http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/3385_whitsunday-coast-australia.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:49:23 GMT Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:49:23 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/3385_whitsunday-coast-australia.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1197880_Luxury-Waterfront-Holidays-Hamilton-Island http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1197880_Luxury-Waterfront-Holidays-Hamilton-Island Vacation Rentals Australia Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:10:03 Waterfront villas offering unsurpassed luxury. Spacious apartments offering uncompromising style. Golf buggy, champagne and return transfers from airport/ferry!! - A$ 345 Per Night
Waterfront villas offering unsurpassed luxury. Spacious apartments offering uncompromising style. Golf buggy, champagne and return transfers from airport/ferry!!


900 kilometres (560 miles) north of Brisbane, in the heart of Queensland's popular Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is one of the more accessible, stunning resort islands on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

With an area of five amazing square kilometres, Hamilton Island lies close to the southeastern tip of Whitsunday Island, the largest island (109 square kilometres) in the Whitsunday group, North Queensland.

It is the only Queensland island with a modern jet airport, which allows you to fly directly to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns and Townsville in Queensland, and from Melbourne, Sydney, and Uluru in the Northern Territory.

Unlike Green Island and Heron Island, which are cays, the Whitsunday Islands are mostly continental islands and are the tips of underwater mountains. Many of these islands, like Hamilton Island, have fringing coral reefs and are considered part of the Great Barrier Reef.

If travelling by land on the Queensland coast, a fast ferry to Hamilton Island is available from Airlie Beach, south of the town of Bowen.

Or of course you can sail your own boat to Hamilton Island and park it right outside your villa!

Details & Reservations: Luxury Waterfront Holidays Hamilton Island
RealAdventures | Australia Vacation Rentals

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184120_The-Magical-Whitsundays http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184120_The-Magical-Whitsundays Articles Australia Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:08:43 Named by Captain James Cook in recognition of a religious festival, there does indeed seem to be something spiritual about the Whitsunday Islands. The peaks of mountains drowned by the rising ocean in ages gone by, the 74 islands lie off the Qld coas -
Named by Captain James Cook in recognition of a religious festival, there does indeed seem to be something spiritual about the Whitsunday Islands. The peaks of mountains drowned by the rising ocean in ages gone by, the 74 islands lie off the Qld coas


Named by Captain James Cook in recognition of a religious festival, there does indeed seem to be something spiritual about the Whitsunday Islands. The peaks of mountains drowned by the rising ocean in ages gone by, the 74 islands lie off the Queensland Coast like jewels in an azure blue crown, attracting holiday makers from all over the globe keen to tantalise their senses with the magic of the Whitsundays. Coated in thick forest and bordered by pristine white beaches, most of the islands are remote and untouched, falling under the protective auspices of the National Parks. A number of them have been turned into resort islands, where most of the tourists congregate. The remoter areas and the large tracts of sea seperating the islands can be explored on sailing charters, one of the most popular forms of recreational pursuit in the Whitsundays.

Nothing beats cruising serenely over the water, in complete silence except for the sails flapping in the wind, gazing out at the various islands that float past. Sailing trips in the Whitsundays take on many forms and go for different lengths. There are ones which specifically involve passengers and teach them the basics of sailing, and there are others where you just relax and enjoy the scenery. Some go for a few days, and involve camping excursions, on others you just go out for a single day. One of the most common destinations is the glorious Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island. This beach is so dazzlingly bright it is rumoured it can be seen from space so dont forget your sunnies! The added bonus of visiting here is that Hill Inlet lies at the northern end of the beach, where white sands and blue waters seamlessly blend together to create a beautiful sight.

The major resort islands are connected by a network of ferries that leave from Shute Harbour. Shute Harbour is about ten kilometres out of Airlie Beach, the small coastal town seen as the gateway to the Whitsundays. An abundance of backpacker lodges and bars have made Airlie very much a party town, so it is often with relief that people escape to the quiet of the islands. The largest resort island is Hamilton Island, which is practically a miniature town in its own right. With its own airport, ten restaurants, six take away outlets and a growing number of lodges and resorts, this is a holiday destination with a completely different feel to anything on the mainland. There is an unlimited amount of activities to pursue including hiking in the forested hills, waterskiing, windsurfing, kayaking or just enjoying some r and r at the resort pools.

The most luxurious of the islands is undoubtedly Hayman Island, a place where guests enter a world of complete pampering. This is one of the leading resort islands in the world, and no expense has been spared in turning it into a holiday experience like no other. Even the pool is colossal, measuring in at seven times the size of an Olympic Pool. But luxury like this comes at a price, and at the five star Hayman Island, that price is high.

