Airlie- A Backpacking Mecca

Sailing to deserted tropical islands or diving on the Great Barrier Reef are only two fantastic activities among many available in the Whitsunday Islands on the North Queensland coast, Australia.

The Whitsundays, made up of 74 islands, is a holiday area geared to the budget traveller with an energetic mix of land and water attractions and nightlife.

The mainland town of Airlie Beach is the perfect starting point, easily accessible by all major coach companies, two major airports at Proserpine and Hamilton Island and train to Proserpine.

Many backpacker accommodation houses offer free courtesy pick-up when your coach arrives in Airlie’s Shute Harbour Road.

This 400m stretch of street is the heart of the action, offering accommodation, cheap places to eat as well as top restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and tour booking agents.

There is also a post office, banks, plenty of public phones, medical services and many shops offering everything from t-shirts to artwork created by local residents.

A visit to the craft and produce market on the Airlie waterfront, behind Shute Harbour Road, is a must each Saturday morning.

Airlie Beach offers an action-packed range of activities, including bungy jumping, tandem sky-diving, parasailing, a wildlife park, rainforest tours, jet-skiing, joy flights and more.

Nearby Abel Point Marina and Shute Harbour, 10km away, are the jump-off points to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef and both ports are easily accessible by courtesy bus or regular coach services.

A top way to see the pristine islands and reefs is by overnight sailing cruises ranging from two to five nights.

As you sail among deserted islands, beaches and reefs, travellers can dive and snorkel among colourful fish and coral, bushwalk through tropical forest and sunbake on deserted beaches while the boat’s crew pampers you.

There are a wide range of one-day trips to the reef and the world famous island resorts - such as Hamilton, Daydream and Hook - with some cruises taking in more than one resort during the day.

Hook Island Resort, situated in a sandy cove overlooking mountainous Whitsunday Island, is particularly geared to the budget traveller.

Many cruises stop at Whitehaven Beach, a spectacular 5km stretch of pure white sand and crystal blue water.

Some cruises are aimed at certified divers while many places offer diving courses ranging from beginner to advanced.

While cruising during July to September, you might spot a Humpback whale as these gentle giants migrate to the Whitsundays from Antarctica to breed.

There are special cruises dedicated to whale watching during these months.

The Whitsundays is an area that offers energy and excitement where nature’s beauty abounds.