Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands lie close to the Queensland coast in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Cumberlands, or Whitsunday Islands as they are often referred to, are actually two drowned mountain ranges cut off from the mainland by past geographical events.

The magic of these Islands was first recorded by James Cook during his voyage of discovery in the year 1770. The Whitsunday's are called continental Islands and are surrounded by colourful fringing coral reefs pulsating with marine life.

The Great Barrier Reef

Twenty-five nautical miles further northeast is the nearest of the platform reefs that are associated with the Great Barrier Reef .

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest structure on earth ever created by living creatures. It is included in the World Heritage list. Throughout the region the reef structures bar the incursion of huge oceanic swells from the east, rendering the waters behind them smooth in comparison to the open ocean.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest and most complex expanse of living coral reefs, supporting many unique forms of marine life. There are over fifteen hundred species of fish, about four hundred species of coral animals and a host of sponges, anemones, worms, crustaceans, shells, sea stars and so much more.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's significant turtle breeding grounds to six different species.

Whales, dugongs and dolphins are also found in the area. Humpback whales visit the tranquil Whitsunday waters each year between June and October to give birth to their young. Spectacular displays of breaching and whale sightings are awe-inspiring.

Whitehaven Beach

The most spectacular beach in the Whitsunday's is the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach , Whitsunday Island . It stretches for some three nautical miles up the eastern side of the largest island. It is composed of pure white silica sand and the aboriginal name for it means “Whispering sands”.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is the main gateway to the Whitsunday islands and is situated on the mainland.

Airlie Beach is a tourist destination in its own right. A variety of accommodation from Five star Resorts to backpacker's and everything in between rubs shoulders with a variety of nightlife and restaurants to choose from. The Airlie Beach lagoon is surrounded by the Coral Sea and Airlie Beach downtown, making it a central tropical and tranquil place to relax and enjoy a slice of paradise.

100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef , The Whitsunday Islands
By David Colfelt