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Nestled within Australia's Great Barrier Reef are the Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsundays are a 74-island natural wonder off the shores of Queensland. They are a gateway to exploration of the Great Barrier Reef as much as they are a must-see attraction in their own right. The Whitsundays should top the list of getaway destinations for your next Australia locum tenens assignment.
Getting there
The Whitsundays are located off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia. Flights are available to the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine from most continental cities. Plan for a two-hour hop from Sydney and roughly three hours from Melbourne. Many of the charters departing for the islands leave out of Airlie Beach, just a quick 25-minute drive from the airport.
The Queensland coast makes an ideal base for launching all types of adventures in the Whitsundays. However, eight of the islands offer resort accommodations. Depending on how you want to explore, an on-island stay might be the perfect plan.
Variety is the spice of life
The Whitsunday regional tourism organization maintains a listing of island resorts. Amenities vary between resorts, so it's worth doing a bit of research before booking. Different islands offer eco-tourism escapes, family-friendly resorts, delectable foodie getaways and luxurious island spas.
Fast, reliable ferry services are available for travel between most resorts. If you're interested in something more personal, you can charter a ship of your own or cruise in a skippered yacht.
Our pick
You'll be hard-pressed to run out of new experiences in the Whitsundays, but if you need a place to get things started, consider Hook Island.
A frequent stop on Whitsunday snorkeling tours, Hook Island is mostly national parkland and ideal for a wilderness getaway. Stay at the Hook Island Wilderness Resort or simply pitch a tent. On-island attractions include Aboriginal caves and bush walks. The island is also home to The Pinnacles, perhaps the best dive site in the Whitsundays.