historical murals. English aristocrats who were the first Europeans to scale the region’s highest peak, Mt Dalrymple (1277m). Includes waterfalls and crystal clear creeks throughout the rainforest. Eungella National Park – Eungella is Aboriginal for ‘land of the clouds’. Straddling Clarke Range, it is Australia’s largest tract of subtropical rainforest with 25kms of rainforest walks and wildlife including Blue Ulysses butterflies, Regent bowerbirds and platypus. Lookout at Eungella – Offers panoramic views of Pioneer Valley down to the coast. Broken River – National Park with viewing platform for turtles and platypus colony. Dame Nellie Melba’s home – Small museum, which also serves as tourist office at Marian, Pioneer Valley. Bowen Port of Bowen Que ensl and Rail Peter Faust Dam 1 Proserpine Ri ver Proserpine 1100km’s Yalboroo Mt Beatrice NP Abel Point Marina Airlie Beach Shute Harbour Brisbane Whitsunday Coast Airport Cedar Creek Falls Airlie Beach - Bowen Coast 48. Airlie Beach Elaroo Hydeaway Bay Dingo Beach St Helens 1 Calen Seaforth Mt Ossa Eungella NP PIONEER VALLEY Mt Jukes NP Finch Hatton Gorge Eungella Broken River Finch Marian Pioneer River Hatton Mirani Pinnacle Walkerston Gargett Teemburra Dam Kinchant Dam Eungella National Park SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:48 6/4/09 10:41:48 AM SELF DRIVE TOURS. Conway Bay and Proserpine Big River Country ROAD Head southwest from Airlie Beach then southeast on Conway Road to Cedar Creek and Conway Bay. Proserpine lies adjacent to the Bruce Highway and 20kms west is the Peter Faust Dam. ROAD Take the Bruce Highway north past Bowen and turn left to Collinsville. Strathmore Road takes you off the bitumen to discover a land of big rivers, big cattle stations and the historic Bowen River Hotel. This trip can be extended to visit the Burdekin Falls Dam. DRIVE From Airlie Beach > Conway Bay 35km. Airlie > DRIVE Airlie > Bowen 75km. Bowen > Collinsville 85km. Proserpine 24km. Proserpine > Peter Faust Dam 26km. Collinsville > Bowen River Hotel 30km. Bowen River Hotel > Burdekin Dam 110km. Strathmore Station > Collinsville via Myuna Road 45km. HIGHLIGHTS Cedar Creek Falls – Freshwater swimming hole and waterfall in a natural amphitheatre. Conway Bay and Beach – A vast tidal bay and peaceful beachside community popular with beachcombers and hang gliders; picnic and toilet area onsite, camping close-by. Proserpine – Regional centre and sugar cane farming region. Visit the museum, admire the restored Art Deco streetscape and enjoy a counter lunch in a local pub. Peter Faust Dam – This large expanse of fresh water northwest of Proserpine is ideal for reeling in a prized Barramundi, enjoying water sports or a picnic. Hydeaway Bay HIGHLIGHTS The Coalface Experience at Collinsville is an outstanding interpretive centre showcasing the history of coal mining. Then step back in time at the Bowen River Hotel. Built in 1862 as a homestead and later turned into a Coaching Inn, the building was restored to its original condition in 1999. The Burdekin Falls Dam holds back Queensland’s largest body of water holding about 4 times the volume of Sydney Harbour. During ‘the wet’, it’s common to see four metres of water thundering over the dam’s 500 metre spillway. Dingo Beach Clare Que ensl and Rail Peter Faust Dam 1 Proserpine Ri ver Proserpine Conway Bay and Proserpine Conway Beach Laguna Quays Bogie Proserpine Eight Mile Creek Sonoma State Forest Collinsville Lake Dalrymple Airlie Beach Proserpine State Forest Midge Point Macartney State Forest P 1100km’s Mt Aberdeen NP yN Brisbane Cedar Creek Falls Swans Lagoon Long Island wa Con Whitsunday Coast Airport Abel Point Daydream Island Marina Airlie Beach South Molle Island Shute Harbour Home Hill Cape Upstart NP Guthalungra Hydeaway 1 Bowen Bay Millaroo Mt Wyatt Eungella NP Big River Country WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:49 49. 