If you love tropical beaches and hiking through pristine rainforest be sure to visit the Whitsundays. It's not even half a day's drive south from Cairns and about 10-12 hours by car from Brisbane. You will not be sorry you took the time to delve deeper into this area. The north Queensland coastal areas of Australia have so much to offer the first time visitor that, if you are ever in the area, you should do yourself a favour and visit some of the local landmarks.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a vibrant seaside town which is considered to be the gateway to the Whitsundays. It is popular with international travelers and locals alike. Airlie Beach makes for an ideal base camp for exploring the Whitsundays Islands.

Airlie Beach's camping and caravan parks are conveniently located close to town amenities. Saturday morning markets on the foreshore offer a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, local arts and crafts and more.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands within a small region of the central Queensland coast. The diversity of the region means you are bound to find something to suit your taste and budget. Many of the islands are accessible to day trippers and many are geared towards family entertainment with dedicated kids' clubs offering a range of safe and fun organised activities and equipment. If you are planning a family campervan rental holiday you will have peace of mind. The Whitsundays also has some of the best fishing in Queensland . Numerous charter vessels operate in and around the area offering a variety of trips chasing, tuna, mackerel and coral trout.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is made up of more than 2,800 coral reefs and boasts a diverse range of colourful marine life providing some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. Stretching more than 2,300km along the coast the reef is the largest natural feature on earth and can be seen from outer space. Whether from above or below the water there are many ways to experience this magic of the reef. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's seven natural wonders and can be accessed by a short boat ride from the mainland.

Bowen

Bowen is just 40 minutes drive north from Airlie Beach. It's a picture perfect seaside town that is home to eight sandy beaches. There is much to do and see including great reef, beach and estuary fishing. The region averages at least 8 hours of sun all throughout the year leading them to the claim to have Australia's best climate.

Proserpine

Proserpine is the administrative heart of the Whitsundays area. Driving through town you will notice how green and lush the area appears. It has long been considered one of the most lush and fertile regions in this stretch of coast. For more than 200 years sugar cane and cattle farmers have been the dominant economic force in the region. From late June onwards, it is said that the glow of sugar cane fires make for a vibrant sky show.

Heading north-west from Proserpine on Crystalbrook Road you will find the Peter Faust Dam (or Lake Proserpine). The dam is stocked with a variety of fish species including barramundi and sleepy cod and anglers from far and wide descend on the dam to pit their wits against these freshwater game fish. There are also shaded picnic sites, barbecues, toilet facilities, swimming and water-skiing areas.

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