QLDGUIDE
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there’s plenty to keep you busy – sailing, game fishing, learning to dive, bungy jumping, skydiving, land sailing, reef and island tours, and whalewatching (July-September). Although Airlie doesn’t exactly have a beach as such, you can cool down at the lagoon, a man-made pool which is free from stingers (jellyfish), complete with BBQs and gazebos – a great place to chill-out in the sun. There is also a wildlife park (featuring the original Croc Dundee), national parks and rainforest tours. Nearby Cedar Creek Falls has a beautiful freshwater swimming lagoon. The more popular Whitsunday islands include Brampton, Whitsunday, Lindeman, Hook, Hamilton, South Molle, Hayman, Long and Daydream. The most famous icon of the Whitsundays, however, is Whitehaven Beach, boasting stunningly white silica sand and endless photo opportunities. Just 30km further east is the Outer Great Barrier Reef with some of the best coral and marine life at places like Bait Reef Marine Park, Hardy Lagoon, and Hook, Line and Sinker Reefs. Hamilton is one of the most developed islands on the coast with a huge marina, shops and banks. Hook Island
W H I T S U N D AY S
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is renowned for its breathtaking underwater observatory, which gives you a great view of the reef. The island is 90 minutes by boat from Shute Harbour. Mackay, just south of the Whitsundays, is the sugar-producing capital of Oz. There are some amazing animals in the surrounding area as a result of the sub-tropical rainforest being isolated for thousands of years, and you may even spot a platypus near the Broken River camping ground. Visit nearby Cape Hillsborough National Park, 40 minutes north, and you’ll most likely see kangaroos, wallabies, turtles and sugar gliders (those flying possums with a soft spot for honey).
Townsville & Magnetic Island Halfway up the Great Barrier Reef, Townsville is the largest city in Tropical Queensland. It’s surrounded by both rainforest and outback, being one of those rare places where the dusty interior meets the Coral Sea, and is known as the “sunshine capital of Australia”, because it hardly ever rains. Most travellers come here to pay a visit to Magnetic Island, a laidback tropical paradise just a swift ferry ride from town.
G R E AT B A R R I E R R E E F
QUEENSLAND
Whitsunday Islands & Airlie Beach Accommodation Sailing Adventure Discounts Diving & Snorkelling ENDED
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2009
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WINNER Best Small Travel Agent in Australia 2011
AirlieBeach.com
The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre
Freecall 1800 677 119 | www.airliebeach.com | info@airliebeach.com 259 Shute Harbour Rd Airlie Beach Qld | Top end of main street next to Hogs Breath Cafe 46
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