WHATS NEW IN THE WHITSUNDAYS

Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay Eco Escape

Located on Long Island in the Whitsundays, Paradise Bay Eco Escape reopened in March, 2013. Offering a unique blend of eco lodges and a luxury resort, all set against the backdrop of stunning beaches and untouched wilderness full of friendly native wildlife. With a maximum of 20 guests at one time, no children, no mobile phone reception or internet, Paradise Bay is truly an escape from the world. www.paradisebay.com.au

Air Whitsunday

Air Whitsunday operates a range of tours to the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach, landing their guests on the reef within 30 minutes of departure to snorkel in secluded coral suspended lagoon. They operate a fleet of luxury Cessna Caravans and classic de Havilland Beaver and are the largest seaplane operator in the Southern Hemisphere. Air Whitsundays' reef location is completely private and allows for no more than 22 passengers at a time offering a truly intimate experience on the Great Barrier Reef. They have recently commenced tours to their newly-refurbished semi-submersible Coral Dancer, offering an intimate reef experience for a maximum 10 passengers. www.airwhitsunday.com

Airlie Beach Hotel

Located in the heart of Airlie Beach, the Airlie Beach Hotel first opened in 1968 as a beachside holiday pub for residents of nearby Proserpine and surrounding cane farming districts. Since a private family company purchased the site in 1982, it has been extensively refurbished and expanded to include 80 rooms, comprising 56 four-star hotel rooms, four self-contained suites and 20 refurbished motel rooms, plus an excellent range of casual and more upmarket dining experiences. Some exciting outdoor upgrades are currently underway, with the revitalised Capers Bar and Grill reopening July, 2013. www.airliebeachhotel.com.au

Fly high in the Whitsundays

Enjoy a bird's eye view of the islands of the Whitsundays with GSL Aviation's island transfers, scenic flights and air charter flights. Their Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Island scenic flight lets you experience the stunning beauty of the region, flying over Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, Hayman Island and more in rock-star style. GSL Aviation provides a free pick-up and drop-off service from Airlie Beach and surrounding suburbs so all you have to worry about is bringing your camera! www.gslaviation.com.au