When not exploring the aquatic paradise that is the Whitsunday Islands an entire world of nature based eco experiences and land adventure beckon on both the Whitsunday islands and the mainland.

The Whitsundays region enjoys one of the highest and most diverse concentrations of protected areas in Australia... these protected areas include the Conway Range and Mount Dryander National Parks cover much of the Whitsundays hinterland, as well as the State Forest areas of Brandy Creek tucked in behind Airlie Beach as well as the 66 Whitsunday islands gazetted as National Park.

The best way to discover the diversity of flora and fauna in this protected environment is by taking to a number of the walking trails... some walks let you experience the majesty of some of the world's oldest rainforests... walks take you to hidden bays, beaches and aboriginal caves and pass through wetlands teaming with wildlife... walks following the ridge lines let you enjoy glorious sea views.

You'll see giant strangler figs and exotic orchids... perhaps you'll catch a glimpse of rare Proserpine Rock Wallabies or brilliant Ulysses butterflies... local living treasures are abundant.

Meanwhile the immediate Whitsundays region has a number of golf courses for those looking for a game of golf... Laguna Whitsundays has one of Australia's top resort courses and features sweeping sea views and golf greens adjoining native bush and rainforest.

Visitors looking for a taste of the high life in the Whitsundays can choose from an amazing range of Helicopter tours and air tours in the Whitsundays

Whether you take a private helicopter charter to a stretch of isolated beach for a romantic champagne lunch or experience the rush of a tandem sky dive over Whitsunday waters and forested peaks, in the Whitsundays all tastes are catered for even in the air.

Try the fun of parasailing from the deck of a powerful sport boat... suspended under a billowing parachute high above the Whitsunday Islands you'll experience a high octane way to enjoy the Whitsundays... you can also get your feet wet and 'walk on water' when the tow boat slows before accelerating and sending you soaring once more.

The region also boasts the largest fleet of seaplanes in the southern hemisphere... these flying float craft can pick you up from the coast island resorts or from the deck of your Whitsundays charter yacht.

Seaplane flights over the outer reef are an incredible experience due to the scale of the Great Barrier Reef... land on a reef lagoon where you'll experience the best snorkeling in the Whitsundays. There's also the option of flying in for lunch to exclusive Whitsunday Holiday Resorts or even catching a seaplane to meet a semi submersible vessel for coral viewing.