Queensland
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Queensland
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QUEENSLAND
ISLANDS
The Whitsundays In the Whitsundays, a myriad of magical isles combine with the Great Barrier Reef to form one of Australia’s most precious jewels. There are 2500 individual reefs and coral shelves and a further 500 fringing reefs that stretch for thousands of glorious miles. For the lucky marine life that inhabit these waters (as well as some extra lucky island-based inhabitants of the human kind), this must surely be an azure blue heaven on earth. Made up of 74 islands, the Whitsunday Islands lie just off the coast of Northern Queensland, Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’, and form the greatest density of islands found anywhere on the eastern coast of Australia. Perhaps best known for their close proximity to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands provide no shortage of wonderful holiday memories which come, literally, ‘Out of the Blue’, but last a lifetime. To describe the colours of the islands and their surrounding reefs, one must only think of a precious opalescent gem, sparkling with brilliant shades of turquoise, sapphire, emerald and amethyst. Think of a kaleidoscope where the eye does not just focus on one colour in particular, but instead dances from each fine detail to the next. However, even such a vibrant image as this does not do justice to this special part of the world. Many of the islands are protected as national parks, some are privately owned and more than 20 boast resorts. Each developed island offers a list of activities, luxuries and relaxing pastimes to fill your days with wonder and your nights with fun, for this is truly an aquatic playground for lovers of all ages. Snorkelling, diving, watersports, fishing, horse riding, sailing, cruising, bush walking, reef trips... it’s a tantalising blend of adventure, excitement, discovery and romance. Choose to stay on any one of a dozen inhabited islands which vary from world-class resort style to tiny worlds of natural bliss. Accommodation is varied: sleep under a bonfire of stars in a hammock or tent, find a bed in a simple bungalow, bure or cabin, or opt for the luxury of a hotel room or five-star suite. Choosing where to base yourself on a Whitsunday holiday is difficult, so why base yourself at all? It goes without saying that the best way to see the islands, reefs, beaches and bays of the Whitsunday Passage is to sail the seas as Captain Cook did when he discovered the island group in 1770. Today, the pleasures of discovering this special region can still be yours for the taking. Chartered
and independent sailing is a popular holiday choice and little experience is necessary.
Take to the open waters in search of tropical islands, untouched beaches and secluded
bays. Play Robinson Crusoe on an uninhabited island, stretch out on the sun-drenched
deck and watch palm fringed islands pass you by, or anchor at a protected inlet
for a lazy spot of fishing. Dive deep and come face to face with colourful coral
and playful marine life. Pull up alongside a resort island and enjoy the facilities,
or watch the sun set from the deck of your yacht, with plenty of champagne and
a close companion on hand.
Alternatively, join an island-hopping tour and cruise the passage, visiting several islands in one day, or stop off overnight at one of the many resort islands. Visit underwater observatories, secluded island beaches and reefs for snorkelling, take a walk along the sand or a walking trail. Enjoy fresh island cuisine and a tropical cocktail, a picnic on the sand or a cool drink by the resort bar. The choice is absolutely endless. So too, is the Great Barrier Reef there to explore, but “Great” is really an understatement - this reef is awe inspiring. Extremely popular as a day trip for snorkelling and diving tours, the colours of the coral and marine life once underwater are not merely seen ... they are experienced! Needless to say, the diving on the Great Barrier Reef has been declared some of the best in the world by diving enthusiasts. Mingle with the tropical fish, swim alongside a giant groper, and float across the coral shelf and beyond the deep drop off, where the kingdom of coral gives way to a mystical dark blue abyss. Imagine an aquatic version of the Gardens of Babylon ... and improve on it. The way a visit to the Whitsundays makes you feel cannot be described. It is a veritable Utopia, of astonishing natural beauty and magic, and even your wildest imaginings can’t come close to the real thing.
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