The islands that make up the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef are arguable amongst the most beautiful in the world. The Cumberland & Northumberland Island groups, commonly called the Whitsunday Islands, form the largest offshore island chain on Australia’s east coast and provide a magical holiday escape. Sail yourself around the calm waters or choose a crewed charter and be pampered. You'll find nearly 70 national park and deserted islands, as well as numerous island resorts. Bathe in year round warm water or explore the Great Barrier Reef. The reef stretches over 2000 kilometres and is like no other natural wonder anywhere in the world. Shellfish of all kinds, from tiny cowries to giant clams, brilliantly coloured sunfish, coral cod, red emperor, octopus and shark all jostle in the teeming waters, while underlying everything are the hundreds of varieties of living coral in shapes and colours that rival even the fish. Sail, snorkel or just relax, its all here for you to enjoy.
When to Visit Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef
The Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef has a tropical climate, with average temperatures in summer of between 24 and 33° Celsius, in winter 14 to 26°. Being a tropical climate, there are really only 2 seasons, 'the green' and 'the dry'. The green season stretches from November, and ends in May. The water is warm enough to swim in all year round, though do keep in mind that box jellyfish inhabit the coastal waters from October to May. In this period look for netted areas on the beaches to swim in, or ask a local about the conditions.
Getting Around Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef
The Whitsundays is located approximately 1100km north of Brisbane and 600km south of Cairns. The region is serviced by two airports: Great Barrier Reef Airport, Hamilton Island; and Whitsunday Coast Airport, Proserpine. Proserpine is the rail link to the Whitsundays and Queensland Rail operate regular services. Leading coach companies operate multiple daily services between most major cities and Airlie Beach. Fantasea Cruises operate regular daily services between most island resorts and the coast. *Please note: Access to Brampton Island is via Mackay Airport with connecting air & ferry transfers or with Island Air who do transfers from Whitsunday Airport. Shute Harbour on the Whitsunday Coast is the gateway for ferry services to island resorts and the Great Barrier Reef. Whitsunday Transit operate regular bus services between Shute Harbour & Airlie Beach. Taxi's car rentals and limousines are also available.