Whitsundays, top 10 things to do  

Are you confused about all the tours on offer in the Whitsundays? Here is a summary of what to expect which should help you make a decision.

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Where else can you see so many islands, so much marine life, the Great Barrier Reef, the one and only Heart Reef and the white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach? My first job in France was a travel agent and I have always been attracted to warm weather, beautiful beaches and the ocean. So when I was backpacking I decided to stop in the Whitsundays (no smartphone or social media 10 years ago) and work on a boat as a kitchen hand for a bit. This allowed me to work 4 days and have 3 days off to enjoy the area. I actually loved it so much that I decided to come back for another year and find a sponsorship in a hotel in Airlie Beach to be able to live there. So here is my top 10 things to do in the Whitsundays, departing from Airlie Beach.

WHITEHAVEN BEACH

You will find that Queensland beaches have a brown yellowy sand and most of them are actually mangroves. Not Whitehaven Beach! Made of pure silica, Whitehaven Beach formation still remains a mystery up to these days. Whilst swimming or sun baking you can use the sand as a body scrub or to polish your finest jewellery. However two things: 1. Watch your camera as the sand is so fine that it got into 2 of my cameras and broke them.

2. Put a lot of sunscreen on as the sand reflects the sun even more than usual and people might get badly burnt even after only an hour of sun exposure.

HILL INLET LOOKOUT

Being dropped off at the bottom of the Hill Inlet you will need to take a short walk in order to get to the lookout. The above picture was taken from the lookout where you can also see the stretch of Whitehaven Beach in the background. The walk is easy but includes steps, you just need to wear thongs (or flip flop). You will find that the day tours and the overnight sailing trips mention Whitehaven Beach on their advertising, however you will need to ask whether they will take you to the stretch of beach (to swim) or to the lookout (for a walk) or both of them. Not all the tours have the permits to access the lookout so it will depend which part you would like to visit. The area is also a playground for manta rays and turtles.

SNORKELING OR DIVING THE FRINGING REEF OR THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park includes the Whitsunday islands, therefore the snorkeling can take place around the islands or at the Great Barrier Reef depending of your preference. I personally prefer snorkelling around the islands alongside the fringing reef of Hook Island, Hayman Island, Landford Reef and Bali-Hai as you can enjoy the scenery at the same time. I recommend diving at the Great Barrier Reef (also called outer reef) as the pontoon has been used for many years and therefore the coral has lost its colours. As you get deeper into the ocean you will be amazed by the variety of shapes, sizes and colours of the marine and coral life. Unless you are an enthusiast diver, I don't think it is worth the price tag.

In regards to the jelly fish question, they are usually around when the water warms up, depending on the years, but I always prefer swimming "safely" with:

1. a wet suit, when the water is cooler and you are not used to it.

2. a stinger suit, when the water is warm, it is a kind of Lycra to protect against the jelly fish.

SCENIC FLIGHT OVER THE ISLANDS, GREAT BARRIER REEF AND HEART REEF

A one-hour scenic flight on board a 10-14 seater plane will take you over the main Whitsunday islands, Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet, The Great Barrier Reef as well as the Heart Reef. Simply breathtaking! Have a look at the tidal predictions to make sure you book your flight when the water is down (or up) half way in order to get the best shots of Hill Inlet swirling sand. Between May and September you might encounter a whale show as you fly by.

OVERNIGHT SAILING EXPERIENCE

This is how you can combine relaxing, discovering and socialising. The overnight sailing trips on offer vary in price and atmosphere you can expect on board. The itineraries will be the same from one boat to another, always weather dependant, generally including snorkelling at the fringing reef, Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet, but could also include diving and the Outer Reef. The price will depend on how many people the boat can fit with the more people the cheaper it is, also the more people, the more social it is, so if you are a couple and want a bit of privacy, look for a boat with less than 15 people on board and with private cabins. I have my favourites as I have been on a few, which you can ask me about in the comments or via Facebook messenger.

CROCODILE SIGHTSEEING

Proserpine river has one of the largest population of crocodiles in Australia! But don't be scared, it is rare that a crocodile will be seen in the waterways of the Whitsundays. You can take part of a boat tour to spot the crocodiles on the edge of the river. It is much better (and freakier) than seeing them in a zoo.

FISHING TRIP

The Whitsunday area is a fishing paradise especially because you don't need to go far to get a big catch. You can even fish off the rock and catch good size fish. However the best way to make sure you fish a keeper is to hire a boat if you have your own equipment or to take part of a half-day fishing trip around the island or to the Outer Reef.

AIRLIE BEACH LAGOON

Want to relax, take on the sun and go for a dip? Airlie Lagoon is a great spot for all of these. It is a big swimming pool surrounded by grass and beach areas. The water can get a bit cold during the winter months but you will certainly appreciate it during those hot summer months.

CONWAY NATIONAL PARK

Conway National Park extends from Conway Beach to Shute Harbour. All camping spots can be reached by walking between 2 km and 10 km. You will need to check on the Queensland National Park website for more information. 3 things I recommend:

1. A 20 minute-walk in the rainforest which is accessible from Brandy Creek.

2. Cedar Creek falls located via Conway Road where you can swim (when it has been raining enough).

3. Mount Rooper walk near Shute Harbour, a 4 km loop that will take you to a lookout over the Whitsunday Islands.

AIRLIE BEACH BOARDWALK

For this walk, a hat and some water are definitely needed. The board walk will take you along the coast line from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach, passing the marina and Shingley Beach. On the wooden path near Peninsula accommodation there is a great spot to catch the best sunset in town. Can you spot any turtle?

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Note that cyclone Debbie (on 28-03-2017) destroyed a couple of resort islands, therefore the only one open to the public at the moment is Hamilton Island. I will write another post about what you can do on Hamilton Island in more detail.