Port
Whitsundays, Australia
Located in the heart of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is the Whitsundays, a collection of 74 island paradises which the Clipper Race fleet was lucky enough to call home in January 2018.
And whilst the fleet is berthed at Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach, the region will come alive with the inaugural Whitsundays Clipper Race Carnival.
The Whitsundays, on the beautiful tropical coast of Queensland, Australia, is made up of 74 Island Wonders. Located right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays will be the second and final stop in Australia.
A visit to the Whitsundays is a feast for the senses, from the azure blue waters to the stunning natural landscapes of coast and islands, dotted with secluded beaches. It’s also the place to see iconic places such as Heart Reef and one of the world’s most unspoiled beaches, Whitehaven. Whitehaven Beach is made up of 98% pure silica sand and is an easy day trip from Airlie Beach.
The Whitsundays is increasingly being recognised as a world class sailing destination. As well as having superb sailing conditions, the region also boasts world class facilities, including the Five Gold Anchor Global Accredited and award winning Abell Point Marina (soon to be rebranded as Coral Sea Marina|Resort). The Clipper Race fleet will once again be berthed at this award winning marina.
The natural beauty and diverse marine wildlife, including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and dugongs, means visitors to the Whitsundays are encouraged to follow strong environmental practices, including recycling and saying no single use plastic. The aim is to leave nothing but footprints in the pure white sand.
The islands stretch from vibrant cosmopolitan Airlie Beach to the secluded bays of Bowen in the north, and west through the canefields of country town Proserpine. Along with the rolling hills of historical Collinsville, the Whitsunday Coast and Hinterland is both incredibly diverse and stunningly picturesque.
The fresh food is a reason to visit in itself. The Whitsundays is well known for its delicious mangoes, vegetables, sugar cane, and fresh seafood, including prawns, crabs and fish. The many restaurants of Airlie Beach are the best place to sample this delicious local produce, as well as take in the town’s famed nightlife.
The Whitsundays is easily accessed through two airports, Whitsunday Coast Airport and Hamilton Island Airport.
Top five experiences in the Whitsundays:
1.Visit the Great Barrier Reef
2.Sail around 74 islands
3.Explore Whitehaven Beach
4.Walk up Hill Inlet lookout
5.Explore the Whitsunday Region and mainland