Whitsunday Islands - A Piece of Heaven

The Whitsunday Islands are an island group at the Australian east coast in the state of Queensland. The 74 islands, 17 of which are inhabited, are part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park and the famous Great Barrier Reef. In general, the Whitsunday Islands Group can be divided into four island groups: the Whitsunday Islands, the Lindeman Islands Group, the Molle Islands Group and the Northern Islands Group. Daydream Island, South Molle Island, Lindeman Island and Hamilton Island are the best-known obnes among them. The uninhabited Whitsunday Island is the largest island (109 km²) on the Australian archipelago. The regional weather is dominated by tropical climate with warm, dry winters and hot, humid summers. Cyclones often occur in the summer months.

The wonderful nature of the Whitsunday Islands impresses with deserted island landscapes, colourful coral reefs, turquoise sea water, bright green pine and eucalyptus forests as well as paradisiacal white sandy beaches. The best-known beach is without doubt Whitehaven Beach near Whitsunday Island. This sandy beach is six kilometres long and one of the most popular photo scenes (observation point: Hill Inlet) on the Australian continent because of the impressive play of colours created by the snowy white sand and the turquoise blue sea water. Furthermore, it is one of the whitest beaches on earth. The archipelago's fauna consists of sea turtles, colourful coral fish, rays and dolphins. On shore, you see kangaroos, wallabies, megabats and numerous seabirds. Humpback whales give birth to offspring in the surrounding waters between May and September.

The Whitsunday Islands were discovered by the navigator James Cook in 1770 and were named after Whitsunday. The archipelago was originally settled by the native tribe of the Ngaro, one of the country's oldest aboriginal tribes. Archaeological sites which are over 9,000 years old bear witness to the tribe's existence on Hook Island. The coast's inhabitants and only seafaring native inhabitants of Australia were driven off the island group in the course of the British colonisation in the 1880s. With the leasing of islands and the construction of the first tourist accommodation in 1920, tourism found its way to the island group. Today, it is one of the region's most important economic sectors.

Most islands of the Australian island group of the Whitsunday Islands have their own character and are partly owned by great hotel concerns. While Hook Island is mainly used for relaxing and discovering nature, the Hamilton Island offers more activity and attractions such as the WILD LIFE Hamilton Island. The biggest of the populated Whitsunday Islands also accommodates numerous hotel resorts, restaurants, bars and night clubs with evening entertainment. Hayman Island is very popular with honeymooners. The luxurious atmosphere created by the five star hotel complexes, first-rate restaurants and cocktail bars as well as the fantastic spa and sports facilities make your honeymoon a memorable experience. Couples, families and adventurers also enjoy Daydream Island.

The Whitsunday Islands are very popular with anglers, divers and sailors. The latter particularly enjoy the proximity to and protected position at the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands are considered one of the best sailing areas in the world. In addition, the island group offers endless opportunities for kayakers, canoeists, boaters, bathers, sun worshippers and hikers. Numerous hiking trails such as the Whitsunday Great Walk or the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail make it possible for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders to explore the region's untouched, tropical natural landscape. Other leisure activities on the Australian archipelago are paragliding, parachuting, golfing, helicopter flights, boat trips and whale watching. The impressive marine mammals can be seen between the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef from July to September as part of a guided whale-watching trip.

Thanks to their tropical climate, the Whitsunday Islands can be visited at any time of the year. However, cyclones and heavy rain showers occur in the summer months (December to February), which is why many travellers prefer going on holiday in autumn and winter (April to September). You can arrive by ship via the coastal towns of Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach. In addition, several islands have small airports which you can reach from Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns.