The Whitsundays located in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, conjures up different images for different people. Some people think of the vast expanse of blue that is the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, while others think about the lush, green hinterland, the inland waterfalls and the walking tracks criss-crossing the pristine National Parks, some of the most spectacular views in The Whitsundays best seen by lacing up your walking shoes and hitting the trail.

There is something for everyone in The Whitsundays! The region boasts home to the iconic Heart Reef, and of course the world-famous Whitehaven Beach — one of the most celebrated beaches on the planet — and Hill Inlet, where the swirling patterns formed by the sea and sand take your breath away.

The vibrant resort town of Airlie Beach is the stepping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. The main street is lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as colourful shops offering everything from souvenirs and postcards to clothing, jewellery and artworks. Airlie Beach’s food scene continues to evolve into a sophisticated dining experience with an array of delicious dining options available.

The Whitsundays is the Heart of Island Escapes, island lovers will be spoilt for choice, with seven island resorts on five Whitsunday Islands. Whilst the majority of the Whitsunday Islands are uninhabited national park islands, five islands offer a variety of resort accommodation, all with the Great Barrier Reef and fringing coral reefs at their doorstep. Whether it be family-friendly, all-inclusive, activity-based, food and wine-focused or pure luxury — there is a Whitsundays resort experience to suit everyone. Home to the renowned island resorts of Hamilton Island, Camp Island, Palm Bay, And the newly opened and refurbished resorts of InterContinental Hayman Island, Daydream Island Resort and Elysian Retreat.

Another exciting addition has been the installation of underwater sculptures, a first for the Great Barrier Reef, sees sculptures placed in their new homes available for tourists to view at some of the most iconic reefs and bays throughout The Whitsundays.

The Whitsundays region has a number of brand-new walks, the newest located at the south end of iconic Whitehaven Beach, for those keen for a new view of one of the world’s most famous beaches.

Whitsunday Region is also home to picturesque hinterland country towns and farms that produce sugar cane, fruit and vegetables, and cattle.

The Heritage Heart of The Whitsundays, Proserpine; just a stroll down the main street will have any art deco enthusiast enthralled.

Proserpine was established in the 1870s on the back of a thriving sugarcane industry, which is still very much a part of everyday life for most people in Proserpine, with the mill working around the clock in the crushing season to process the cane. The town lies along the banks of the Proserpine River, affording fantastic fishing, Lake Proserpine about a 20min drive out of town, great for a sunset BBQ, camping and one of Queensland’s premier barramundi impoundments.

Bowen the northern jewel of The Whitsundays, just a 45min drive from Airlie Beach, grows most of the country’s winter tomato supply, as well as capsicum, beans, corn, pumpkin, melons and mangoes. Be sure to stop at The Big Mango on the Bruce Highway as you enter Bowen and enjoy a frozen mango sorbet year-round as you plan your trip. Bowen is also known for its great snorkelling right off the beach — Horseshoe Bay is a local favourite spot.

About one-and-a-half hours’ drive inland from Bowen is Collinsville, a small country town known for its historic mining attractions and traditional Queensland hospitality. One of the main highlights is a visit to the Coalface Experience Museum, which celebrates the lives of the mining families who have lived and worked in Collinsville. There’s also a small air strip for recreational planes, a large dam for fishing and excellent outback four-wheel driving.

The secluded beach townships of Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach, just a short drive north from Airlie Beach, are perfect for those seeking rest and relaxation on long, sandy beaches. Do some beachcombing or explore the calm bays in a kayak or on a stand-up paddle board.

The opportunities are endless for a truly memorable visit to The Whitsundays, the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.