Another popular island, especially amongst families, is Daydream. Although one of the smaller islands, there is lots going on here and at the Island Resort the emphasis is on family fun. There is an outdoor cinema showing the latest movies, a 19 hole mini golf course and a living coral reef in an outdoor aquarium. As this is Daydream Island Resort and Spa, there are all the spa facilities here too, so enjoy a massage, a sauna or a luxurious jacuzzi. And of course there is the innate beauty of the island to enjoy too, with secluded beaches and lush rainforest all within easy access of the comfortable hotel rooms.

Another island that is big on activities is Lindemann Island. Owned by Club Med, this is the perfect place to get away from it all and enter a world of hasslefree escapism. With the full range of club med activities free to guests, this is the kind of island you arrive at and never want to leave. There is a kids club that caters to the under 13 year olds, so while you pass the morning with a round of golf on the nine hole course the kids are well looked after. Theres even a flying trapeze and a circus school here! Its a bushwalkers paradise too, with over 19 kilometres of well maintained pathways through thick bushland and up high hills. Mt Oldfield offers spectacular views from its peak, which stands at 212 metres above sea level.

The Whitsundays are an aquatic playground, and a must on any visit to Australia. Airlie Beach is 1114 kilometres north of Brisbane, so the most comfortable way to get there from the Queensland capital is by flight. Pick up a rental car from Airlie or Proserpine and explore the Queensland coast a bit before heading out to the islands... you wont regret it.


Details & Reservations: The Magical Whitsundays
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156752_Bowen-Gem-of-the-Coral-Coast http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156752_Bowen-Gem-of-the-Coral-Coast Articles Australia Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:04:19 The town of Bowen is situated on the Queensland coast in the northern parts of the Whitsunday region. As a tourist destination it's often overlooked in favour of its southerly neighbour, Airlie Beach, which is about a 45 minute drive down the coast. -
The town of Bowen is situated on the Queensland coast in the northern parts of the Whitsunday region. As a tourist destination it's often overlooked in favour of its southerly neighbour, Airlie Beach, which is about a 45 minute drive down the coast.


The town of Bowen is situated on the Queensland coast in the northern parts of the Whitsunday region. As a tourist destination it's often overlooked in favour of its southerly neighbour, Airlie Beach, which is about a 45 minute drive down the coast. However, visitors to the region are realising the benefits of basing themselves in Bowen for their holiday to the Whitsundays, and it's slowly establishing itself on the Australian tourist map. Established it deserves to be, for this delightful old town seems to have resisted keeping up with the times, opting instead to retain a sense of oldworld charm characterised by a very easygoing and laid back atmosphere. For a holiday in which you cannot help but forget all the problems and hassles of life you simply have to head to Bowen!

With many of the 74 islands of the Whitsunday group easily accessible from Bowen, a lot of recreational pursuits are centred around those. Tours to the islands (which include Gloucester, Poole and Holbourne) are available, and an especially popular option is to go sailing through the still azure waters between the islands. Needless to say the snorkelling and scuba diving here is second to none, and the sheltered reefs around the islands are the perfect starting point for beginners and children to first get accustomed to the delights of the underwater world. You can spot up to 86 different species of marine animal swimming amongst the brightly coloured coral, from colourful tropical fish to large wrasse to everything weird and wonderful inbetween!

Whilst the Whitsundays are a definite selling point for Bowen, for many the true attraction of the town are the beautiful beaches and secluded bays dotted up and down its own coastline. The seven award winning beaches near to the town are amongst some of the best in Queensland, and have something for everyone, from adventure seekers to sun bakers. Front Beach is the easiest to access from the town, situated right at the end of the main street. Bordered by a green park where there are picnic and barbeque facilities, its a popular place for people to stop for a bite to eat and a refreshing swim.

But the real secluded gems lie slightly out of town, in the unspoiled bays a short drive north. Rose Bay is very popular because of the views it offers of the Whitsunday waterways and of Gloucester and Middle Island. Serviced by public amenities, families love it here because the gentle lie of the beach make it perfect for a bit of beach cricket or footy! Probably the best known beach in the region lies in Horseshoe Bay, a popular swimming spot which is lifeguard patrolled. Its white sands, deep blue waters and granite headlands demarcating its northerly and southerly points. Fishing is a common activity here, as it is over the whole region. There is the choice of fishing in rivers and creeks, off the shoreline, or in deeper waters in a chartered boat, and it is this diversity that keeps anglers interested and keeps them coming back for more.

