INSPIRATION
1 NATURALLY ATTRACTIVE
5 REASONS WE LOVE THE
Whitsundays The Whitsundays is back in business after Cyclone Debbie. New resorts offer sophisticated luxury, old favourites have been renovated and the beaches are back to their sparkling best.
Hundreds of beaches fringe the islands. But a few warrant a special mention. Whitehaven Beach is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with seven kilometres of blinding-white sand that feels as fine as talcum powder. Heart Reef is another crowdpleaser – a beautiful coral configuration that has naturally formed into the shape of a love heart. This incredible sight is best viewed from the air in a helicopter or seaplane.
TATYANA LEONOV
2 ISLAND RESORTS Looking for an island adventure that has it all? The Whitsundays comprise 74 picturesque islands, as well as the mainland coastal towns of Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Bowen, which are often easy launching pads for island explorations. Only eight of the islands are inhabited. The remainder are little patches of perfection shimmering in the turquoise sea. Here are five reasons we love the Whitsundays: 2 4 M Y D I SCOV ERI ES | www. m ydis cover ies. co m . au
Whatever your accommodation style, there’s an island to suit – from motels to beachside bungalows to the ultimate indulgence (Qualia, we’re looking at you). The revamp that has everyone talking is Daydream Island. The popular tourist spot was hit hard by Tropical Cyclone Debbie in April 2017 – and consequently closed for refurbishment. Due to open in November, after a $100 million revitalisation, Daydream Island Resort will have 290 tastefully appointed rooms and brand new facilities, including an Asian fusion restaurant. Much-loved experiences such as the Living Reef,a collection of fish-filled coral lagoons that weave their way through the resort, are back bigger and better than before. It’s what daydreams are made of. M Y D I S COV E R IE S | www. mydis cove r ie s. com. au 25