74 Ways to experience the Whitsunday Islands

Nestled among the southern portion of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on the Queensland coast, you will find the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays. First “discovered” by James Cook, who named the islands, the Whitsundays are characterized by azure blue waters, spectacular coral beds and incredible marine life, white sandy beaches and green capped islands. With dozens of islands and so many great and scenic areas to explore in the area, you will certainly have no shortage of activities to enjoy while visiting the Whitsundays.

For the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays, here is a list of 74 great ways to enjoy the Whitsunday Islands.

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS

1. Sail around the Whitsundays 74 Islands – skipper yourself or enjoy one of the many charter options
2. Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
3. Let your feet sink into the silica white sand of Whitehaven Beach
4. Spend a memorable night on the reef and under the stars on Reefsleep
5. Learn to scuba dive at some of the best reefs in the world, including the Stepping Stones and the Cathedrals
6. Snorkel among some 1500 species of fish and 400 types of coral
7. Fly over Heart Reef for a bird’s-eye view of this amazing icon
8. Hike to the lookout at Hill Inlet for stunning views of Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach
9. Check out the world’s biggest aquarium on Daydream Island
10. Catch a seaplane or helicopter to a private beach for a picnic
11. Go whale watching
12. Hike on one of the many walking tracks on the islands – the great views are worth it!
13. Have a lesson at the Circus school on Lindeman Island
14. Explore Hamilton Island in a golf buggy
15. Go on the Jetski Safari from Brampton Island
16. Have a romantic weekend on Hayman Island
17. Visit the underwater observatory at Hook Island
18. Play mini golf on Daydream Island
19. Have a scenic round of golf on South Molle Island
20. Snorkel off the beach at Long Island Resort
21. Enjoy the Whitsundays serenity at secluded resorts on Long Island – Peppers Palm Bay and Paradise Bay Eco Escape
22. Pack a tent and be dropped off at a secluded island for a weekend of camping (camping permits from the EPA required and are $4 a night)
23. Visit the aboriginal caves at Nara Inlet
24. Hire a kayak and experience the islands from a different perspective
25. Find that ultimate fishing spot (check with the Dept Fisheries for fishing zones first!)

AIRLIE BEACH

26. Discover nature on the Whitsundays Great Walk
27. Or take a shorter walk of discovery on one of the many bush walks at Shute Harbour
28. Enjoy great food and wine on the Airlie Beach Esplanade
29. Soak up the sun, cool off and make new friends at Airlie Beach Lagoon
30. Go shopping at the weekend markets or peruse the Whitsundays many boutiques
31. Get fit and take in the views on the coastal boardwalk from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach
32. Get pampered and relax at a day spa
33. Go fishing at many of the great spots off the mainland, or at the Shute Harbour fishing pontoon
34. Sit on the beach and enjoy live music every Sunday at the Esplanade
35. Have a bbq at one of our award winning beaches – Shingley Beach has thick, soft grass and great views of the marina
36. Visit the Whitsunday Art Gallery
37. Drink a Whitsunday Gold Coffee
38. Experience ‘Hawaiian Fire’ every Saturday night at Coral Sea Resort
39. Ride a camel along the beach
40. Get into some watersports off the Airlie Beach Lagoon or Coral Sea Jetty
41. Allow yourself to dream while walking around the newly renovated marina and checking out all the boats
42. Compete in the weekly Wednesday afternoon sailing (from Whitsunday Sailing Club) – volunteer crew welcome!
43. Experience the night life

PROSERPINE

44. Catch a monster Barramundi at Peter Faust Dam (permit required)
45. Enjoy some country hospitality at a local pub
46. Watch the night sky light up during the pre-harvest cane fires
47. Take a sugar tour at the Proserpine Sugar Mill
48. Spot an estuarine crocodile on the Proserpine River
49. Take a step back in time at the Proserpine Historical Museum
50. Play golf at Laguna Whitsundays or the Proserpine Golf Course
51. Search for the elusive Proserpine Rock Wallaby
52. Shopping trip to Color Me Crazy
53. For kids – hang out at Youth Space
54. Visit the Sunday morning markets once a month

HYDEAWAY BAY/DINGO BEACH/CONWAY BEACH

55. Enjoy the tranquil scenery of Dingo Beach while sun baking or beach combing
56. Overlook the beautiful Whitsundays Islands whilst enjoying a picnic lunch
57. Deep sea fishing around Mt. Gregory and Gloucester Island
58. Sunday session at Dingo Beach Hotel
59. Lunch at Cape Gloucester Eco Resort
60. Fly a kite at Conway
61. Splash around and enjoy a scenic picnic at Cedar Creek Falls
62. Be one of the first to go on the new Coral Sea Ecojet Safari

BOWEN

63. Walk or laze about the beautiful beaches of Bowen
64. Taste the tropical delights of a Bowen mango and visit the Big Mango
65. Explore the pristine fringing reefs off Horseshoe Bay
66. Play a round of golf in the sea breeze
67. Try your hand at ocean fishing
68. Head inland to the old mining area of Collinsville and the Coal Face Experience museum
69. Take in the full panorama of Bowen, the Islands and countryside from a hill-top vantage point
70. Be amazed by the live fish display at Bowen Harbour with fish ready for export
71. Visit Muller’s Lagoon, 23.57 hectares of picturesque parkland in the centre of town, with superb botanical gardens and wetlands habitat
72. Visit the sites where ‘Australia’ the movie was filmed
73. Enjoy a movie at the Bowen Summer Gardens
74. Take in the great views with a cup of coffee at the 360 degree cafe