What's New in the Whitsundays

Heart Reef

The New Year is in full swing and we have some fantastic new tours, experiences and events that we’d like to share with you. There is plenty happening here in the Whitsundays!

Check out our latest story ideas and contact the team at Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited to develop your story ideas, or help with new ideas.

HEART REEF DISCOVERY TURNS 40

Forty years ago, Air Whitsunday pilot John Ramsden, took off on one of his daily scenic flights over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef when he made a new discovery – a natural coral formation in the shape of a heart. Nestled in Hardy Reef lagoon, Heart Reef has become world-famous and is a true icon of the Whitsundays, the 74 islands that lay right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The name Heart Reef was first used in an advertisement for Valentine’s Day in 1975. Today, thousands of visitors flock to the Whitsundays each year to get a glimpse of this unique icon.

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

Mountain Biking in the Whitsundays is quickly growing in popularity. It is one of the many ways to experience the Whitsundays stunning natural landscapes. Climb to the top of the rainforest, ride through lush palm valleys and take in the stunning views over the Whitsunday Coast and Islands. In 2015, two new tracks have opened in the Conway National Park – the Conway Coastal Fringe Circuit and Hayward Gully tracks. In addition, riders can choose from over 20km of tracks on South Molle Island and the 36km trails of the Whitsunday Great Walk. For a social ride, don’t miss the annual Dirty Molle Island Escape.

EXCLUSIVE NEW GREAT BARRIER REEF EXPERIENCE

Heli Taxi in partnership with Cruise Whitsundays has launched their new fly & snorkel experience. The private experience allows guests to enjoy breathtaking views over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef as part of their helicopter flights before landing at the private pontoon at Knuckle Reef for their snorkeling adventure. Guests will have exclusive use of the private pontoon and can snorkel with hundreds of fish, view coral up close as they travel on the semi-submersible before relaxing with a glass of sparkling wine and optional picnic on the sundeck. On the return journey, guests will then get a chance to see world-famous Heart Reef before returning home. (Website coming soon…)

WHISPERS OF THE DREAMTIME

The Whitsunday Arts and Cultural Centre presents Whispers of the Dreamtime, a cultural journey into the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Each Friday, members of the Nulla Nulla tribe will share their unique story through music, dance, fire and guests can experience their culture through a range of activities. On the night, guests can also sample indigenous food and try out the didgeridoo.

PALM BAY RESORT OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Palm Bay Resort on Long Island offers the perfect private Whitsundays escape and it's business as usual with the resort fully operational and taking bookings. Guests can arrive by water taxi, seaplane, helicopter or private watercraft. Palm Bay Resort is a beautiful boutique resort nestled in a secluded cove in the neck of Long Island. Palm Bay Resort offers spacious Balinese inspired villas with stunning views over the Whitsunday Passage and Coral Sea. Guests can enjoy an exclusive, intimate experience, boutique accommodation with the convenience of self-catering.

GOURMET SAILING

The Whitsundays is world-famous for its stunning natural landscapes and is known as one of the best sailing grounds in the world and a firm favourite with food lovers. Join Lynne and John Boyce on a luxury sailing holiday on board their yacht Sydney Sundancer for a gourmet sailing experience around the Whitsunday Island and the Great Barrier Reef. You will visit remote and remarkable locations in the world’s largest Marine Reserve and at the end of a great day you will enjoy a delicious meal. Lynne uses only the finest quality ingredients to prepare gourmet meals that guests can enjoy in the most stunning surrounds.

NEW CONCIERGE SERVICES AT ABELL POINT MARINA

Abell Point Marina has welcomed a new edition to its suite of concierge services with the introduction of a courtesy car available for all marina customers berthing casually in the marina. For those wanting to travel further afield, the Marina’s soon to commence dedicated helicopter transfer service will provide transfers to and from Proserpine airport and out over the Whitsundays, making exploring the area a breeze. The new courtesy car as well as a private luxury pick up service from Proserpine Airport is now available for marina customers, with the helicopter service available in early 2015 with local operator Heli Taxi.