Airlie Beach, Mainland Whitsundays

Visitors are often surprised to find a seaside village with all the polish and charm of a Mediterranean resort when they reach Whitsunday Town (Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Cannonvale). For those in the know, the renowned cosmopolitan atmosphere of Whitsunday's mainland is easily understood.

The 1960's saw Airlie Beach as a tiny cluster of holiday cottages and a single little shop... During the 1970's and 1980's new residents streamed in to enjoy this magnificent region and its peaceful lifestyle.

Today, Whitsunday is home to several thousand permanent residents from many different backgrounds, bringing a rich diversity of culture, sport and professions with them. Population figures are still rising and the town's residential area is continually expanding along the broad floor of Cannon Valley with beach side Cannonvale at its mouth.

Diversity in commerce covers the full range and, like other growing regional towns, includes all facets of the construction and home creation industries, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, sport, childcare services, motor and marine firms and many many more.

To read more about the Whitsundays, how to get around and where to stay, see

Visitor Information

Abel Point Marina is in a protected harbour close to both Airlie Beach and the cruising grounds of the Whitsundays and is popular with visitors seeking a sheltered berth in an ideal location... You're only 10 minutes walking distance from the heart of Airlie Beach and 5 minutes by vehicle to Cannonvale Shopping Centre.

The Marina Office is operational from 7.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and 7.30am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday. Fuel supplies can be purchased during these hours.

• Radio Contact: Call 'Abel Point, Abel Point' on channel 09 when in line of sight. If there is no answer do not enter the marina - call again in a few minutes.
  Booking Required: Yes, via your charter operator 24 hours ahead.
• Cost: This will depend on the width and length of your boat. Five different berth sizes are available from 11 metres to 24 metres.
• Facilities Onshore:Fully licensed restaurant, cafe snack bar and convenience store, a bottle shop, sail maker, chandlery and most boating requirements. Most charter boat companies operate from the Marina.
• Access to Airlie Beach: Private and public transport companies run regular services to the town and shops, but you can walk, its only 10 minutes. You can drive to Proserpine Airport in 25 minutes and Shute Harbour in 10 minutes.
  To see a map showing directions to the marina, see Map Abel Point Marina
  

Hamilton Island is not only one of the nation's leading resorts, but is the largest resort in the South Pacific with its own harbour incorporating a 135 berth marina and fauna park.

It also has a harbourside village, with its own unique atmosphere. Just a half hour boat ride from the mainland centre of Shute Harbour and an hour from Airlie Beach.

Hamilton also boasts one of the region's two domestic airports. With a massive guest occupancy capacity and very high staff numbers, Hamilton Island has the largest population of any of the Whitsunday Islands... Hamilton has it's own primary school, post office, bank, bakery, pharmacy and other facilities.

• Radio Contact: Call Call 'Hamilton Island, Hamilton Island' on channel 16 when in line of sight. Hamilton Island will direct you to another channel usually Channel 68. If there is no answer enter Hamilton Island Harbour and call again.
• Booking Required: Yes, via your charter operator 24 hours ahead
• Moorings: $10.00 per hour / from $70.00 - $120.00 per night.
• Bareboat: Mooring rate $75.00 flat fee.
• Anchorage Allowed: No, you must use the Hamilton Island harbour facilities.
• Facilities onshore: Bakery, restaurants, laundry, general store, bottle shop, dive tank refills and hire of scuba gear, shower.
  See Map: Hamilton Island Marina
  For a complete description of Hamilton Island accommodation, restaurants, tours and facilities, see Hamilton Island Resort.

Hayman, Whitsunday's exclusive five star Island Resort is one of the worlds leading hotels and is the ultimate in island living. It often becomes a second home to Hollywood's stars, world leaders and other famous identities during visits to Australia.

The security, privacy and focus on top quality service has seen Hayman win numerous tourism awards as well as membership in prestigious groups such as the 'World's Best 200 Hotels'.

Island bushland flows into tropical palm fringed beaches. Shady ponds and gentle waterfalls thread their way among beautiful gardens and spacious walkways. The feeling of modern tropical elegance prevails... If you wish to visit this resort be sure to book in advance as the number of boating visitors per day is extremely limited. They are also particular about the conduct and dress of their guests. Day berths are only available from 10.00am - 3.00pm...to visit this exclusive resort, and if you do want to stay for the evening, accommodation must be booked, you are not permitted to live aboard your boat in the marina.

• Radio contact: Call "Hayman Island, Hayman Island" on channel 16 when in sight. Hayman Island will direct you to another channel... Usually channel 10. If there is no answer do not enter the marina - call again in a few minutes.
• Booking required: Yes, at least 24 hours notice is required via your charter operator. The resort is closed during school holidays.
• Moorings: $$145.00 for 2 people / $35.00 each extra person.
• Facilities onshore: Marina, fuel, water, rubbish disposal, dive shop, nurse, restaurants (good dress code), Dive tank refills, water can be taken on if prearranged - a fee is applicable.
• Dress regulations: Neat 'Queensland casual' , no t-shirts, cut off jeans or thongs.
• Anchorage allowed: Moorings are available in the harbour.
• Facilities ashore: Dive tank refills, restaurants (good dress code), water can be taken-on if prearranged - a fee is applicable.

