The enchanted islands of the Whitsundays are a showcase of landscapes, environments and idyllic holiday settings.

From unspoilt vistas of pristine National Parks to luxury Whitsunday holiday resorts each island has its own unique atmosphere, style and many magical locations.

There are 74 islands in the immediate Whitsunday region eight with holiday resorts and all within close range of each other... however the number of islands climbs to around 100 if you count the greater Cumberland group stretching south to Mackay.

Captain James Cook was the first European to make records of the Whitsunday islands in 1770, however there is evidence to suggest seafarers of other nations passed through the Whitsundays long before Captain Cook.

Described as the last archipelago to be explored and settled by people of European descent, the Whitsunday islands have a rich aboriginal history stretching back many thousands of years... Cave paintings, stone fish traps and even a flint quarry remain as evidence of these times.

The Whitsundays were formed around 10,000 years ago at the end of an ice age when the sea level rose to flood a vast coastal mountain range... Visitors to the islands today are in fact cruising to the exposed mountain tops of a drowned landscape.

The features of today's spectacular Whitsundays range from volcanic mountain peaks of lichen clad stone to deep fiord like inlets flanked by rainforest and dotted with distinctive hoop pines.

From steamy mangrove estuaries to sweeps of pure white sand rolling wooded hills to islets trailing sand spits like flowing golden veils; each corner of the Whitsundays is more awe inspiring than the next. The Whitsunday islands manmade environments are just as diverse with 10 picturesque resorts situated on eight islands.

While the Whitsunday Islands are the major attraction... Airlie Beach Australia is the Whitsundays geographic heart, with one main street and a few side streets peppered with coffee lounges, restaurants, cafés, bars and Airlie Beach accommodation alternatives.

Hamilton Island

Large Resort, various accommodation types - Max 2000 people. 16 km SE of Shute Harbour. Direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne connections from all major cities. From Shute Harbour by launch.

Truly a word of its own! Hamilton Island resort offers guests accommodation in styles from romantic bungalows, to exclusive beachfront hotel rooms and apartments with great views over the Whitsunday Passage and islands. On this integrated resort you'll also find luxury homes, a marina village where you can organise a Whitsundays yacht charter, yacht club, nightspots, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and much much more. An endless range of activities includes a fauna park, diving, sailing, go cart racing, snorkelling, fishing and nature walks.

Hayman Island

Luxury resort max 450 people. 25 km NE of Shute Harbour. Direct flight to Hamilton Island from Sydney and Brisbane (connections from all major cities), then by resort launch to Hayman Island. From Airlie Beach by water taxi.

One of the leading hotels of the world. Hayman offers luxury five star elegance. From Silver service dining in one of six restaurants to priceless works of art and marvellous landscaped gardens, everything here says style. Among numerous activities Hayman offers relaxing sunset cruises, scenic walking trails and easy access to outstanding National park locations like Blue Pearl Bay and Langford Reef.

Brampton Island

Resort style accommodation max 280 people. 32 km NE of Mackay. From Mackay by light plane or launch. From Hamilton Island, by plane.

Situated at the southern entrance to the Whitsundays. Brampton Island boasts an idyllic holiday resort that is perfect for lovers. The island also features a unique rock pool and coral reef off the main beach. Brampton has been regularly upgraded over the years and today offers stylish accommodation a large range of holiday activities and a perfect atmosphere in which to relax. The island is accessible by either sea or from the air.

South Molle Island

Medium size resort max 520 people. 8 km E of Shute Harbour. From Shute Harbour or Hamilton island by launch.

This resort has been a favourite of family groups for many a holiday season. With a refurbished Polynesian feel the resort offers a nine hole golf course, a popular seafood feast night, beautiful National Park trails and an idyllic palm fringed setting. Aside from activities like tennis, archery and watersports, guests can enjoy fun filled floorshows at night or daily reef and island cruises from the resorts jetty.

Daydream Island

Quality family resort max 900 people. 5 km NE of Shute Harbour. From Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island by launch or helicopter.

The closest resort to Shute Harbour on the Whitsunday coast. Daydream recently underwent a multi million dollar upgrade. The new look complex features Mediterranean style balcony rooms a signature restaurant on the beachfront. Daydream's overall plan gives the resort a distinctive atmosphere and the island can easily be explored on foot. From picturesque Sunlovers Beach to walking trails through the forest Daydream Island is a favourite of many.

Long Island

3 Resorts. 1. Long Island Resort- 400 people. 2. Peppers Palm Bay - 60 people. 3. South Long Island Nature Lodge - 20 people. 9 km SE of Shute Harbour. From Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island by launch or Helicopter. From Whitsunday Airport (near Proserpine) by sea plane.

With three distinctive resorts situated in three separate bays. Long Island is one of the closest island to the coast. The island also offers some of the prettiest views in the region from over 20 km of National Park walking trails.

At the northern end of the island Long Island Resort is a holiday destination for all ages set in lush tropical gardens. The resort has a beautiful sandy beach a great restaurant overlooking the main pool area and a wide range of motorised watersports and other activities... Palm Bay Hideaway is a tranquil retreat on the shores of Long island far from the crowds, accommodation is in comfortable bungalows set in natural bushland. The resorts anchorage allows charter yachts to tie off to the nearest palm tree and enjoy most facilities... If its true seclusion your after Whitsunday Wilderness lodge offers a holiday like no other at the southern end of Long Island. Ten solar powered cabins cater for a maximum of 20 guests in an eco friendly style. Activities include evenings under the stars, dining by firelight and exploring the surrounding waterways by kayak or sailing catamaran.

Lindeman Island

Club Med Resort Max 460 people. 67 km north of Mackay from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour, by light plane or boat. From Mackay by plane. From Hamilton Island, by boat or plane.

A slice of European flair in the midst of the Whitsundays - Lindeman is home to Australia's only Club Med resort. The island has a nine hole golf course with spectacular views, walking tracks through some of the best native bushland on the islands and several deserted bays to discover. Holidays are offered as all inclusive holiday packages complete with wine and beer during gourmet meals.

Hook Island

Low key wilderness resort with cabins and campsites max 140 people. 20 km NE of Shute Harbour. From Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach by launch.

Hook Island Wilderness Resort is a popular budget retreat with camping facilities, bungalows and its own underwater observatory. The resort is set amid spectacular mountain peaks and enjoys easy access to excellent snorkelling. Hook is a favourite of independent travellers and backpackers and delivers all the magic of a Whitsunday island holiday. Activities here include ocean kayaking and the chance to party with travellers from passing yachts.

Most of the Whitsunday holiday resorts cater very well for children with organised fun activities, kids clubs and child minding centres.