Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are home to an aquatic wonderland of colourful fish, clams and coral. Conditions are ideal for snorkelling because many of the coral platforms are close to shore and the water temperature is 22 to 27 degrees Celsius year round. Butterfly Bay, Luncheon Bay, Manta Ray Bay and Maureen's Cove on the northeastern side of Hook Island are the best snorkelling spots. Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island is home to Elvis, an enormous hump-headed Maori wrasse. Tuck some bread into a sealed plastic bag and when you come across a school of fish, drop a few crumbs. It's an amazing experience to see shoals of fish flit past your eyes. Go to www.whitsundaytourism.com.

Constantly lauded by publications world-wide as being among the planet's best beaches, this long stretch of pure silica sand is one of the Whitsundays must-see destinations. The best way to experience it is to take a seaplane tour from Airlie Beach on the mainland. At the beach's northern end is the picturesque Hill Inlet, a fine place to spot stingrays. See www.airwhitsunday.com.au for tour details.