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AIRLIE BEACH/WHITSUNDAYS - STAY FOR LESS "A$"

AIRLIE BEACH (QLD) is 1270 kms North of Brisbane & is the MAIN “transit” resort for the 74 WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS off shore. Discovered again by Captain Cook on 3rd June 1770 with azure waters, unspoiled white beaches & lush tropical rainforests. On shore AB’s a lively tourist destination in its own right with an excellent man made Beach Lagoon on the front promenade, to laze away a day or take a cool swim in the feature pools. At night the place lights up for party time with loud & lively entertainment in the main street clubs & bars. Also convenient to visit is the central section of the Great Barrier Reef, within a couple of hours away

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – AIRLIE BEACH YHA at 394 Shute Harbour Road, Qld 4802 (200 mtrs. from bus terminal on the main street) freecall 1800 247 251 www.yha.com.au – $19 pn in 6 bed dorm en suite. on 1st floor. Separate s/c kitchen – dining area – lounge /TV rooms on ground with o/side courtyard with splash pool & sun seats. This is a good quality well run hostel at the quiet end of the busy tourist street with lots going on, so never a dull moment.

Reserve – Koala Beach Resort VIP at Shute Harbour Road, Qld 4802 (at opposite end of main street to YHA, nearest to Beach Lagoon) freecall 1800 800 421 www.koalaadventures.com - $18pn in shared en suite cabin rooms. S/c kitchen, lounge/ TV room, Bar & Bistro with tropical pool & bbq area. An unusual hostel in that you book at front street reception then walk through to rear cabin/ park area

FOOD is available from the well stocked supermarket on Main Street, which has a good fresh selection of fruit & veg. & other provisions. The main shopping centre, with BILO supermarket, is on the approach to the main resort & quite a trek from the main centre. Go by bus unless you want a good energetic walk, or split the journey & get the bus back.

TRAVELLING AROUND is easiest on foot in the Resort but to get to the WHITSUNDAYS is another matter. This involves taking a Whitsunday Transit bus to Shute Harbour, approx. 11km away, then at the jetty you have to select one of the many Islands to visit & one of the many boat cruises to take you. A basic day trip to Hamilton Isle costs $8.20 on the bus & $75 for the boat ride there & back.

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. Airlie Beach Lagoon – Purpose built swimming/ sunbathing promenade overlooking Beach &Bay
2. “ “ Main St. – Bars, tour agents, souvenirs, hostels, bottle shops, food & clothing outlets
3. “ “ Abel Point – Promontory overlooking the boating Marina with views over the Bay
4. Shute Harbour – Embarkation point for Islands, walk around & see travel options, incl. jet ski’s
5. Long Island – Closest has 3 Resorts & nearly all National Park, good rain forests & walks
6. South Molle Island – Closest to mainland its one of the most successful for fun & relaxation
7. Hamilton Island – “Hammo” is a sophisticated complex with own marina & independent village
8. Whitsunday Island – Largest but has no resort but Whitehaven Beach is the finest in the group
9. Hook Island – 2nd largest but with highest, Hook Peak, at 450 km has numerous beaches
10. Hayman Island – Most Northerly, become such an exclusive resort no tours go there – telescope

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. Airlie Beach Wildlife Fun Park – Home of “Barefoot Bushman” with all the Oz species
2. Island Cruise – Many forms of water transport are available to get to the islands, ferry & sail

* James - Rob