Whitsunday Attractions - Things To See & Do
In the clear warm waters of tropical Queensland in Australia, lies a wonder that has to be seen to be believed. As if experiencing the beautiful climate and atmosphere of the region itself were not attractive enough, visitors are amazed at the stunning pleasure of the Great Barrier Reef. If diving is your passion, then this is the place for you. The Great Barrier Reef is a diver's mecca, and the Whitsundays has companies catering for every skill level from resort dives to 5 day learn to dive courses. You don't have to go far from the coast to see beautiful coral and abundant marine life in the Whitsundays. Great snorkelling spots can be found right on your doorstep as fringing reefs surround many of the islands.
The sheltered, warm waters of the Whitsundays provide one of the worlds premier sailing destinations. With the largest fleet of bareboat charter (skipper-yourself) in the Southern Hemisphere, you are sure to find a craft to suit your needs. As well as bareboat charter the Whitsundays has a diverse fleet of crewed and skippered sailing craft which take individuals, couples or groups on trips around the coast and islands for 3 to 6 days.
Visitors can also see the magnificent humpback whales frolic in the calm waters between July and September as the pass through the Whitsundays on their annual migration.
The Goorganga wetlands, stretching south from Prosperpine through a network of creeks and waterholes, are home to a wide variety of native and migratory birdlife. The Prosperpine River, a major artery in the wetland system, is home to the ancient estuarine crocodile and a favourite spot for anglers chasing mangrove jack, threadfin salmon and the world-renowned barramundi. Proserpine River Eco Tours operate out of Airlie Beach deep into this animal-lovers paradise.
The Whitsundays is a diverse region offering more than 74 individual islands to explore. While only some are developed for tourism purposes, the spectacular natural environment offers an almost endless array of things to see and do. Surrounded by the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, the islands feature a fantastic range of activities and attractions with a focus on water sports.
Renowned as a diving mecca, the Whitsundays offers dive companies and courses to cater for beginners all the way through to advanced and there are even 5-day learn to dive courses available at resorts. The crystal waters, soft white sand beaches, colourful corals and abundant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays make them one of the most sought after dive locations in the world.
There are spectacular dive sites just off the coast but if snorkelling is more your style then there are plenty of opportunities just off the beach as many islands are surrounded by fringing reefs. The warm, welcoming waters of the Whitsundays also help to make them a poplar sailing spot.
With calm waters and the largest fleet of bareboat charters in the Southern Hemisphere, you're guaranteed to find a sailing experience to enjoy. There are multi-hulls, cruisers, luxury yachts and more available for you to skipper yourself or skippers and crew can be provided if preferred.
The Whitsunday region is also lucky enough to sit right in the path of the annual Humpback Whale migration and these magnificent creatures can be seen frolicking in the waters of the islands during their annual migration period from July to September. The National Parks that dominate the islands and the Goorganga wetlands which stretch south from Proserpine are home to a series of waterways, native flora and fauna, birdlife and a wide variety of wildlife that will keep your stroll busy with wildlife spotting.