The Whitsunday Islands, Australia
By Mary Marlowe, Travel Consultant
The Whitsunday Islands are a string of archipelago
jewels that border the Great Barrier Reef
of Queensland, Australia.
To get there I flew Qantas to Sydney and then took a connecting flight to Hamilton Island, located in the heart of the Whitsunday group. Surrounded by coral fringed beaches, Hamilton Island has a variety of hotels, from deluxe to moderate, to accommodate all tastes and budgets.
From here I took a private yacht - complete with champagne and canapés - to Hayman Island. An idyllic paradise located at the northern end of Whitsunday Passage, nestled between the north eastern coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is known as Australia's most lavish resort. It fronts two stunning white coral beaches. No part of the resort is taller than four stories and most guest rooms, restaurants
and other public areas are situated in two wings - Pool Wing and Lagoon Wing - which are linked by scenic walks and gardens.
The resort has 245 rooms and suites plus 11 individually styled penthouses, all with private balconies or terraces with either magnificent views over swimming pools, lush tropical gardens, beaches or the Whitsundays. A recipient of numerous international travel awards for excellence, the resort provides its guests with modern tropical elegance, comfort and privacy.
My next stop was the wonderful Daydream Island, an ideal vacation destination for families. It offers an array of activities including a kid's club, outdoor theater, miniature golf, on-site shark and stingray feeding, and excursions to the Great Barrier Reef.
I also visited Peppers Island, an intimate and secluded resort with a true South Pacific flavor, and the island of South Molle which is a great option for families and couples looking for a more moderately priced experience.
During my stay, I visited the Great Barrier Reef by catamaran. A pontoon permanently fixed on the reef, allows visitors to dive, snorkel, or take helicopter rides to view the colorful treasures of this coral paradise.
Before catching the overnight Queensland train from Prosperpine to Brisbane for my return flight home, I stopped at Airlie Beach, the mainland city adjacent to the Whitsunday Island group. A small and lively town, it exudes all the charm I came to expect from Australia. Once on the train, even though it took 18 hours, the ride was a surprisingly delightful experience, with some of the best dining of the trip. It was an excellent way to end this wonderful adventure!
Which island sounds like your next vacation destination?
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Mary Marlowe
503.546.1087 - direct
866.740.1087 - toll free
Email: mm@jbatravel.com