Things to do in Whitsunday Coast
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Fantasea
Offers high-speed catamaran cruises to its Reefworld pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel, take a trip in a semisubmersible and check out the underwater viewing chamber (adult/child/family $225/102/589). An overnight 'Reefsleep' costs from $460.
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Whitsunday Bookings
Once you’ve figured out what boat you’d like to sail on, you’ll need to book through a travel agency such as Whitsunday Bookings. Sells berths on most vessels and will offer standby rates.
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Whitsunday Great Walk
The Whitsunday Great Walk is perhaps a little boastfully named, although it is a pefectly enjoyable three day stroll. Ironically, it's not in the Whitsundays, as such, although you're rarely far from an arresting view of the islands.
Spanning 30km (18.6mi) of the Conway State Forest, from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach, the Great Walk is a leisurely three-day hike through coastal rainforest. The Whitsundays themselves are visible from many points on the trail (including the summit of Mt Hayward), and there's always the chance of spotting an orange-footed scrub fowl or a wompoo fruit dove closer to hand. Shorter side walks can be attempted if time is pressing, but if you do…
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Proserpine River wetlands
A leisurely cruise through saltwater croc country mightn't be everyone's idea of relaxing holiday entertainment, but the Proserpine River wetlands are a unique and often breath-taking ecosystem.
While the Whitsunday islands and coast deservedly claim most people's attention, the littoral wetlands formed by the estuaries of the Proserpine River are also well worth a look. They are home to the feared saltwater crocodile, a living relic from the time of the dinosaurs that inhabits waterways across Southeast Asia and Australia's tropical north. Yes, 'salties' (which can grow beyond five metres and weigh over 750kg) can be extremely dangerous creatures, but companies such as …
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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 M…
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OnAqua Restaurant & Bar
By candlelight, murmurs of conversations resolve into a soothing chant as tastebuds tango at this small and intimate restaurant overlooking a sapphire-blue pool and the Coral Sea beyond. To describe the menu here as simply food is an injustice. This is gastro par excellence, a multidish journey through modern Australian cuisine. Service is efficiently attentive but non-obtrusive - just enough space between courses to pause for savouring and superlatives.
OnAqua oozes taste in more ways than one but is not pretentious.
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Bridge's Restaurant
This super-slick restaurant-bar inside the Ambassador Hotel has got soul. Not only is it quite comfortable (cosy booths and overstuffed couches), but it also showcases live jazz. The gourmet fusion menu includes fancy finger food like camembert-and-prosciutto–stuffed Moreton Bay bugs, juicy steaks and vegetarian options. The budget conscious should stop by at lunch. The same mains are served for about half the price and you can also order off the $7 home-style lunch menu (think meatloaf, corned beef and Indian chicken).
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Armada Lounge Bar
You can dine upstairs and outdoors under a rippling canopy at smooth and classy Armada, a big city lounge with loads of sophisticated drinks as well as sublime meals to wash them down. There is a sultry, stylish mix of Japanese and Balinese décor, and dim lighting sets a romantic vibe. Food is well presented and flavour packed, and the menu offers everything from kangaroo to barramundi to plenty of options for vegetarians.
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Artspace Mackay
Artspace Mackay upholds the strong reputation of regional Queensland art galleries, showcasing local and visiting works on the edge of the civic precinct. You can dabble in a workshop or graze at Foodspace, the in-house licensed cafe open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Friday, from 9am on weekends. Information on the Mackay Self-Drive Art Gallery, Pottery & Craft Tour is available.
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Deja Vu
Rated as one of Airlie's best, this Polynesian-themed restaurant concocts contemporary dishes with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Be sure to while away a few hours at the famous long Sunday lunch (eight courses for $40 per person).
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Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise
by Viator
The only way to experience one of the world's best beaches and the Whitsundays largest resort island is in style and comfort aboard a large, high-speed and air-…
Not LP reviewed
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Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach Sailing Adventure
by Viator
Sail through the Whitsunday Islands and explore magnificent Whitehaven Beach, voted one of the world's best beaches on this full-day sailing adventure from Airl…Not LP reviewed
from USD$170.77 -
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Shipwrecked
An exceptional wine list accompanies the best seafood menu in town. The barramundi and coral trout are always safe bets, but you’re on holidays, for crying out loud, so try the sweet and sultry Penang seafood curry or the Shipwrecked Platter ($135 at last count), which will easily please three fussy pescatarians.
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Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld
by Viator
Do you want to experience a close encounter with the famous Great Barrier Reef? This is it - take this day cruise out to Hardy Reef, where you moor up next to t…Not LP reviewed
from USD$207.85 -
Whitsunday Islands Great Barrier Reef Cruise to Knuckle Reef Pontoon
by Viator
Cruise onboard 'Seaflight' a state-of-the-art wave piercing catamaran through the Whitsunday Islands to Knuckle Reef Pontoon located on the outer Great Barrier …Not LP reviewed
from USD$204.92 -
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Capers
This casual, though classy restaurant gets a huge rap from locals and tourists alike. Lots of fresh seafood along with steaks, fine cheeses and a mouth-watering array of desserts complement a good wine list and a prime people-watching locale. Grab a plump couch and get stuck right in.
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Wilkie’s Tavern
Dark red walls and a breezy balcony – Wilkie’s is a little classier than most in Mackay, although it can sound like an aviary up here with all the parrots chirping from nearby trees. A small but solid menu offers fresh fish, oysters and meats as well as a large selection of starters.
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Angelo's on the Marina
A large, lively restaurant in a delightful marina setting, with an extensive range of pasta and a mouth-watering Mediterranean menu. It's located 6.5km northeast of the centre. (Take the Forgan Bridge.)
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Whitehaven Beach Champagne Picnic Tour by Helicopter
by Viator
Is a romantic getaway on the cards? Be whisked away by helicopter to Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island. Whitehaven Beach is famous for its white silica san…
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from USD$389.34 -
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Fish D'vine
Of course, rum and fish – what a perfect combination! But somehow this quirky concept has taken off like a storm. Seafood dishes will keep you happy, and the selection of over 100 different rums is bound to unleash your inner pirate.
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Village Cafe
Always busy with hung-over backpackers, and those after good coffee, this popular cafe has breakfasts that are just the tonic to get the day started. For lunch or dinner be sure to order a 'hot rock' ($26 to $34) and watch your protein of choice cook to perfection on a volcanic rock that's been heated for 12 hours.
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Whitsunday Sailing Club
The sailing-club terrace (don't sit inside) is a great place for a meal and a drink and wonderful ocean views. Choose from the usual steak and schnitzel culprits.
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Mackay Townhouse Motel
Art deco enthusiasts will love Mackay’s CBD. Most of the facades are at their finest on the second storey. Noteworthy examples include the Mackay Townhouse Motel, the Australian Hotel and the Ambassador Hotel.
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