6/4/09 10:41:56 AM DINING OUT & CATERING. Dining out, nightlife & catering Indulging in delectable food and wine in gorgeous surrounds is a big part of the Whitsundays experience. Local seafood and fresh regional produce feature on menus and as you’d expect in the tropics, the accent is on delicate flavors, simply prepared. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to the enchanting Airlie Beach resort village abounding with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. There’s a vast range of dining experiences on offer on the Whitsunday Coast from five star restaurants to fish and chips by the lagoon. The Whitsundays is renowned for its fresh seafood and local produce providing you with the option to dine in style or enjoy a relaxed night out feasting on the million dollar views of the Coral Sea. 50. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:50 6/4/09 10:42:00 AM 1 AMAZING AIRLIE BEACH. Dining at any of the popular island or coast resorts is an experience you won’t forget, and with nightly entertainment like dive-in or outdoor movies, visiting comedians and live music you’ll be spoilt for choice with what to do with the rest of your evening! Sunday afternoon entertainment on Airlie’s eat street, the Esplanade, has become particularly popular. However there are plenty of pubs and nightclubs offering live bands or the chance to dance away to the early hours of the morning any night of the week. Catering to your needs For many, the food and wine experience of their holiday is an essential component. Whether you are chartering your own boat, staying in self contained accommodation or even looking to cater for a special event, the Whitsundays has local professional caterers to complete your holiday of a lifetime. With outstanding ‘on site’ chefs to assist with your selections from extensive catering options, all you have to do is relax and enjoy! Unique mobile food catering services in the Whitsundays are ideal for weddings, engagement parties, events, functions and more. Complete catering services are available for every event and to suit every budget. Enjoy a buffet lunch or seafood barbeque aboard your own vessel or day charter prepared by the catering team. Careful provisioning is an important part of the preparation for your trip. Your most idyllic adventure is perfectly balanced with all the essential ingredients. WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:51 51. 6/4/09 10:42:13 AM JUST SAY I DO! Just say I do! Looking for the ideal romantic wedding setting? Why not choose the Whitsundays – where even the reef comes in a heart shape – to mark that most memorable day. From a barefoot harpist on the beach to a cellist in the rainforest, with the stunning Whitsunday passage and islands as your backdrop, your special day will be amazing. 52. Best of all, you can start your honeymoon the moment you’re married, with no need to travel. Whether you require a special setting or facility to hold your wedding, pre-wedding spa pampering or a caterer and photographer, here in the Whitsundays we have companies to organise every detail for you. On the Whitsundays coast or the islands, there are venues and chapels that will suit your needs for your special day. If intimate or informal is your desire, why not consider a private ceremony on an island beach? You can even take a helicopter there! Or say your vows aboard a luxury boat or yacht and watch the sun set over the Whitsundays waters – a perfect end to a perfect day. SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:52 6/4/09 10:42:16 AM YOUR WHITSUNDAY WEDDING. The region also offers a range of fantastic options for hens and bucks parties. Whether it’s a wild night on the town, intimate sunset drinks or a day spa and catch-up with close friends the Whitsundays is the ideal location to celebrate the last few days of single life. With holiday resorts and wedding options to suit everyone’s taste, style and budget, the Whitsundays is the perfect way to begin your life together... just say ‘I do’. Villa Botanica Just say I do! WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:53 53. 