As we’re seeing restrictions being slowly lifted and the distance we can travel gradually expanding, many Australians bitten by the travel bug are itching to get out and explore once more. Now that we are finally allowed to broaden our horizons, the question remains to many… where will we go first? *Spoiler alert* The answer is WAHI, of course.
A trap many of us often fall into is thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. That we have to head to international waters to have incredible and unique travel experiences. Now that we aren’t able to jet off on a European vacation, isolation has served as a reminder that we have world-class destinations right under our noses.
The last few months have given a whole new meaning to the phrase “the lucky country”. Australia has so much to offer, which is why so many travellers abroad dream of heading down under. Yet many of us Aussies seem to let exploring our home turf drift to the bottom of our travel to-do lists.
According to the former Tourism Australia chief, Matt Cameron-Smith, “domestic travel will play a very real role to help our recovery from the double whammy of the bushfires and COVID-19.” If you are keen to get back into travelling, heading out to explore your own state and country is a very real and tangible way to help.
So, whether you’ve been meaning to start working through your Aussie bucket list or you didn’t even realise what incredible wonders we have right here on our homegrown soil, it's time to see our own backyard… and where better place to start than the iconic, sun-drenched and sandy Whitsundays.
So what’s so special about the Whitsundays? We’re glad you asked.
1. There’s no bad time to visit the Whitsundays
No need to pack your winter woollies because the Queensland slogan rings true. It really is beautiful one day and perfect the next. The Whitsundays exist in a year-round state of sunshine-fuelled good times. As the mercury maintains gorgeous mild temperatures and blue skies are aplenty, it’s the ideal spot to visit if you have been daydreaming of warmer and simpler times.
2. “Great” is a bit of an understatement
This one needs no introduction. Not only is the Great Barrier Reef roughly the same size as Japan or Italy, but the coral mosaic is also home to all walks of marine life. As the only living thing on earth visible from space, it is literally out of this world. If swimming over or flying above a 500,000-year-old wonder has been beckoning you from your bucket list, now is the perfect opportunity to see this heritage-listed site.
3. Wide open beaches
We have all more or less been craving freedom and wide open spaces right now. Luckily we have over seven kilometres of powdery white sand and beautiful blue water to share. Only a short boat ride away you will find the iconic and photogenic Whitehaven Beach, famous for its 98.9% pure silica sand. At its Northern end, lies the gem that is Hill Inlet. The tide shifts the sand and water together to create a swirling fusion of colours. It’s no wonder that this beach has scooped up so many awards and attracts visitors far and wide.
4. Do less… or do more
We know that the last few months have been stressful for everyone. If it’s time to take a well-deserved break and put your feet up, then a trip to WAHI might be exactly what you need. In the balmy climate of the Whitsundays, life is simple and easy going. On the flip side, if you can’t wait to get out and do something fun and exciting, there is also something incredible just waiting to be explored around every corner of the island. Not sure where to start? Here are our top ten activities that are sure to be loved by young and old and everyone in between.
At WAHI we are so lucky to be based right in the heart of the Whitsundays. Hamilton Island makes for the perfect base to explore the area, head out on day trips as well as see the incredible wonders on the island itself.
We can’t wait to welcome back all of our guests once we reopen on August 1st. Over the last couple of months, we have been busy refining operations and updating our hygiene procedures so that our guests can holiday safely and worry-free. For more information about our WAHI Stay Safe program, you can head here.
If you are ready to turn your isolation daydreams into a reality you can book your WAHI escape directly here or get in touch with our reservations team here. We look forward to seeing you for a visit!