Bowen is often lauded as the town where "the bush meets the beach", an apt description considering it has the feel of a country town that somehow found itself on the coast of Queensland! The bush does literally converge onto the shoreline here, and inland of Bowen there are some amazing walks that can be taken through the thick vegetation. The walk up to Flagstaff Hill lookout cannot be missed, because your efforts are well rewarded by panoramic views of Bowen, the coast and the countryside once you actually reach Flagstaff. Once up there you will see the massive mango tree plantations that surround the town, where the infamous 'Bowen Mango' is cultivated. Its essential you visit the 'Big Mango', a large colourful replica of a mango situated at the Visitor Information Centre on the highway just out of town. Its a great kodak opportunity!

There are plenty of places in which you can stay in Bowen, but none quite capture the laid back vibe and the friendly local atmosphere like the Castle Motor Lodge, located on Don Street in the centre of town. Airconditioned ground floor rooms are complemented by a swimming pool and spa, and a popular licensed restaurant. Add to this Austar in all the rooms, ample parking and friendly, helpful staff and you have the ultimate place to base yourself on your holiday to Bowen!

A fresh attraction in Bowen is the movie set of the new Baz Luhrmann epic, 'Australia'. Luhrmann chose Bowen as the set for the film because of its old world appeal and its typically Australian feel, and for a few weeks in 2007 the town was awash with Alist celebrities, film crews and of courses hordes of tourists trying to get in on the action. 'Bowenwood' became the talk of the country for a while, so be sure to pop in and experience the set for yourself!

With the Whitsundays on its doorstep, a shoreline of pristine beaches and bays and a lush hinterland, you would be hard pressed to think of a reason not to come to Bowen for your next holiday. Its a 200 kilometre drive south from Townsville into Bowen, or a 1160 kilometre drive north from Brisbane, so if you are driving those distances you need a reliable and comfortable car. Discovery Rentals will provide you with just that, so be sure to include us in your travel arrangements!
Details & Reservations: Bowen Gem of the Coral Coast
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1125626_Whitsundays-best-Sailing-Adventure http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1125626_Whitsundays-best-Sailing-Adventure Yacht Charters Australia Sat, 21 Oct 2006 00:10:00 Cruise and Dive the Whitsunday Islands on the fast new catamaran Powerplay. Explore the Whitsundays were lush rainforest meats crystal clear water of the Great Barrier Reef. Join us for a 2 1/2 day from$260. Gourmet meals included. Onboard Spa & Dive - US $130 Per Night
Cruise and Dive the Whitsunday Islands on the fast new catamaran Powerplay. Explore the Whitsundays were lush rainforest meats crystal clear water of the Great Barrier Reef. Join us for a 2 1/2 day from$260. Gourmet meals included. Onboard Spa & Dive


Cruise and Dive the spectacular Whitsundays on the fast new catamaran Powerplay. There are endless ways to play... Explore coral gardens and the tropical islands of the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Marine Park where lush rainforest meets the crystal clear waters of pristine inlets and bays. Experience the wonders of abundant marine life and visit the breath taking Whitehaven Beach. We promise to take you to this natural wonder each trip kilometres of pure silica sand and a wide expanse of azure blue ocean...
Details & Reservations: Whitsundays best Sailing Adventure
RealAdventures | Australia Yacht Charters

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1106436_Aussie-Travel-Specialists http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1106436_Aussie-Travel-Specialists Travel Agency Australia Thu, 25 May 2006 00:05:00 Search for boating holidays, specialty tours, train trips, campervan rentals, travel passes, accommodation and Australian and South Pacific scuba dive trips. We also have extensive reference articles and travel information. -
Search for boating holidays, specialty tours, train trips, campervan rentals, travel passes, accommodation and Australian and South Pacific scuba dive trips. We also have extensive reference articles and travel information.


We can help you plan and book your Aussie vacation no matter what kind of holiday you want. Our website has a huge selection of Aussie holidays and all the travel tips and general information you need to know before and during your trip. You can browse information on Australia wide boating, diving and rail holidays, rent a campervan or motorhome, see a huge range of Aussie tours of every description or choose your perfect accommodation.

Heaps of other travel planning information is also at your fingertips including maps, capital city information, weather details, distance calculator, currency converter, how to get around in Australia and even sun safety information and tips to help you with Aussie slang.
Details & Reservations: Aussie Travel Specialists
RealAdventures | Australia Travel Agency

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