Whitsundays, the Perfect Honeymoon Destination
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The Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland coast of Australia would have to be one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. 74 tropical islands in the calm, warm waters of the Coral Sea in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, with only eight of them inhabited.
Seventy of the islands are national parks, and the Whitsundays attract people from all over Australia and overseas with their crystal clear turquoise waters, sheltered coves and white sandy beaches. There are many romantic palm-fringed beaches that look like perfect postcards which seduce honeymoon couples from around the globe. The coral reefs and year-round warm temperatures make the Whitsundays a perfect place for water sports – particularly diving and snorkeling, but also boating and fishing.
The Great Barrier Reef offers a unique honeymoon experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the only living organic collective that can be seen from outer space. It has to be seen to be really appreciated. Hardy Reef to the east of the Whitsundays is regarded as one of the best locations for reef walking and snorkeling, and can be reached by catamaran from Shute Harbour or by seaplane.
There is also the opportunity to go game fishing, with several professional operators taking tourists from the mainland and the islands in search of fish like the marlin, which are normally caught, tagged and released.
Airlie Beach on the mainland is known as the gateway to the Whitsundays, and is the main resort town on this part of the Queensland coast. It is 8 kilometres from Shute Harbour, and is a good base for those wishing to make daytrips to the islands. Airlie Beach is a beautiful location with beaches, Conway National Park, lush canefields and historic villages nearby.
The islands with resorts are Brampton, Daydream, Hamilton, Hayman, Hook, Lindeman, Long and South Molle. Exclusive honeymoon packages are available for Long Island and Daydream Island, as well as for Airlie Beach.
You can also cruise the Whitsundays, visiting a variety of islands through the day, while at night you can fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves.