The Best Holiday In Australia
The Whitsunday Islands is arguably the best holiday region inside Australia. The natural beauty of the area, water activities, sunny weather and choice of accommodation make it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. On average a quarter of a million people visit the idyllic location year in year out. The traditional owners of the land are the Ngaro people. They were a seafaring Australian Aboriginal group that inhabited the Whitsundays and coastal Queensland regions thousands of years ago.
Location
The Whitsundays are located off the tropical Queensland coast. It is 900 kilometres north of Brisbane. the Whitsundays are made up of 74 islands. Some are inhabited, other secluded. Airlie Beach is the commercial centre of the Whitsundays. To travel to the region you can fly into Proserpine and get a transfer from the airport which is a short 30 minute drive to Airlie Beach. The other choice is to fly into Hamilton Island and take a short ferry ride in. The region takes great pride in their tourist population. 1 in 4 jobs in the area is dedicated to the guest industry.
|
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN |
FLIGHT TIME (HRS) TO AIRLIE |
|
Germany |
19 |
|
China |
9 |
|
UK |
23.5 |
|
Scandinavia |
22 |
|
France |
23.5 |
|
New Zealand |
4.5 |
|
Japan |
9.5 |
Things to do
Boating
The Inner Fringing Reef is hailed as one the most popular boating regions in the southern hemisphere. Airlie Beach is famous for its sailing. Each year they host a Regatta. This year saw the 30th anniversary of the event and it is held in August each year. This is considered the best time of the year to visit the area for the weather consistency. Why not come for a sailing adventure?
Snorkelling
Snorkelling and diving are the most popular water activities in the Whitsundays. Thanks to unparalleled natural beauty and fragile ecosystem, snorkelling in the region is a must. The marine life under the water are just about as spectacular as the sights above the water.
Bushwalking
If you are the hiking type why not take advantage of the walking tracks around Whitehaven? Voted one of the best beaches in the world, Whitehaven has guided national parks walks so you can enjoy the scenery whilst gaining great insight into the area. Don’t forget to explore Hill inlet lookout.
Island day cruises
The white sands on the beautiful beach islands is world class and a one day trip to an island may not be enough! Familiar spots like Daydream Island, Whitehaven beach and Hamilton are all a boat ride away. That only leaves 70 islands to go!
Relax
If it’s a quiet retreat from the hussle and bussle you are seeking there is no better place. Airlie Beach has an extensive shopping precinct so you can shop for supplies, eat out, visit the beach or do a spot of sightseeing, all at your leisure. The other alternative is to do nothing. Airlie Beach is the sort of destination you can go by yourself, as a couple, a family or with a group. Activities in the area are so extensive you will be sure to find something for everyone to do. Find a sunny spot, grab a book and lose yourself. You will be looking like a local in no time.
Weather
The weather is also one of the main reason people flock to the Whitsundays area. Being a tropical area the region enjoys hot summers and warm winters. The perfect balance for those who feel the cold or for the southern state cousins where the winters seem to go on forever. The winter temperature ranges from 23 to 27 degrees. The summer months tend to be between 29-32. More importantly, the water temperature remains at a reasonable constant 25 degrees all year round. The wet season begins in January and goes through to March. The temperature remains however the air becomes a little more steamy. Tropical showers can also be a factor.
Best time to go to Airlie Beach
The questions should probably be is there a bad time to go to Airlie Beach? The winter months June to September are arguably the better times to go. The weather is mild to warm and the days are clear. There are annual activities that only happen between these months including race week (sailing boat regatta) and the whale migrating season. This is also the time when the water has a 30 metre plus visibility. A perfect opportunity to view all the marine wildlife.
Where to stay in Airlie Beach
Camping
Want to see the Whitsundays on a budget? The camping grounds are just the ticket. Camping permits are required for various parks and some are only accessible by boat so do your research before booking. The landscapes are spectacular and there is not shortage of activities for the family.
Hotels
With 187 hotels in Airlie Beach you will easily find the accommodation to suit your holiday. Rooms can start at $70 a night. You will find anything from 3 star to 5 star rating. If you have little people one of the best hang outs in Airlie is the Airlie beach lagoon.
Resorts
Resorts are a great way to enjoy a family break. With dozens to choose from you’re sure to find something for the littlest to the biggest in the family. Choose an island resort or maybe something a little out of town, Airlie Beach has you covered.
Caravaning
If you are travelling around in a mobile home the caravan parks are designed to give you the best accommodation experience while incorporating the surrounding beauty. Most are equipped with pools, children’s playgrounds and good accessibility and advice from the locals regarding the best sights to visit.
Backpacking
Airlie Beach has a significant number of backpackers and backpacking hostels. The perfect opportunity between travel and seasonal work, backpackers bring a fresh new perspective and excitement to the area. With 9 hostels in Airlie beach you will be able to travel around safely knowing you have a clean safe place to go back to.
Bareboating
This term refers to “skipper yourself” boating. An extensive knowledge of boating is not required. You can hire a multi hull or single hull vessel, plot your course, choose your guests and make the holiday as unique as you would like. One of the most popular and luxurious ways to travel around the Whitsundays, bareboating is the most versatile of accommodation. It can be a holiday for a couple, a family, a group, the perfect setting for a wedding or just a different way to discover what is said to be the best part of Australia.
