The Whitsundays are made up of 74 Islands, on the beautiful tropical coast of Queensland. Whether you choose to base yourself on the coast or on the islands, there’s plenty to see and do in this natural wonderland.
Airlie Beach is just a quick 1 hour & 20 minute flight from Brisbane, making the Whitsundays closer than you think. With good connections from all major capital cities into either Whitsundays-Proserpine or Hamilton Island airports, this is a really accessible destination for a romantic mini-break.
It’s easy to fill your days in paradise, but here’s our guide to the most delicious food, wine, pristine beaches and activities in the Whitsundays.
DINE
Whether you’re lover of rum or not, you’ll soon be an aficionado after sampling some of the 200 rums on offer here. The décor is a contrast of beach house chic with blonde banquettes & scatter cushions for days, infused with some rum inspired memorabilia. Passionate owner, Mark aka “Dr Rum” took me through my paces sampling some fine Venezuelan and Ecuadorian rums before finishing off with the Hemmingway Daiquiri – Cuban rum, fresh lime fresh grapefruit and sweetened with maraschino liqueur (as Hemmingway reportedly didn’t like sugar). A must visit!
It’s a casual affair, filled with locals, yachties and families all enjoying a noisy night out. You order from the counter, so you can see the catch of the day & discuss with the chefs. Although famous for their chilli crab – wok tossed in a Thai chilli marinade on steamed jasmine rice, I opted for the salt & pepper tempura crocodile with a lemon myrtle and sumac spiced aioli which was…well divine!
Mr Bones is a delicious tapas, pizza and wine bar with a cool, relaxed vibe overlooking the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Mr Bones is described as a “family nickname given to a tall, lanky and once skinny young boy. Today, he is still tall, although not so lanky (or skinny) however the name Mr Bones still remains.” It’s this sense of personality that makes you feel right at home. We tried the Baba ghanoush & slow roasted lamb shoulder pizza served with a perfect crispy base.
Overlooking the breathtaking tranquil blue ocean, Fat Frog Café is real hidden gem. The view is reason enough to visit this quirky, laidback café, but when paired with the best coffee in town - Campos Coffee it’s a real winner. Their great breakfast menu is available til midday and wholesome, healthy choices are available for lunch. Kids are well catered for too, with a great little play area and free baby chinos. There’s also free WiFi to Instagram your coffee with a backdrop of tranquil blue ocean.
This new addition to Abel Point Marina is the perfect way to end the day with a sunset drink overlooking the Marina. With tapas menu strong on seafood options and bar list featuring gin infusions there’s plenty on offer to spend an evening in style.
Local hangout Sidewalk Café serves simple café fare with plenty of outdoor dining to enjoy the sunshine.
SEE & DO
Sailing the Whitsundays
If you’re in the Whitsundays you’re going to want to hit the water. Pacific Blitz offers everything from daily sailing, day skipper charters or for the ultimate sailing holiday a 3 day/2 night sailing holiday. We were lucky enough to hit the water and sail around the islands on a Bavaria 49, which sleeps up to 8 guests and two crew members on a sunny Friday afternoon and can highly recommend! Day sailing From $220.
Whitehaven Beach
Beat the crowds and see the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach in style with Air Whitsunday’s Panorama tour. Includes scenic flight, private glass-bottom boat experience, snorkelling & one hour at Whitehaven Beach with Australian sparkling wine and snacks. Whitehaven Beach is worth seeing rain, hail or shine with the tidal currents constantly shifting the sand, creating the exquisite white and turquoise swirls the beach is famous for. Panorama Tour $490 per person and worth every cent!
Cedar Creek Falls
Spectacular in the wet season and offering a year-round natural swimming pool at the base of the falls, set in a natural rock amphitheatre. There are also bush walks around the falls and plenty of flora and fauna to get you back to nature. Visit Cedar Creek Falls, just 30 minutes from Airlie Beach.
STAY
This luxe for less hotel is close to Airlie Beach dining & shopping and offers apartment style accommodation with Balinese style and heated outdoor pool. Accepts one night stays, perfect if you’re island hopping. From $199 per night
Stunning apartments with garden, Marina or breathtaking ocean views, perfect for sunset drinks and admiring the yachts moored out front. Spacious apartments, beautifully appointed with contemporary style - you just won’t want to leave. Love the direct access to Airlie Beach Seaside Boardwalk, a great way to start the day. From $235 per night
For blow the budget luxury, choose Paradise Bay Island Resort. Only accessible via helicopter from Hamilton Island, you’ll arrive in style for an unforgettable holiday. With only 18 guests at any one time, you’ll enjoy a gourmet 3 course dinner each evening and swing on the hammock and simply enjoy island life. From $1,200 per night.
Book your Whitsundays accommodation on alluxia.com with instant confirmation and no booking fees.
The writer, Sally Scott was a guest of at Hotel Group. Photo Credit: Tourism Events Queensland, Pacific Blitz and writers own.