To learn more about the Hayman Island Resort, what type and style of accommodation, restaurants, bars and guest facilities, see Hayman Island Resort

South Molle Island is a classic holiday style resort where generations of Queenslanders have discovered the thrill of bushwalking across the island to visit a perfect private swimming cove... windsurf the waters of Bauer Bay...play golf on the nine hole course... Enjoy a watersport or play tennis on one of the two tennis courts.

You'll relish the generous, smorgasbord meals offered three times a day, that come with the all-inclusive accommodation price. Diving courses are also available.

Consisting of 405 hectares of unspoiled National Park, South Molle Island is just eight kilometres from the mainland. Explore the 16 kilometres of walking track which takes you through lush forests to hilltop lookouts offering panoramic water views of the Whitsundays. Only anchorages are available (no moorings) when you visit South Molle Island.

• Radio Contact: Call 'South Molle Island, South Molle Island' on channel 16 when in line of sight. South Molle Island will direct you to another channel usually Channel 74. If there is no answer anchor and register at reception.
• Booking Required: No - it is not possible to reserve an anchorage
• Moorings: $25.00 per night.
  No charge for the National Park walk, however please advise the resort that you'll be using the National Park.
• Anchorage allowed: Yes, anchor on eastern side of the jetty,...Stay well clear of the jetty to allow access and room for the very large water taxis to man oeuvre. Take care as the anchorage shoals out at right angles with the jetty. (No moorings available)
• Facilities ashore: Dive tank refills, Polynesian seafood smorgasbord every Friday night, pool, showers and gym.
  
  For more on this Resort, accommodation, restaurants and facilities, see South Molle Island Resort.
  
  

Lindeman Club Med is the first Australian star on the international stage of the holiday corporation. Club Med guests can choose to lie in the sun for their whole visit or go fishing to catch the 'big one'. The resort is run by Club Med and is situated approx. 5 miles south-east of Hamilton Island.

Most of the island is national park, and there are some marvelous graded walking tracks through vine forests and valleys where butterflies sometimes swarm.

The bird life is abundant. The resort is situated at the southern end of Lindeman Island and has 3 moorings available on the western side.

• Radio Contact: Call 'Club Med Lindeman, Club Med Lindeman' on channel 16 when in line of sight. Club Med Lindeman will direct you to another channel usually Channel 74.
• Booking Required: Yes - 24 hours notice. Resort closed to bareboats during school holidays.
• Moorings: $30.00 half day/ $70.00 overnight.
• Anchorage allowed: This is not a safe anchorage..Moorings are available.
• Facilities onshore: Showers, golf, restaurant, theatre, nurse.
  
  If you would like more details on this Club Med Resort, see Club Med - Lindeman Island.

   

Hook Island is the second largest of the Whitsunday islands. The Resort is situated on the South-Eastern corner of the Island in the narrow passage between Hook and Whitsunday Islands...and has a very relaxed, informal atmosphere.

The underwater observatory provides an opportunity to view coral effortlessly from an underwater metal tube with windows, and fish life is always plentiful even when visibility is adversely affected by swift currents that flow through the passage. Diving is available at the resort.

• Radio contact: Call 'Hook Island, Hook Island' on channel 16 when in line of sight. Hook Island will direct you to another channel usually Channel 74. If there is no answer pick up a mooring. Take your tender ashore to the resort and register at reception. Do not pick up the large tyre moorings.
• Booking required: No - not possible to reserve a mooring.
• Moorings: $25.00 for 3 hours / $45.00 overnight.
• Anchorage allowed: No - Access via one of the five moorings only. This is a very deep area - do not anchor - the current running between the Islands is very strong.
• Facilities onshore: Dive tank refills and outboard fuel, showers and toilets, some provisioning at the small general store, gift shop, pool tables and Restaurant - meals need to be preordered. Underwater Observatory $5 per person.
  
  For more on this resort, see Hook Island Resort.
  
  

Long Island has three resorts... At its northern tip you find Peppers Palm Bay and Long Island Resort...and at the southern end - South Long Island Nature Lodge, one of the nation's leading environmental resorts - to ensure guest privacy and seclusion, the Nature Lodge does not cater for day visitors;

To learn more about this Wilderness Lodge see South Long Island Nature Lodge.

Located on the sheltered side of the island (about one kilometre south of Happy Bay), is a mecca for those wanting to get away from it all.

Very secluded and surrounded by lush forest with some of the best bush walking tracks in the National Park... this resort is proud that it has no disco, neon lights or traffic.

This is a low key retreat with bungalows, central dining area and bar, general store, barbecues, small swimming pool and a local kangaroo population that just hops around.

Palm Bay is principally known to yachties because of the small lagoon that has been created within the fringing reef. This is a very popular first and last night anchorage for bareboats that need to be close to Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach.

