The Whitsunday Islands, off of the eastern coast of Australia are becoming increasingly popular for tourists, sun seekers and celebrities alike. With the onset of winter up north, and summer down under, this is the time of year for a trip these spectacular islands. A total of 74 islands make up this chain at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, with plenty to offer everyone from the brightest stars to those who just want an inexpensive place to relax in the sun.
Well known stars such as Julia Roberts have homes here. It isn’t hard to spot someone you recognize during the warmest months from December – February. One of the more popular places for those who want to avoid the crowds is tiny Bedarra Island, which accommodates just thirty people in villas discreetly hidden among the foliage. Hayman Island also draws plenty of the rich and famous to its first-class resort, which has several waterfalls on its own manicured grounds.
Airlie Beach, on the mainland, is the gateway to these sun-drenched islands. This little town, once just a stopover as travelers headed to the more exotic islands, has become a popular resort in its own right. Indeed, it has even become a place for celebrities to stay when they want some beach time in Australia. Airlie is seeing several new resorts under way or on the drawing board, including Whisper Bay, a new luxury spot that has seen plenty of buyers, including ex PM Bob Hawke and Aussie TV star Matthew Johns. There are also plans for a 400-berth marina here with helicopter pads and a ferry boat terminal.
A visit to this part of the world wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the reef, and there are plenty of options to do so. Boats and float planes will take guests to private dive spots and some of the most amazing scenery in the world.
The Whitsundays are approximately 1,200 kilometers north of Brisbane along the eastern coast of Australia. Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) has flights to Brisbane and other cities throughout the country, and Townsville is approximately 300 kilometers to the north.
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