Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770, the Whitsunday Islands
is an archipelago of approximately 160 breath-taking tropical
islands and atolls off the east coast of Queensland's Airlie Beach.
The islands were named by Cook when he passed through around Whit
Sunday, the seventh day after Easter Sunday, and was immediately
struck by their beauty. Set in the crystal clear azure waters of
the Coral Sea in the heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the
Whitsundays are a sailor's paradise and one of Australia's most
popular tourist attractions, drawing more than 600,000 visitors
annually.
Most tourists tend to stick to the resort areas to enjoy the
endless water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling,
fishing, sailing, and relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches, as 70
percent of the region has been declared a national or marine park.
The resort islands of Hamilton Daydream, Hayman, South Molle and
Lindeman are the most popular destinations with foreign visitors
and accommodation is easy to find on these charming islands.
Perfect for a family getaway, a relaxing break from the hustle
and bustle of the city, or a romantic honeymoon, the Whitsundays
have something for everyone. At the end of a busy day exploring the
islands and meeting the marine life off their shores, what could be
better than a romantic sunset cruise to round off the perfect day
in this small slice of paradise.