Considered to be the gateway to the wonder that is the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is all slick white sands, buzzing bars, and beautiful blue waters. Subtropical temperatures, easy access to the plethora of perfect islands, and the chance to explore the wealth of underwater life that makes the Great Barrier Reef such a bucket list destination - it's no wonder Airlie is a must-stop on the backpacker's route for those travelling Australia. Charter guests are sure to fall in love with this vibrant corner of the world brimming with amazing restaurants and watersports to keep you active. For those who want to leave the ions of blue and white behind and head into cooler climes, the Conway National Park is also right on the doorstep and welcomes you in with its mangroves, gullies, and gorgeous rainforest. Beach lovers should also be sure to head to the iconic Whitehaven Beach - a vision of turquoise and white and one of the most famous beaches in the whole of the world.
A divine dive site to the north of Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, Hardy Reef and Hook Reef offer shades of blue like you’ve never seen before. Depending on the time of year you travel, you can often spot migrating humpback whales, pods of playful dolphins and even whale sharks in the turquoise waters below. A dream destination for keen scuba divers and snorkelers, this fragile environment is home to deep channels which can be seen from onboard as contrasting cobalt curves between the reefs. With countless diving schools and scattered pontoons, charter guests can also spot the renowned, and highly photographed Heart Reef nearby, adding an element of romance to this trip of a lifetime.
Due to its protected status, visitors to Heart Reef in the Whitsundays may not swim or snorkel near the reef. Named because of its shape, it is best to fly over it and land nearby, from where a glass-bottomed boat can take you closer to see its splendor.
Part of the Marine National Park Green Zone, Border Island is ideally placed for hitting some other Whistunday favourites such as Tongue Bay and Chalkies. Set sail for the northern shore of Border Island where the blissful Cateran Bay is waiting with its secluded sands and shaded green slopes. On Border Island, the snorkelling is exceptional and you can flit away with bright coloured fishes and plate coral - notable snorkelling spots include Cateran Bay and Pitstop Cay.
Of all the wonders of the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach is the star of the show. Endless tributes and accolades have been crafted in pure praise of this beach with its silky snow-white sands, bold blue and green shades, and bucket-list beauty. One glance and you will see exactly why Whitehaven is consistently awarded the best beach in Australia and even the far-flung world. Sculpted by the miracle of nature and stretching on for 7km, the sands of Whitehaven have been studied and proven to be made of a whopping 98 percent pure silica which is how they earn their bone-white shades and their silk through the finger's touch. The sand is celebrated as being so fine it can even clean diamonds. For charter guests wanting to make the most of their time on Whitehaven, you can visit Tongue Point for some of the best views. You can also hike through the national park, swim, snorkel and hit the best wining and dining parts in this truly beautiful enclave.
Hamilton Island is one of the jewels of the Whitsundays. For those exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is a destination in its own right. With a tapestry of blue, pure white sands and waters teeming with whales and bright marine life, it's an idyllic spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploring by sea. As an exclusive and sought-after destination, Hamilton Island is also home to beach clubs, excellent restaurants, and wellness facilities.