Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is one of the few places left on Earth where you can really escape.

There are no crowds, clean beaches and the aquamarine waters of the Whitsunday Passage are one of the world's best year-round aquatic playgrounds. The region takes in mainland Airlie Beach, bustling Shute Harbour, tranquil Conway National Park and 74 islands.

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, which are all within 50km of Shute Harbour. Of the 74 islands, seven have resorts while camping is permitted on many. Try skippering your own bareboat or join a crewed sailing cruise for two or three nights.

You'll sail among deserted islands and reefs, scuba dive or snorkel with colourful fish and coral, bushwalk through tropical forest and sunbake on deserted beaches.