Whitsunday Islands, Australia: Location Of The Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 Islands off of the Whitsunday Coast. This stretch of Coast line is found 1125km north of Brisbane and 725km south of Cairns, just above Mackay. When travelling the main highway, signs for the Whitsunday Coast lead to the 25km drive to Airlie Beach. This is a good starting point, and mainland base from which to travel to the Islands.The 74 Whitsunday Islands are the remnants of a coastal range which was submerged by the sea at the end of the ice – age. They lie in the Coral Sea and are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park which also includes the magnificent reef that stretches 2000km along the east coast of Australia.
Almost all of the Islands are Nation Parks, 8 of them have been developed into resorts, but the remaining 66 are left untouched.
Each Island has its own unique beauty and charm, Hayman Island is 30km from the mainland, to the north. It is fairly small (4km long by 3km wide) with one prestigious resort. Daydream also has one resort; it is just 15 minutes from the mainland when travelling by water taxi from Shute Harbour. Brampton Island is larger and is renowned for its 7 beautiful beaches made up of white sand. Hamilton Island is located halfway between Townsville and Mackay and is a 45 minute ride by water taxi from Shute Harbour. This is a moderately sized Island with a beautiful wedding chapel on the hillside. Lindeman Island is one of the larger Islands and found to the southern end of the Whitsunday group. It is 20 miles from the coastline, and can be reached by boat, Helicopter or ferry from Shute Harbour, or by fast launch from Hamilton Island. Lindeman is known for its beautiful bush walks and it’s Club Med Resort. Long Island is about 20 minutes from Shute Harbour, it is a long, narrow island as its name suggests, and is mid-way amongst the Islands. South Molle Island has many beautiful walks, many up to beautiful views. It is also about 20 minutes ride from Shute Harbour.