A week of Whitsundays

Some might say it is pretty unlucky to have thousands of miles of ocean separate me and my boyfriend. However, we have something other couples do not... an excuse to travel overseas to see each other! We make an effort to kick the Skype calls and meet up as often as possible. Sometimes in my country, other times in his, but my favourite is when we find each other somewhere in the middle. This latest trip may have just been the best destination yet.

Australia is only a hop, skip and a jump away. As Kiwis we know this, and take full advantage of being so close. Unfortunately Kiwi tourists seem to frequent the same cities and miss out on the gorgeous destinations awaiting us, and the Whitsunday Coast is one of these places. The Whitsundays are 73 islands dotted around the Great Barrier Reef containing resorts, idyllic beaches and beautiful weather, and all within a short plane ride away. The locals say that Airlie Beach is the ‘gateway to the islands’ so naturally we had to visit here.

Justin and I met at Brisbane airport fresh off our international flights, and made our way to the domestic terminal to catch our flight to Prosperpine Airport located a 30min drive away from Airlie Beach. We boarded our plane, and just over an hour had arrived into a North Queensland tropical paradise. Stepping off the plane, palm trees were visible outside the airport terminal, and instantly a feeling of rejuvenation and relaxation crept its way over me, I knew a holiday like none other lay ahead.

Getting to Airlie Beach was incredibly easy, as you walk through the terminal and outside the main entrance taxis and shuttle buses arrive for each flight and line the car park. Once loaded into our taxi off we sped to Airlie, passing fields of sugar cane (this area is known for its sugar), rainforest vegetation and lush green hills with low covering mist. I definitely had never seen this side of Australia before, and I was loving every minute of it. As you enter Airlie Beach you can see why it is so popular with those who live and visit here. The township is small enough to walk around, right on the ocean with two marinas in close proximity, but its size does not reflect what is offered, Airlie has everything.

Our first night we were spending at Portside Whitsunday Luxury Holiday Apartments, operated by a wonderful and friendly Kiwi couple. Escaping the heat as Justin and I stepped into the reception the walls were lined with pamphlets showcasing this areas enormous range of activites involving flight, water, land and everything inbetween. Thankfully for us Colleen, our warm host, suggested a perfect activity for us, making our job a lot easier to decide. Portside is located directly on the waterfront, with views stretching out across the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.

Apartments include a full studio kitchen, laundry, wide spacious outdoor balconies, air conditioning, beautiful bathrooms, gorgeous lounge and either one, two of three bedroom deluxe suites (penthouses are also available). Absolute luxury. Everything we could ever want was here, it was hard to leave our stunning room with granite finishes to explore the township, but explore we must so off we went. Another bonus that Portside boasts is its location being on the main street of Airlie Beach. The walk from the apartments to the ‘city’ was incredibly effortless and easy – a major plus in the hot North Queensland weather. No huffing and puffing walking up any steep hills!

Airlie Beach is an adorable little town filled with a mixture of people, locals, backpackers, honeymooners, families, there is something for everyone. The main street is lined with cafes, juice bars, souvenir stores, day spas, clothing stores and tour booking shops. We made our way down and around the Esplanade to where lots of restaurants line the street, everything from Italian to seafood, we were feeling spoilt for choice, but still nothing had really caught out eye, that was until we neared the end of our road and spotted Cactus Jacks Airlie Beach an absolutely delicious looking Mexican bar and restaurant.

From early on in the night Cactus Jacks is full outside and inside. It is the restaurant to dine at in Airlie Beach, incredibly popular with the locals and tourists alike, and completely worth its street-cred. The waitstaff greeted us warmly as we walked through the entrance and were asked where we would like to be seated. It was an easy choice, outside was beautifully mild, a warm summer night, like many are in this part of the world. Seated amongst twinkling fairylights it was almost instantly that I discovered a problem – so many delicious menu items to choose from. I settled with a Godzilla Margarita to start, a speciality of Cactus Jacks and started my adventure through the menu. All the Mexican favourites are here including, nachos, fajitas, tostadas, burritos, quesadillas, and the list goes on. Deciding it was just too hard to pick one, Justin and I shared starters featuring all of the above, accompanied by the most delicious fruity cocktails I have ever had. By the time we reached dessert I could hardly move, but knew we could not leave without sampling their famous chocolate nachos. They were absolutely incredible, something you must try!

Bright-eyed and bushy tailed we awoke to our second day in Airlie, with a full schedule ahead on the sea. On Colleen’s suggestion from Portside we had booked in on the Camira Sailing Adventure with Awesome OZ Cruises. This called for an earlier wake-up call that was stress-free because this cruise company includes a free shuttle pickup from where you are staying. The shuttle took us to Abel Point Marina where daily various cruises and activities depart from, but I had feeling we were booked on the best – and we were about to have an amazing day-long adventure.

