The 74 Whitsunday Islands lie between the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia, and the Great Barrier Reef, a massive stretch of coral teeming with marine life. Most of the islands are uninhabited. They’re characterized by dense rainforest, hiking trails and white sand beaches. The town of Airlie Beach on the mainland is the region’s central hub.
Spread majestically through the Coral Sea, the sandy fringes of these 74 islands disappear into beautiful shades of crystal, aqua, blue and indigo ocean. Sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef, there are no crashing waves or deadly undertows, and the waters are particularly perfect for sailing