Average winter temperatures in the Whitsundays hover around 20C. Photo / Getty Images
Average winter temperatures in the Whitsundays hover around 20C. Photo / Getty Images
Airlie Beach is the mainland base for exploring the fantastic Whitsunday Islands, and Wendy Dunlop has the inside goods.
The Whitsunday Islands are one of the jewels in Australia's crown: think a visual cocktail of green fringed isles and inlets with crescents of impossibly white sand playing host to pristine waters that are blue beyond belief.
Located between a curve of the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef, you can arrive at the islands' gateway by road, rail or plane, or thread your way through them by cruise boat or charter yacht. But whatever your mode of transport, the relaxed atmosphere of Airlie Beach will get you into holiday mode without effort.
A boardwalk stretches from the marina to the main street and along its length you'll find enticing cafes, restaurants and shops, beachfront hotels and apartments and a newly developed lagoon. Its warm shallows extend the town's pretty waterfront and provide a perfect invitation to swim, loll and laze in the sun.
On Saturdays a market on the village green starts early and is soon buzzing. Treat yourself to a tropical slushy or fresh fruit icecream, try locally produced "beefalo" - a cross-bred cattle and buffalo taste sensation, buy bling or a bright beautiful sarong or take a camel ride along the beach.
Then line up for 10 minutes of traditional Thai massage with local resident Da, whose ache-free results will define your day if not your entire holiday.
If market massage is too public for comfort, head up the hill to a divinely private day spa. En route, admire the ocean views enjoyed by many of the hotels, motels and apartments clustered on the steep slopes above the beach.
Step through the doors of Endota Spa to a world of touch, sound, sight and aroma. Among treatments to sigh for, you can be smoothed with an organic facial or body scrub, soothed with a body wrap or hot stone massage and pampered by professionals in an atmosphere of enveloping calm.
Sooner or later you'll be lured back to the water and want to discover the islands off the coast from Airlie Beach.
Ferries depart from the purpose-built Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal at Airlie.
Long Island is closest to the mainland and provides affordable unspoiled charm for all ages, while the impeccable facilities of Daydream Resort and Spa encompass the entire island and also offer kayaking, swimming, water skiing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkelling and beach sports.
The marina at Airlie Beach is brimming with sleek sloops to cruise the Whitsundays at whim.
If you fancy taking to the water, several companies and resorts operate day cruises. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland
For those with sailing experience, a three- to five-star sailing or powered vessel is all yours to discover hidden inlets, deserted islands, incomparable snorkelling and a mesmerising marine environment. Drop anchor and swim in your own secluded bay, cook up an evening barbecue, star gaze beneath a dazzling night sky then sleep to the gentle tap of waves against the side of your floating hotel.
But if skippering your own boat scares you fishless, there are cruises and private crewed charters that will sail you effortlessly into the blue yonder. Various packages include your accommodation on the vessel, on-board meals, snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving opportunities and, of course, a spectacular journey around the islands and reefs of the Whitsundays.
Landlubbers will also find plenty to amuse them along the Great Whitsunday Coast which stretches from south of Proserpine to Bowen. In the middle, Airlie Beach and its surrounds offer numerous places to explore within day trip distance.
Proserpine is best known as the closest airport, but it is also known as barramundi country, the "sweet heart" of sugar cane production and most recently the home of Whitsundays Gold Coffee where a plantation tour culminates in a faultless brew for connoisseurs. You might need the coffee if you venture up the Proserpine River for a safari and the not-so-sedentary sport of croc spotting.
Camel riding on the beach is a major attraction on the Whitsunday Islands. Photo / Tourism and Events Queensland
The river is home to the largest gathering of saltwater crocodiles in Queensland as well as a variety of native and migratory birds and other wildlife. But keep your distance because these crocs are neither farmed nor fenced. You can also experience the natural beauty of the islands and coastline following the many walking tracks of the National Park.
Then when evening comes to Airlie Beach, make for the Esplanade, otherwise known as "eat street". Expect fresh produce and local seafood and whether you sample a five-star restaurant or feast on fish and chips beside the beach, you'll be living the Whitsunday dream.
CHECKLIST
Getting there:Air New Zealand offers daily connections between New Zealand and Hamilton Island via Brisbane with partner airline Virgin Australia.
