Everybody knows the Whitsundays – that chain of submerged mountains floating in a silky aqua sea, protected by our very own natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef. This is a place so rich in natural beauty that local and international visitors flock to the area year-round to enjoy the amazing scenery from land, sea, air and underwater, and to experience a range of activities (or opportunities to lounge around) diverse enough to tempt just about everyone. Facilities at Airlie Beach and at the island resorts have been upgraded and expanded over the years, and now, whatever your preference in leisure activities, types of accommodation, dining and wining options – or even how to get there – the Whitsundays has got you covered.

Airlie Beach, where much of the on-shore accommodation is based, is a thriving little town, full of charm and interest. From backbacker accommodation to luxurious hilltop villas and units or a fabulous absolute oceanfront resort, Airlie is a wonderful holiday venue in its own right, as well as being an ideal spot from which to explore the islands and surrounding areas. Airlie Local Tours, as the name suggests, offers an insight into the area that only a long time resident can give, with trips to see local birds and butterflies, rainforest and waterfalls, secluded beaches and lovely old pubs. And if observing the local wildlife is on your "must do" list, Proserpine River Eco Tours can show you the home of the saltwater crocodile and other inhabitants of the mangroves, as well as those of the neighbouring wetlands. Feel the need for speed? Whitsunday Quad Bike Bush Adventures will take you on a voyage of discovery through the Australian bush, from forested mountains through lowlands, farmland and gullies to a splendid lookout over the majestic Whitsundays.

Sailing trips are readily available, and you can skim through the islands on a bareboat charter – a wonderful way to see the islands and sea life. Hire a skipper or book yourself on a yacht which is fully crewed and catered. These trips usually include opportunities to swim, sunbake and snorkel at uninhabited beaches or on tiny islands, plus the pleasure of flying through that crystal clear aqua water. This is the quiet and leisurely way to get around the Whitsundays by water ... just imagine that wonderful feeling of salt on ever-so-slightly sun kissed skin.

Whitehaven Beach, where the sand is in fact pure white silica, must be one of the most photographed places on earth. It is totally pristine; no development of any kind disturbs its natural beauty. Lapped by clear limpid waters, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a view of the Whitsundays as they have been since time immemorial.

Most of the resorts run trips to Whitehaven, but for something really special, book a flight with Heli Reef to fly you and your partner there by helicopter. Not only will you experience the absolute thrill (not to mention adrenalin rush!) of flying between the islands of the Whitsunday group, looking down to see turtles flipping through the water, and getting a bird’s eye view of one of the loveliest spots on earth, but your pilot will land you on Whitehaven beach, and for the next hour and a half, as you enjoy champagne and fruit, you’ll explore this wonderful spot. Heli Reef also runs seaplane flights over the Whitsundays, and to the outer reef. Our flight to Whitehaven was one of the stand out experiences of our time there, and when (you will note that’s when and not if!) we return to the Whitsundays, I will definitely do it again ... and again!

And while flying over the Whitsundays is a fabulous way to get an overview of this area and an understanding of the original geography, it’s underneath the water that another layer of beauty is revealed. No trip to the Whitsundays can be complete without a trip to the reef. No matter what your level of fitness or proficiency in the water, there is a way for everyone to experience the wonders of this magical underwater world ... and if you don’t want to, you don’t even have to get wet!
Anchored at Hardy Reef, the Reefworld pontoon is the perfect place from which to explore this magical natural wonder. Transfers out to the pontoon are with Fantasea Cruises, and their high speed catamarans provide a quick, smooth ride to the reef where options galore await. For non swimmers, the underwater viewing chamber and semi-submersible coral viewing boat provide an opportunity to see the diverse marine life of the reef, while open sun decks and extensive shaded areas are available to enjoy the buffet lunch and watch the activities in the water.

Whether you stay at Airlie Beach or at one of the island resorts is an entirely personal choice, and either option is highly attractive in terms of the facilities on offer. But if you’re holidaying as a couple and enjoying all the activities, don’t forget to leave plenty of time for relaxing and spending time together as well!

The island resorts dot the Whitsunday group, providing holiday-makers with the opportunity to soak up the sun, savour the natural beauty and enjoy all that is on offer. Each of the resorts has its own identity in terms of focus – it’s just a matter of deciding what sort of holiday you want, and what your budget will allow.

Hayman is recognised worldwide as a true five star resort in terms of the accommodation on offer, the cuisine, the amenities and the level of service provided, not to mention the magnificent tropical gardens, the superb water features and the dedication to guests’ enjoyment. Hamilton Island is a totally different proposition, offering a range of accommodation options, and an amazing array of activities, eating venues, pools and shopping temptations. The recently refurbished Daydream Island Resort & Spa is smaller and more intimate, and now boasts a state of the art Rejuvenation Spa where you can enjoy a variety of massages, facials and hydrotherapy treatments – but don’t get so relaxed that you can’t enjoy the resort’s many facilities! South Molle is very laid-back, and boasts a nine hole golf course and some wonderful walking tracks as well as an absolutely gorgeous beach; while Peppers Palm Bay Hideaway is small and secluded – there are no vehicles, televisions or mobile phones, but trust me, you won’t even miss them when you see the hammocks slung on each balcony! All accommodation is free-standing bures with a large balcony and everybody has a view over the bay and across to the mainland. Here the emphasis is on quality – in the amenities, in the food and in the ambience of perfect peace.

From the resorts you can arrange trips to the reef, or to Whitehaven Beach, go deep sea fishing, or just feed the fish closer to home, go snorkelling or ocean rafting or check out the other resorts on a day trip.

But at the end of the day, you will be in the Whitsundays for a holiday – and while all the activities are exciting and exhilarating, you’ll also need time to absorb and assimilate the relaxed atmosphere which pervades the Whitsundays, and which is so much a part of its charm. During the day, walk the bush tracks to take in the wonderful views over the islands and truly enjoy the changing colours of the ocean, from a glorious aqua to the deepest silky blue. Watch the sunsets, and then keep watching as the stars and the moon appear – the sky is so velvety and black away from big city lights that it positively glows and shimmers as the Milky Way emerges as a glittering band across the sky.

These dark, warm tropical nights are a wonderful contrast to the brightness and vivid colours of the days. And whether you’ve spent that day lying in the sun with cool drink at hand or out on the reef swimming in the crystal clear waters, at the end of the day, the warm evening breezes will caress and refresh not only your body, but your soul as well.

Article by Holidays For Couples