6/4/09 10:42:24 AM WHITSUNDAYS NAVIGATOR. Whitsundays Navigator Daydream Island Resort & Spa info@daydream.net.au Accommodation Accom Hamilton Island propertymanagerhi@prd.com.au (07) 4948 9333 Page 18 Adventure Whitsunday (07) 4946 1166 Resort Caravan Park Page 37 reservations@adventurewhitsunday.com.au Airlie Apartments info@airlieapartments.com.au (07) 4946 6222 Airlie Beach Apartments (07) 4946 7744 airliebeachapartments@bigpond.com Page 34 Airlie Beach Hotel (07) 4964 1999 reservations@airliebeachhotel.com.au Page 33 Airlie Court Holiday Units holiday@whitsundayunits.com (07) 4946 6218 Airlie Cove Resort & Van Park airliecove@airliebeach.net.au (07) 4946 6727 Page 37 Airlie Retreat (07) 5589 9762 eliza.macrossan@neumann.com.au Airlie Waterfront Backpackers enquires@airliewaterfront.com (07) 4948 1300 Airlie Waterfront Bed & Breakfast (07) 4946 7631 awbb@bigpond.net.au Page 34 Azure Sea Whitsunday (07) 4964 1000 admin@azureseawhitsunday.com Page 32 54. (07) 4948 8701 Page 18 Villa Botanica info@villabotanica.com.au (07) 4946 1146 Page 53 Essque Whisper Bay www.Essquehotels.com Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat (07) 4948 0851 manager@waterfrontwhitsunday.com.au Page 31 Hamilton Island (02) 9433 3333 guest@hamiltonisland.com.au Inside front cover Water’s Edge Resort (07) 4948 2655 info@watersedgewhitsundays.com.au Page 32 Hayman reserve@hayman.com.au (02) 8272 7070 Page 21 Waterview Airlie Beach Apts info@waterviewairliebeach.com.au Hook Island Wilderness Resort info@hookislandresort.com (07) 4946 9380 Page 18 Whitsunday Gardens carmelprice@westnet.com.au (07) 4948 1748 0427 451 913 Island Gateway Holiday Park (07) 4946 6228 islandgateway@aspenparks.com.au Page 36 Whitsunday Lodge B&B whitsundaylodgebb@bigpond.com Koala Resort Management Pty Ltd (07) 4946 6446 reservations@koalaresort.com.au Page 23 Whitsunday Moorings Bed & Breakfast (07) 4946 4692 info@whitsundaymooringsbb.com.au Laguna Whitsundays res@lagunawhitsundays.info (07) 4947 7777 Page 42 Whitsunday Springs Pty Ltd gcole@linksliving.com.au (03) 9535 0500 Mango House mango@airlie.net.au (07) 4946 4666 Page 32 Whitsunday Terraces Resort airlie@qresorts.com.au (07) 4946 6788 Page 32 Martinique Whitsunday (07) 4948 0401 info@martiniquewhitsunday.com.au Page 32 Whitsunday Vista Resort info@whitsundayvista.com.au (07) 4948 4000 Mediterranean Resorts medres@airlie.net.au (07) 4946 6391 Page 35 Ocean Hotels - Long Island Resort (07) 4946 9400 ccli-resortmanager@clubcroc.com.au Page 22 (07) 4948 2441 Community, Government, Education, Training, Marine Paradise Bay Eco Escape info@paradisebay.com.au (07) 4946 9777 Page 18 Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE julia.wheway@det.qld.gov.au (07) 4940 2723 Peninsula Airlie Beach info@peninsulaairliebeach.com (07) 4964 1600 Page 34 Commerce Queensland rphillips@commerceqld.com.au (07) 4955 8700 Peppers Palm Bay Hideaway - Long Island palmbay@peppers.com.au (07) 4946 9233 Page 22 Department of Tourism, Regional Development & Industry mackaysdc@sd.qld.gov.au (07 4967 1099 (07) 4946 6244 Beachside Units beachsideunits@bigpond.com (07) 4786 2561 Page 47 Pinnacles Resort & Spa (07) 4948 4800 reservations@pinnaclesresort.com Page 31 Enterprise Whitsunday (07) 4946 1877 eo@whitsundaydevelopment.com.au Blue Horizon Resort Apts gm@bluehorizonairlie.com.au (07) 4946 3500 Page 35 Portside Whitsunday stay@portsidewhitsunday.com.au Ergon Energy shona.mccutcheon@ergon.com.au (07) 4951 2036 Boathaven Spa Resort stay@boathavenresort.com.au (07) 4948 4948 