Camira is an 85ft catamaran, one of the world's fastest sailing adventure capable of sailing at speeds of up to 30 knots. We boarded this beautiful 4 million dollar yacht to find spacious deck areas to stretch out on, a canopy to laze on at the front of the catamaran, or lots of space indoors to sit on the benches and wide tables if the wind through your hair isn't your thing. The Whitsunday Islands National Park and beaches throughout are breathtakingly stunning, and this sailing adventure takes you there. Before I go any further I should mention, this is the only sailing adventure in the Whitsundays where you can drink as much as you want, all day, that includes beer, wine and sodas, without extra cost. That’s right Sweetie, the chardonnay is on Camira so sit back, sip, and enjoy your day!

Our first stop was snorkelling outside Hook Island, where we donned flippers, snorkels and saw a beautiful underwater world unveil itself to us. Towelling off on the yacht after morning tea was ready and laid out, and the spread was delicious, biscuits, cake, juices, coffee...a girl is always peckish after a swim. We then set sail for the beautiful Whitehaven Beach, an absolute, without a doubt, MUST-STOP destination on a visit to Airlie Beach. Whitehaven Beach is almost 6km long and consists of a very fine dazzling white sand that is 98% pure Silica, absolutely stunning. After sunning myself on one of the World’s Top Ten Beaches for a few hours I was sad to leave, but thrilled to see a BBQ lunch laid before me with a menu to die for. I cracked open a diet coke, took a seat outside with Justin and looked at my surroundings. I was sailing through Australia’s ultimate maritime playground - the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, and Camira took me there, nothing could be better. We made our way back to the Mariner stopping at some island resorts on the way to drop off passengers, and then made it to the mainland.

Waiting for us was our shuttle bus, talk about stress-free. We climbed onboard to head to our new abode, Summit Apartments. These stunning apartments are nestled a short car ride up away from the main street, giving you the most fantastic view of the ocean. Justin and I had missed reception hours coming off our sailing adventure, but General Mangers Scott and Aimee had everything taken care of with our key in the after-hours box, our bags in our room, and a bottle of chardonnay chilling in our fridge – bliss! From the moment we entered our room we knew we had entered the absolute crème de la crème in stylish accommodation.

Our apartment was air conditioned, self-contained with a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry, separate lounge and dining areas and large balconies. Everything inside was beautiful, modern and luxurious. After a full-on day out on the water it was exactly what we needed to come back to. What really struck me about these apartments is their “green” practices. Amie and Scott have a dedication to eco-friendliness to protect the future of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, and initiatives have been taken for guests to be a part of this. For each room you use your Wave Key Card to enter, and once inside you then slide the Wave Key into the power slot to operate power, air conditioning, lights, and fans –very green chic!

The next morning we made our way down to the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon, nestled right by Airlie Bay around the Boardwalk. For many months of the year the ocean is full of stingers native to the area, so the local council built a stunning lagoon which features sand, shade, and a beautiful lagoon to swim, lay and tan by. This is a popular spot year round, and is friendly for everyone – couples, families, backpackers, you name it. After a day filled with much needed R&R we made our way to our third and final overnight-stop in Airlie Beach, Azure Sea Whitsunday.

Azure Sea is nestled away from the traffic on the main street, but only a 500 metre walk to all of the main amenities and alfresco dining along the esplanade; boasting the best of both worlds. Surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens, and the beautiful wildlife that have made it their home, these apartments are of the utmost opulence. Justin and I passed the infinity pool, gym and high-speed lifts on the way to our apartment. Once through the door it was obvious that nothing was spared in the creation of these beautiful apartments. Our darling apartment featured ultra modern kitchen, dining, open plan living and a superb king size comfy bed to stretch out on.

The decor was very nautical, and at the same beautifully minimalistic. After exploring some more what I also loved was the spacious bathroom that had two basins – finally no more sharing with the boy, my makeup had a place to sit! Stepping outside onto our balcony we were hit amazing panorama views showcasing uninterrupted views over the Coral Sea and islands beyond. We decided to order in, enjoy our balcony and being together in one of the most beautiful and most romantic parts of the world.

My trip to the mainland town of Airlie Beach is one I will never forget. I have fallen inlove with this beachside destination, with so much to do, so much to see, and friendly people to meet throughout – Airlie Beach is a must visit. Perfect for families, for a romantic getaway, or even a trip with the girls, Airlie has it all.

Review by Melissa Chrisp, October 2009

LIST OF DEALS:

Portside
Stay 5 and pay 4. Contact: Colleen Dodds, stay@portsidewhitsunday.com.au

Summit Apartments
A complimentary 12 noon late checkout and 24 hours of free broadband when mentioning Thread.
Contact: Aimee McKay, stay@summitairliebeach.com.au

Camira Sailing Adventure
Two adults sail free giveaway.
Contact: Mary Mourgelas, mary@cruisewhitsundays.com

Azure Sea
Stay 6 Pay 4, “Thread Reader Offer”
Contact: Phil Woodbridge, phil@azureseawhitsunday.com

Cactus Jacks
Contact: Linda Bell, linda@cactusjacksrestaurant.com.au