The Best of The Whitsundays

Insta-moment: Head up to Flagstaff Hill for absolutely spectacular views of Cape Edgecumbe Bay, the North Island Lighthouse and Whitsunday Islands. Then turn around in the opposite direction and the whole of Bowen and its surrounds are spread out before you, as far as the eye can see. This is one spot you won’t want to be without a camera!

Dinner: By now you will have worked up an appetite so why not head to the marina where there is an array of delicious seafood on offer. Eat your fish and chip supper while looking out at the tinkling boats moored up for the evening. If you are not a seafood lover and feel like a pub meal, why not head to the Grand View Hotel. This legendary pub had a starring role in Baz Luhrmann’s film, ‘Australia’.

There is a great range of accommodations available in Bowen, from comfortable resort accommodations with brilliant views, self-contained apartments, well-priced motels, and more.

Want to know more about where to stay in Bowen? Click here.

Breakfast: Start the morning off with the most important meal of the day. A scrumptious breakfast at one of the many cafés in the area will satisfy the appetite while you soak up the great surrounding ambience. Make sure you stop by The Big Mango for an iconic photo op and stock up on mango sorbet.

It’s time to hit the road and make your way to Collinsville, the Heart of the Outback! Situated at the foothills of the Clarke Range, the historic mining town of Collinsville is about a 45-minute drive inland from Bowen through fields of colourful fruit and vegetables and cattle stations. It is a small outback town that makes up for its size with its huge country welcome!

Bowen River Hotel to Pit Pony Experience

Installed in 2015 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the last working pit ponies in Australia, this project is centred around a life-size bronze sculpture. Grab a pic with the Pit Pony statue before visiting locals favourite the Pit Pony Tavern for a refreshing drink and more incredible local history, you will be made to feel at home by the Pit Pony Crew.

Coalface Museum to Opal Ridge Motel

Country hospitality is the key here, be sure to check out Opal Ridge Motel, a contemporary country style motel with a touch of class! This family-run business has a great lounge and bistro on-site. Rest up from the road, tomorrow we recommend an early start as you journey to Proserpine, the Heart of Country Hospitality.

Want more to explore in Collinsville? Click here for more info.

Proserpine Main Street

The main street’s well preserved ‘art deco’ shop architecture is a reminder of how life used to be. Old-fashioned courtesies thrive in Proserpine, particularly at the local shops and country-style hotels. Colour Me Crazy is an Aladdin’s cave of jewels, clothing, homewares, garden art and lots, lots more from all parts of the world and is just one of the many amazing stores you will find tucked away in the nooks and crannies off the Proserpine Main Street. With an eclectic variety of shops, every visitor will find a store to get lost in as well as a myriad of dining choices. You will find an excellent counter lunch at any of the quaint-country pubs along the main street, be sure to have a yarn with the friendly locals.

Lake Proserpine to Proserpine Tourist Park

Next up we recommend you spend the night at the Proserpine Tourist Park. Situated off the Main Street of Proserpine, it is in a quiet location with both powered sites and cabin accommodation. The park is right next door to the local swimming pool and waterpark which both have free entry! And only a few steps away is the Proserpine Bowls Club AND Proserpine Golf Club.

Proserpine captured your heart? Click here for more info.

Cedar Creek Falls

Today we start our journey in the Whitsunday Coast hinterland, home to waterfalls and hidden beaches. Walk along Conway Road then along Saltwater Creek Road towards Cedar Creek Falls, where, in the wet season you’ll experience the tropical waterfall luckily though, whatever the season, there’s a year-round natural swimming pool at the base of the falls. There are walking tracks that lead you to the top of the waterfall, where you will find lots of smaller waterfalls and rock pools looking out over the Conway National Park. Once you’ve cooled off, jump in the car, it’s time to head to one of the local’s favourite spots.

Airlie Beach

Soak up the sun and enjoy a swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a massive swimming pool bordered by sandy beach areas and grassy knolls, located within close distance to the main street. It is the perfect place to kick off your tropical adventure on the mainland, and the free public lagoon and surrounding parkland area also feature a children’s splash pool and playground equipment, providing the perfect location for families. There are also several barbeque facilities situated throughout the lagoon’s parklands.

Just a short stroll from the lagoon, on the Airlie Beach foreshore, you will find further barbeque facilities and a gigantic children’s playground standing 10.5m high.

Meander along the Bicentennial Boardwalk taking in the magnificent views across the Coral Sea. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared with fresh local ingredients at one of the many restaurants that line the main street. If you like your evening with a little action; party the night away at bustling bars and pubs of Airlie Beach. The nightlife, great weather, stunning vistas, and friendly locals are some of the reasons people love visiting this town.

Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef – Available to resort guests and home to the iconic Living Reef centrepiece and an underwater observatory, Daydream Island is great for families, couples and friends all looking for the perfect island getaway.

Elysian Retreat Long Island – A blissful escape from the crowds on the southern point of Long Island. A boutique island retreat with a small team of dedicated staff, including a private chef, that caters to a maximum of 20 guests.

Palm Bay Resort Long Island – Offers a unique holiday experience combining gorgeous Balinese style accommodation dwellings with the convenience and affordability of self-catering. The resort also offers kayaking, fishing, tours and water sports.

Whitsunday Apartments Hamilton Island – 4 Star rated and located on the resort side of Hamilton Island overlooking the golden sands of Catseye Beach. All apartments are recently refurbished and feature a spacious lounge and dining area, full kitchen facilities, large private balcony, and offer stunning views over the ocean or the tropical gardens.

From catamarans where you can enjoy a romantic rendezvous, tall ship adventures that are perfect for the whole family and maxi racing yachts which are all about fun, adventure and making new friends there is an overnight sailing experience for everyone. Best of all you can experience the Wonders of The Whitsundays when everyone else has gone home for the day. Imagine an entire beach with just you and your newfound mates!

Sink your toes into the pristine silica sand of world-famous Whitehaven Beach which stretch over seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsunday group. It defines nature at its best, it’s no surprise it often tops the best beaches list the world over, experiencing Whitehaven Beach provides an amazing sense of relaxation and escape.

Not to be missed is the beauty of the Hill Inlet which must be seen to be believed. As the tide shifts, the silica white sand of Whitehaven Beach combined with the blue-green hues of the inlet blend seamlessly to create a swirling fusion of turquoise colours. Hill Inlet is best viewed from up high, whether it be from the lookout at Tongue Point or on a scenic flight.