Destinations Australia And New Zealand
Lauren Richards
For some of us, there are few things better than breathing in the salty ocean air and feeling the waves gently roll over us. We can easily admire the ocean shimmering in the sun and stretching out to meet the horizon. The scene is serene, and pausing to take in the surroundings can lead us to feel calmer, grounded, and more connected with nature as a whole.
The Whitsunday Islands in Australia, located off the coast of Queensland, are the perfect place to take that pause. You can spend your days sunbathing on the shore, jet skiing out in the water, or participating in just about any water activity you can imagine — the options feel limitless. If you go, we highly recommend you take advantage of the islands’ neighbor, the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling in these waters reveals extravagant sights as you witness the life teeming about and within the Great Barrier Reef.
Diving into fun
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74 individual islands comprise the entirety of the Whitsunday Islands. Meanwhile, the nearby Great Barrier Reef consists of 2,500 individual reefs and stretches out for over 1,400 miles. Both are spectacular in beauty and worth visiting.
Once you figure out the best time of year for your visit, you can venture out to the Great Barrier Reef by air or sea with a boat or plane ride. If you go by sea, you can snorkel or dive. This incredible experience enables you to get up close to the more than 1,500 fish species, colorful reefs, and other aquatic life harbored in the world’s largest coral reef system. You can find snorkeling and scuba diving tours that last anywhere from 30 minutes to a full day. Choose what’s best for you based on price range, experience levels, and intrigue.
Snorkeling and diving aren’t your only water activities when you’re on Whitsunday Islands. You can go sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, skydiving, boating, and more.
Customize your trip
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If you’re interested in history and culture in addition to water and beach activities, or if you want to add an educational element to your trip, sign up for the Ngaro Indigenous Cultural Tour. This tour, according to Whitsunday Paradise Explorer, takes you to see cave paintings, teaches you how to throw a fishing spear, highlights the spectacular flora and fauna, and more, all while sharing about the Ngaro people who’ve been in the region for about 9,000 years.
As for lodging, you can make do whether traveling on a budget or looking to splurge on luxury. Accommodations range from bustling hostels to luxurious resorts. You even have the option of camping on the Whitsunday Islands.
So next time you’re looking to delve into nature or simply relax at a beach, consider heading to an Instaworthy place in Australia for a getaway: the Whitsunday Islands. Relax on the beach or explore the Great Barrier Reef; whatever you do, you’ll be in a small slice of paradise.