Peppers Palm Bay welcomes bare-boating guests, and offers you a personalised mooring service and well maintained moorings, a skipper will come out to your vessel and guide you in through the passage to your mooring. Do not enter the lagoon without the pilot. If you haven't had any luck fishing yet, you may want to purchase some of the fresh local fish available in the islands shop.

• Radio contact: Call "Palm Bay, Palm Bay" on channel 16 when in line of sight. Do not enter the channel until you have made contact.
• Booking required: Yes, call your charter operator 24 hours ahead, who will book for you. Advise if you would like dinner.
• Moorings: $95.00 overnight for 2 people / additional $25 per person utilities fee.
• Christmas/New Year period: $195 overnight for 2 people / $50.00 per person utilities fee.
• Anchorage allowed: No, you will have to pick up an outside mooring (8 moorings available within the lagoon for vessels with less than 2.5 metres draught) and call Palm Bay on Channel 16, they will bring you in... do not enter the channel without assistance... negotiating the channel requires local knowledge.
• Facilities onshore: The island shop is well stocked with a selection of meats, local fish and general grocery items at reasonable prices. Experience "Happy Hour" at the licensed bar and ask about the benefits of joining the Palm Bay Cruising Yacht Club.
  The other facilities at Peppers Palm Bay include the pool and spa, a volleyball court, barbeques, toilets and showers, laundry facilities and a public telephone. The variety of beaches are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, oystering or simply strolling.
  
  If you'd like to know more about tariffs and accommodation at this "laid-back" hideaway, see Peppers Palm Bay.

One of Whitsunday's oldest resorts was founded as Happy Bay on the site of today's Long Island Resort, built on a narrow neck of land you can wander from one side of the island to the other in three minutes.

Situated next door to Peppers Palm Bay you have access to the same National Park walking tracks.

The Long Island Resort is set amidst frangipanis, coconut palms and tropical flame trees. and is surrounded by rainforest and Queensland's spectacular Great Barrier Reef.

Enjoy two pools, a great beach and daily activities. Long Island has its own coral reef in Happy Bay, which is great for snorkeling and scuba diving or just you can choose to relax in a hammock under the coconut palms.

• Radio contact: Call 'Club Crocodile Long Island, Club Crocodile Long Island' on channel 16 when in line of sight. Club Crocodile Long Island will direct you to another channel. If there is no answer pick up a mooring. Take you tender ashore and register at reception.
• Booking required: No, but usually recommended.
• Moorings: $55.00 per night
• Anchorage allowed: No - Access via moorings only
• Facilities onshore: Showers, bar, restaurant, dive shop with dive tank refills, laundry, nurse.
  
  To find out more about this resort, see Long Island Resort - Long Island
  
  This company also owns a sister resort in Airlie Beach. See Club Crocodile Resort - Airlie Beach
  
  

Originally known as Paradise Bay the resort was redeveloped and renamed Whitsunday Wilderness Lodge in the mid 1990's and today is known as South Long Island Nature Lodge...an environmental resort, with a self-sufficient system of power and a commitment to appreciating and preserving the region's natural beauty. This high quality resort opens a window on the environment for its guests.

Guest accommodation consists of only ten private water front cabins - you will enjoy total seclusion and privacy, as the lodge is accessible only by helicopter.
No day visitors are permitted and the lodge only caters for twenty guests with no children under fifteen.

If you'd like to know more, see South Long Island Nature Lodge

Daydream Island is often called the 'gem' of the Whitsundays because of its small geographic size, its rim of golden sand, and its setting in the middle of the glittering waters of the Molle Channel.

Immaculate gardens enhance the resorts two contrasting sides - the 'resort' side for overnight guests who disembark at the reception wharf, the 'day' side for visitors who arrive at the jetty. Between the two sides is a forested hill complete with wallabies and other wildlife... A waterfront boardwalk links the two sides of the island.

• Radio contact: Call 'Daydream Island, Daydream Island' on Channel 16 when in line of sight. Daydream Island will direct you to Channel 74. If there is no answer, do not anchor. Wait and get permission to anchor first.
• Booking required: No access available to Marina.
• Moorings: No charge for mooring if just swimming or using the beach.
• Anchorage allowed: Yes, anchorage at Sunlovers Beach on North-Western side only!! - and in daylight only, and generally only for vessels up to 9.5 m. This is limited to 2 hours if other vessels are waiting. Do not pick up any of the moorings. Take the tender ashore.
• Facilities onshore: Dive tank refills, restaurants, bars, showers, shop in reception, registered nurse, photo processing.
  
  Daydream has been a holiday destination in the Whitsundays for more than 50 years. If you'd like to know more, see Daydream Island Resort
  
  

• Radio contact: Not necessary
• Booking required: No, not possible to reserve mooring.
• Cost: Free of Charge.
• Anchorage allowed: Yes, but only two moorings are available. Take special care as there is often a strong current in the channel... No Anchoring... Go into the island by tender only. The western mooring (close to the main land) is to be used, the eastern one can only be used in the afternoon when it is not occupied by commercial vessels.
• Facilities onshore: Coral artifacts for sale and display. Spring water to drink.