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Oceania Australia Whitsunday Coast Do & See Great Barrier Reef

Overview

Great Barrier Reef

The guide was updated: 2024-06-19

The Whitsunday Coast is an ideal jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef which is located 50 km from Airlie. Cruises leave Airlie Beach on a regular basis. Cruise Whitsundays and Fantasea Cruises both offer a chance to see the reef at its best. Snorkelling, semi-submersible and glass bottom boat rides, helicopter scenic flights and diving opportunities are all available with both companies.

Useful Information

Address: 24 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach QLD
Website: greatbarrierreef.org

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsunday Coast is an ideal jumping off point for the Great Barrier Reef which is located 50 km from Airlie. Cruises leave Airlie Beach on a regular basis. Cruise Whitsundays and Fantasea Cruises both offer a chance to see the reef at its best. Snorkelling, semi-submersible and glass bottom boat rides, helicopter scenic flights and diving opportunities are all available with both companies.

Sailing

Sailing

This breathtakingly beautiful tropical area is perfectly explored by boat. The region is famous for its sailing and, of course, it is a dream come true to sail around the islands and enjoy your vacation the best way possible. If you’re not a sailing expert, you can include staff with your hired boat and get time over for scuba diving while they navigate and cook for you.

Proserpine

Proserpine

In this Queensland rural town, the Historical museum is worth visiting, as is Proserpine Lake — or Peter Faust Dam, as it is better known. Ideal for water sports and fishing for the popular barramundi (Asian sea bass), you may also fancy a local eco-tour. To put the cherry on top, take one of the Whitsunday Crocodile Safaris up the Proserpine River.

Airlie Beach Lagoon

Airlie Beach Lagoon

Opened in 2001, this artificial oceanfront lagoon with grassy lawns for sunbathing, sandy play areas and hip eateries is a stinger free environment. It has landscaped gardens, free barbecues and shower rooms. Entrance to the lagoon is free.

Conway Circuit

Conway Circuit

Formerly known as the Great Whitsunday Walk, this attraction is a 30 km track through the Conway State Forest. The main routes take you from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach, however, there are also shorter trips from Brandy Creek car park. Wander through this magical countryside and see a range of wildlife including the paste coloured wompoo fruit-dove.

Bowen

Bowen

Visiting the town of Bowen is like stepping back into the 1940s or 50s, unpretentious, with wide streets. A good place to make for is the Historical Museum packed full of artefacts said to be one of the best museums in Central Queensland well worth visiting. Bowen Courthouse, built in 1883, is also impressive. The beaches lie 2 km north of town. Queens Beach has a stinger net for the jellyfish season and Horseshoe Bay is good for swimming or snorkelling.

Stone Island

Stone Island

Stone Island is where the very first settlers landed and a very interesting place to visit. It is located no more than 2 km from the coast and can be reached by ferry. Enjoy peaceful surroundings on this 6 hectares small island and visit the towns of Seaforth, Ball Bay and Calen.

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach can be reached by boat from Airlie Beach. A totally undeveloped national park, be prepared for a 7 km stretch of 99% white silica sand. It is just breathtaking!

Whitsunday Islands

Whitsunday Islands

Experience tropical beaches and relaxed days in the sun on the 74 islands along the coast. While some of them have holiday resorts you can just check in (e.g. Hamilton Island, Hayman Island), others are rather untouched and provide the ideal opportunity for a getaway. Just choose your match!

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

The beautiful sea and colourful reefs provide a unique chance for scuba diving. Join a tour to some of the greatest spots in the area and explore what's under the surface. Also budget travellers don't have to miss out on the underwater experience — just grab a mask and snorkel to meet some tropical fish.

Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail

Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail

There are numerous hiking trails around Bowen. Cape Edgecumbe walking trail starts from Horseshoe bay, traverses Murray Bay and terminates at Rose Bay and is one of the most popular ones. Reserve plenty of time to marvel at the picture perfect lookout views of the bays and beaches. You can walk the entire circuit or just part of it, as there are entry points at Horseshoe, Murray and Rose Bays.

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