Whitsunday Islands, QLD
Caravan World contributors Tony and Denyse Allsop live in Mackay, which is only a short drive from Whitsundays and Airlie Beach, but their travels around Australia always take them further from home. Watch our Whitsunday Islands video to find out what happened when they went island hopping around Queensland’s central coast.
Whitsunday Islands highlights
- World class scenery
- Three Island Cruise
- Live coral
- National parks walks
Whitsunday Islands accommodation
The Flametree Tourist Village is a member of the Top Tourist Parks group. It is located through Airlie Beach on Shute Harbour Road and is the closest park to Shute Harbour, the departure point for several island cruises.
As well as being pet-friendly, the staff will mind your pet and take it for a walk while you take a boat cruise. This is a great plus for those with a dog. The park is a haven for wildlife, including families of curlews who come to visit with their new born chicks.
Book accommodation at the Flametree Tourist Park.
Book accommodation in Airlie Beach.
Whitsunday Islands cruise
The three island cruise, operated by Reef Star Cruises, is popular with caravanners and it includes visits to Hook Island, Whitehaven Beach and Daydream Island. Lyn and Ross Courtney own the vessels and Ross has worked with Queensland National Parks in the area for 27 years, so he is a wealth of knowledge.
After anchoring at the old Hook Island Resort (now closed), you can board a glass-sided semi-submersible submarine for coral viewing.
The cruise then heads south to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. This is on most people's bucket list. The sand is dazzling white: almost pure silicon. The sea is turquoise going into dark blue and the beach is around 7km-long.
The final stop is Daydream Island where highlights include the saltwater 'living reef' lagoon containing large rays, sharks, reef fish and star fish.
Check out the full travel feature in issue #527 of Caravan World magazine, out now. Why not subscribe today for all the latest caravan news, reviews and travel inspiration.
