Best Travel Guide Whitsunday Coast

Whitsunday CoastGuide was updated: 2024-06-19

The sun, sea and sand combine to make the Whitsunday Coast the ideal place to relax. Enjoy the great atmosphere and nightlife in a spectacular setting. This beach lover’s paradise offers everything you need to make your stay unforgettable. Close to the Great Barrier Reef and just 26 kilometres from the Whitsunday Islands, there is plenty to see and do. Backpackers and families alike will enjoy attractions such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon and the amazing croc safaris up the Proserpine River.

Do & See

Airlie Beach and the surrounding area are full of things to do, from wildlife safaris to snorkelling. There are many places to go diving, fishing, kayaking and sailing, and there are plenty of companies willing to help you hire equipment and vessels. Saturday morning markets and Sunday twilight markets are a tradition in the area and provide great entertainment with street performers and live music.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Population:	Airlie Beach: 1,312 (2021 census) Bowen: 11,205 (2021 census)
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	Fire, Ambulance & Police: 000 Local Police: +61 7 4948 8888
Newspapers:	Whitsunday Times (online only): www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/whitsunday Whitsunday Coast Guardian (print only)
Website:	www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au www.tourismbowen.com.au
Opening Hours:	Generally, stores and shopping malls are open 7 days a week, late night shopping on a Thursday night until 9pm. Sunday until 4/5pm. Closed only on Christmas Day.
Tourist Information:	Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre 12505 Bruce Highway, Hamilton Plains +61 7 4945 3967 info@tourismwhitsundays.com.au www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat & Sun 10am–2pm

Australia

Whitsunday Coast

Do & See

Great Barrier Reef

Sailing

Proserpine

Airlie Beach Lagoon

Conway Circuit

Bowen