It’s tropical, the sands are white and the water is welcoming, making the Whitsundays one of the most popular Australian tourist destinations! These special islands are mostly protected by National Parks, nursing brilliant coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, pristine beaches to laze upon, and clear, warm aquamarine waters. All you need to do it charter a boat and this stunning paradise it yours to explore!

Looking around the islands you will see many expensive yachts sailing about - the islands are a favoured playground for Sydney's rich and Queensland's property developers. For those who are still saving for their own yacht, many different ferry companies operate from Airlie Beach to take people on day-trips to see the sights. A typical day-trip might include a visit to Whitehaven Beach, a reef trip for some snorkeling and a prepared lunch.

Of the 74 islands, most do not have places to stay since they are protected National Parks, but there are still plenty of exclusive island resorts on a dozen or so, and many more options on Hamilton Island. For the more adventurous, an enormous choice of wonderfully secluded camping sites dot every island, ensuring peaceful relaxed privacy.

The Whitsundays are a famed location both locally and internationally, and you'll have to be prepared to share them with other sun/fun-seeking individuals. However, once you hike some trails, float in the warm waters, watch colourful sea anemones waver in the current as you snorkel above, come face to face with a sea turtle on a reef dive, or simply kick it by the pool with a fruit laden cocktail, you'll feel the privileged sense of being somewhere sincerely distant, and particularly special.