Conway National Park

When you've had your fill of Airlie's maritime diversions, turn inland and explore the forested gullies of the Conway Peninsula.

Spread out over 22,500ha (55,598 acres) of the Conway Peninsula, this stunning swatch of lowland rainforest is traditionally home to the Gia and Ngaro tribes. The landscape of hoop pines, rocky escarpments and lush gullies is identical to that found on the Whitsundays themselves; they were cut off from the peninsula by rising sea levels around 10,000 years ago. While there are a few local inhabitants to be wary of (including scrub mites, red-bellied blacksnakes and (honestly!) stinging trees), and jellyfish make swimming unsafe from October to May, the park is ideal for a leisurely day's exploration. Camping permits are obtainable and fishing is permitted from the beach.