Queensland Resorts Pty Ltd (07) 4948 0011 (Magnums) giselle.davis@qti.com.au Mackay Port Authority theard@mackayports.com (07) 4955 8155 Brampton Island (Voyages) travel@voyages.com.au (02) 8296 8047 Reefside Villas stay@reefside.com.au MRAEL Limited jsharp@mrael.com.au (07) 4957 9810 Bush Village Boutique Backpackers res@bushvillage.com.au (07) 4946 6177 Sea Star Apartments (07) 4948 1188 bookings@seastarapartments.com.au O.U.C.H. Volunteers info@ouchvolunteers.org (07) 4946 7435 Cannonvale Reef Gateway Hotel Motel (07) 4946 2600 info@whitsundayreefgateway.com.au Searene Whitsunday Resort seareneholidays@bigpond.com Proserpine Chamber of Commerce prosmac@bigpond.net.au (07) 4945 1388 Cape Gloucester Eco-Resort eco@whitsundayecoresort.com (07) 4945 7242 Seaview Apartments (07) 4946 4595 seaviewapartments@bigpond.com Page 34 Proserpine Historical Museum Society (07) 4945 3969 phms@tpg.com.au Club Crocodile Resort airliebeach@clubcroc.com.au (07) 4940 2333 Page 33 Shingley Beach Resort (07) 4948 8300 bookings@shingleybeachresort.com Page 34 Proserpine Lions Club horace.lowbridge@bigpond.com Club Med Australia Pty Ltd sales.australia@clubmed.com (02) 9265 0500 Page 20 Summit Apartments stay@summitairliebeach.com.au (07) 49463400 Page 32 Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (07) 4946 7022 damien.head@epa.qld.gov.au Page 36 Colonial Palms Motor Inn (07) 4946 7166 colonialpalms@bestwestern.com.au Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments info@sunlitwaters.com (07) 4946 6352 Quota International Whitsunday Inc margaret@marrymemargaret.com Coral Sea Resort stay@coralsearesort.com Toscana Village Resort info@toscanaresort.com (07) 4946 4455 Page 35 Reef Catchments - Macky Whitsunday (07) 4968 4200 rob.cocco@reefcatchments.com.au Backpackers by the Bay bythebay@whitsunday.net.au (07) 4946 7267 Beach Court Holiday Villas beachcourt@whitsunday.net.au (07) 4946 5316 Page 34 Beaches Backpackers airliebeach@beaches.com.au (07) 4946 6458 Page 33 (07) 4948 2288 (07) 4946 4123 Page 34 (07 4948 6866 Page 35 (07) 4945 1884 SPEAK TO A LOCAL. 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Relationships Australia mbutler@relateqld.com.au Rotary Club of Airlie Beach admin@rotaryairliebeach.com (07) 4946 7883 Overnight Sailing 0408 461 192 Anchors Away Bareboat Charters sales@aabbc.com.au Gravtec paul@gravtec.com.au 0418 766 621 1300 555 990 Hamilton Island Weddings (07) 4946 8515 RohanG@hamiltonislandweddings.com.au Page 53 Spirited Communities P/L 1800 654 836 terry.ayling@spiritedcommunities.com.au Charter Yachts Australia charter@cya.com.au (07) 4946 6666 Page 26 i do events whitsundays (07) 4948 0429 vanessa@idoeventswhitsundays.com.au Torgas kshepherd@torgas.com.au (07) 4944 1446 Cumberland Charter Yachts cruise@ccy.com.au (07) 4946 7500 Infront Communications (07) 4948 2600 admin@infrontcommunications.com.au Tourism, Regional Development (07) 3224 2000 & Industry tourism@ministerial.qld.gov.au DescaradA Charters jaana@descarada.com.au (02) 9699 2214 Page 28 Leader Group info@leadergroup.net.au (07) 4946 7377 Volunteer Marine Rescue whitsunday@vmraq.org.au Explore Whitsundays (07) 4946 6577 reservations@explorewhitsundays.com.au Page 29 LP Recruitment Group andrew@lprecruitgroup.com.au (07) 4948 7777 Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce (07) 4964 1330 president@whitsundaychamber.com Queensland Yacht Charters qyc@whitsunday.net.au (07) 4946 7400 Page 26 Macrossan & Amiet mac@macamiet.com.au (07) 4945 2388 Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association Inc. deb.lewis@wcbia.com (07) 4948 0601 Page 25 Sea Star Cruising info@seastarcruising.com.au (07) 5493 3229 Page 28 Management Consulting shendry@mconsult.com.au (07) 4948 0206 (07) 4946 5655 Page 9 Sunsail sunsail@sunsail.com.au (07) 4948 9509 Media Rites Whitsunday mediarites@whitsunday.net.au (07) 4946 5766 Whitsunday College of English atuck@sacecoll.sa.edu.au Whitsunday Community Service cdo@whitnc.org.au (07) 4946 7850 Whitsunday Escape (07) 4946 5222 charter@whitsundayescape.com Page 27 0437 181 296 Whitsunday Private Yacht Charters (07) 4946 6880 wpyc@whitsunday-yacht.com.au Page 27 Whitsunday Game Fishing Club Inc valesini_findlay@hotmail.com (07) 4946 7207 Whitsunday PCYC pcyc@bigpond.net.au (07) 4948 1144 Whitsunday Regional Council info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au (07) 4945 0200 Pages 31 & 44 Whitsunday Rent a Yacht rentayacht@bareboat.com.au (07) 4946 9232 Page 26 Whitsundays Sailing Adventures (07) 4940 2000 reservations@whitsundayssailingadventures.com.au Page 29 Whitsunday Sailing Club (07) 4946 6138 training@whitsundaysailingclub.com.au Professional Services Whitsunday School Industry Links Scheme 121 Childcare brett@mittonconsulting.com.au (07) 4945 0109 tracey@wsils.com (07) 4948 2444 Whitsunday Triathlon Club Inc. thedownes@airlie.net.au (07) 4946 5256 WWF shardy@wwf.org.au (07) 3003 1480 Airlie Day Spa admin@airliedayspa.com.au (07) 4946 6543 Zonta Club of the Whitsundays rjmitchell4@bigpond.com (07) 4948 2445 Angel Signs info@angelsigns.net.au (07) 4948 0600 Back to Work Solutions kylie@btwsolutions.com.au Dining Airlie Cove Cook House airliecove@airliebeach.net.au Airlie Beach & Whitsunday Marketing (07) 4948 2830 jan@whitsunday.net.au (07) 4946 6727 Page 51 Bowen Byte-wise sales@bowenbytewise.com.au 0438 209 892 (07) 4786 1613 Mortgage Choice (07) 4953 2799 denise.phillips@mortgagechoice.com.au National Australia Bank steven.x.nassios@nab.com.au (07) 4946 6955 Oceanic Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd info@oceanicinsure.com.au (07) 4946 7555 Ray White Whitsunday whitsunday.qld@raywhite.com (07) 4948 8500 RedHotBlue enquiries@redhotblue.com.au (07) 4953 2833 SEA & HOT FM www.theradio.com.au (07) 4953 5353 Seven Mackay kjwood@seven.com.au (07) 4963 0777 Sunsuper Finaincial Services (07) 4955 7166 justine_linderberg@sunsuper.com.au The Bowen Independent darwens@nqn.newsltd.com.au (07) 4786 1888 Total Weddings sales@totalweddings.com.au (07) 4946 4540 Tropical Signs sales@tropicalsigns.net (07) 4946 7383 Tropix Photography tropixphoto@bigpond.com (07) 4946 6638 Page 53 Voice 2 net admin@voice2net.com.au (07) 4948 1950 Whitsunday Graphic House 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Whitsundays Navigator Retail (07) 4946 5811 Page 38 Travel Services (07) 4948 0489 Airlie Beach.com Travel & Internet Centre Adelyn Retail Consultancy lgregson@whitsunday.net.au (07) 4948 3133 Fun Rentals iyas@bigpond.com Airlie Beach Day & Night Chemist airliedaynight@chemcoast.net (07) 4946 7000 Jetstar www.jetstar.com.au Airlie Beach Supermarket airliesupermarket@bigpond.com (07) 4946 6307 M.V. Jillian Fishing Charters fishwhitsunday@austarnet.com.au Brumby’s Bakery mlamper@bigpond.net.au (07) 4946 5577 Burnups airlie@burnups.com.au 13 15 38 Page 10 (07) 4946 5299 info@airliebeach.com Peterpans Adventure Travel tracey@peterpans.com (07) 4948 0866 (07) 4946 1507 Tourism Bowen info@tourismbowen.com.au (07) 4761 3651 Maxi Action bookings@maxiaction.com.au (07) 4946 6929 Page 41 Tourism Queensland info@tq.com.au (07) 3535 3535 (07) 4948 8088 Ocean Dynamics Charters info@oceandynamics.com.au (07) 3268 4074 Tourism Whitsundays 1300 717 407 Information Centre info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au Centro Whitsunday george.wade@centro.com.au (07) 4946 1505 Ocean Rafting oceanrafting@airlie.net.au (07) 4946 6848 Page 41 Wholesale Colour Me Crazy colourmecrazy@bigpond.com (07) 4945 2698 Whitsunday Crocodile Safari info@crocodilesafari.com.au (07) 4948 3310 Page 42 (07) 4786 1076 Crossley Holden crosscar@bigpond.com (07) 4945 1822 Archers Softdrinks horsford@bigpond.net.au QR Traveltrain res.traveltrain@qr.com.au (07) 