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White and turquoise swirl like paints on an artist’s palette at Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy the view from Hill Inlet.
Defined by white-and-turquoise shoals, the 74 islands in the Whitsunday archipelago off Queensland are not a hard sell. But new accommodations and experiences keep adding to the island splendor. From an exciting ultra-luxury resort to an opportunity to spend the night on the Great Barrier Reef, here are four new reasons to visit the Whitsundays.
Introducing One & Only Hayman Island
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The new One & Only Hayman Island is all about relaxation and views. Photo courtesy of One & Only Resorts.
The first One & Only hotel to open in Asia Pacific, the One & Only Hayman Island debuted in July 2014. The private island retreat offers 160 luxury accommodations with views of the ocean or the resort’s lush gardens. Some of the top-tier suites walk out to the pool or Hayman Beach. Add seven dining establishments — including the signature Fire restaurant that specializes in grilling as well as the poolside On the Rocks, which features nightly live music and tiki torches, and you’ve got a dream resort. There’s even a kids club to entertain those under 11 while the parents go on a seaplane or diving adventure. Dream on.
Spend the Night at Hardy Reef
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Reefsleep guests can now spend the night at Reefworld, 40 nautical miles from shore on the Great Barrier Reef.
The only regret people have about visiting the Great Barrier Reef is leaving too soon. Not anymore thanks to the Reefsleep experience at Hardy Reef. By day, travelers can enjoy all the activities that Reefworld offers from snorkeling and diving to rides in semi-submersibles to see one of the world’s largest displays of marine life. Then when everyone else boards their boats home, Reefsleep guests enjoy a buffet dinner before retreating to the upper deck of the pontoon to sleep under the stars in a ‘swag’ (low-lying tent) 40 nautical miles (74 kilometers) from shore. There are also air-conditioned double rooms for those who like comfort out at sea.
Weekends of Wonderment at Qualia
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Qualia’s first Weekend of Wonderment featured cuisine by Australian chef Mark Best. Photo courtesy of Qualia.
Qualia is one of Australia’s most drool-worthy resorts, and its new Weekends of Wonderment are one of many new reasons to visit the Whitsundays. The experiences, designed to exemplify Qualia — which means ‘a collection of deeper sensory experiences’ in Latin — kicked off in June 2014 with a weekend of candle making, flower arranging, crabbing and dining on fresh cuisine by celebrated Australian chef Mark Best. Other bespoke weekends will be organized throughout the year.
The New Airlie Beach
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The Airlie Beach Lagoon gives travelers more reasons to visit the Whitsundays. Photo by Kevin Gibbons/ Flickr.
The gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach has long attracted backpackers and sailors. Now that the town center has undergone a $20-million facelift, Airlie Beach is widening its appeal. For swimmers who don’t want to brave the croc-inhabited waters, there’s the new Airlie Beach lagoon, and the Bicentennial Boardwalk offers exercise along the Coral Sea. New bars and restaurants such as Fish D’vine, which has an attached rum bar, are motivating travelers to stay a while. And experiences such as a new local food tour by chef Tim Whitehorn of Caper’s restaurant help them connect with the region and taste its bounty.
—Serena Renner
4 New Reasons to Visit the Whitsundays from Australia Things to Do