3235 5414 Page 8 (07) 4952 4277 JF & RM Fraser sales@fraserford.com.au (07) 4945 9111 Bunzl Ltd shane.rennie@bunzl.com.au Salty Dog Sea Kayaking saltydog@mackay.net.au (07) 4946 1388 (07) 3445 9700 Mackay Office Equipment bob@moeshop.com (07) 4969 3333 Cadbury Schweppes clinton.bell@schweppes.com.au Mackay Reef Fish Supplies sales@mackayreeffish.com (07) 4957 6497 Metro Tiles metroab@bigpond.net.au (07) 4948 0068 Plants Whitsunday sales@plantswhitsunday.com.au (07) 4946 1811 Porter’s Home & Building Centre whitsunday@cporter.com.au (07) 4948 5555 Whitsunday Home Hardware homehw@netspace.net.au (07) 4946 7171 Tours & Transport Abel Point Marina (07) 4946 2400 reservations@meridienmarinas.com.au Inside back Air Whitsunday (07) 4946 9111 operations@airwhitsunday.com.au Page 40 56. Fantasea Adventure Cruises info@fantasea.com.au Shute Harbour Parking & Storage (07) 4946 9666 secure@shuteparking.com.au Page 9 Castlemaine Perkins (07) 3361 7400 laurie.greenwood@lion-nathan.com.au Virgin Blue www.virginblue.com.au Hanly Confectionary hcwm@mackay.net.au (07) 4953 5673 (07) 4946 1466 13 67 89 Page 4 Whitehaven Xpress linpac@airlie.net.au (07) 4946 1585 Reward Distribution garys@rewarddistribution.com.au Whitsunday Boat Hire info@whitsundayboathire.com.au (07) 4946 1105 Whitsunday Foodservice (07) 4946 1322 brettb@whitsundayfoodservice.com.au Whitsunday Dive Adventures diveadventures@bigpond.com (07) 4948 1239 Whitsunday Gold Coffee sales@whitsundaygold.com (07) 4946 8231 Whitsunday Dive Charter Reefjet info@reefjet.com.au (07) 4946 5366 Whitsunday Provisioning Pty Ltd admin@whitprov.com.au (07) 4946 7344 Whitsunday Island Adventure Cruises travel@wherewhathow.com.au (07) 4946 5255 Page 41 Whitsunday Island Camping Connection (07) 4946 6285 scamper@whitsunday.net.au Whitsunday Transit info@whitsundaytransit.com.au (07) 4948 1800 Page 9 Aviation Adventures info@av8.com.au (07) 4946 9988 Page 40 Aviation Tourism Australia sales@avta.com.au (07) 4946 8249 Trade Services Avis airlie.beach@avis.com.au (07) 4946 6318 Belmont Electrical belmont9@bigpond.net.au (07) 4945 1864 Coral Sea Eco Jet Safari nick@coralseaecojetsafari.com.au (07) 4948 2653 Hank Constructions Pty Ltd hankconstructions@bigpond.com (07) 4946 7330 Cruise Indigo info@cruiseindigo.com.au (07) 4946 8613 Ian Roebuck Plumbing & Drainage roebuck@whitsunday.net.au (07) 4946 1455 Cruise Whitsundays info@cruisewhitsundays.com (07) 4946 4662 Back cover Pacific Coast Marine & Automotive diesel7@bigpond.com (07) 4948 1566 Europcar airliebeach@europcar.com.au (07) 4946 4133 Whitsunday Marble & Granite Pty Ltd (07) 4948 3111 granite@bigpond.net.au Bushwalking the Whitsunday islands SPEAK TO A LOCAL. CALL 1300 717 407. TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:56 6/4/09 10:42:49 AM WHITSUNDAY HAMILTON WHITEHAVEN BEACH LONG AIRLIE BEACH ABEL POINT MARINA WWW.TOURISMWHITSUNDAYS.COM.AU TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:57 57. 6/4/09 10:42:55 AM Best of the Whitsundays OUTSTANDING DAY CRUISES AND ISLAND RESORT TRANSFERS Whitehaven Beach Camira Day Sailing Adventure Visit one of the best beaches in the world on one of the world’s fastest sailing catamarans, capable of sailing at up to 30 knots. It’s an all inclusive day with a tasty BBQ lunch and all refreshments. Island Escape Day Cruises Escape and experience breathtaking island destinations in the heart of the spectacular Whitsunday Islands National Park. Great Barrier Reef Adventures CW1573 An underwater paradise with over 150 different types of coral and nearly 200 types of fish. Queensland’s most innovative pontoon includes a giant waterslide, underwater viewing chamber, snorkelling, diving and much more. SEE YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR CONTACT US (07) 4946 4662 www.cruisewhitsundays.com TW11488 holiday plannerNF.indd Sec1:58 6/4/09 10:42:57 AM