Whitsundays

[JohnK]

Thinking of going for a weekend. Will be using a voucher from Red Balloon so need to check resort availability first but was thinking end of August. What is the best time of the year to visit? Don't want it too hot but don't want to waste the weekend inside.

How badly has Airlie Beach or Proserpine been affected with recent cyclone?

Quickly checked airfares today BNE-PPP and my jaw dropped. Well over $500 for 2 people. I must be dreaming that I thought sub $400 was possible. Is this route ever on sale? I guess another option is to fly to MKY and then drive to Airlie Beach. I believe it's only a couple of hours.

May try to have a game of golf at Proserpine Golf Club on the Saturday.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I booked my direct flights well in advance for my June School Holiday period trip for $120 each way from MEL including checked in baggage.

So yes they do have sales.

Small airport with relatively few flights.



The Whitsundays (is actually The coughberland Group....but that is another story).


August is still on the coolish side. So it should be to you liking.
https://www.travelonline.com/airlie-beach/weather-and-climate.html

June to August is often a touch on the cool side and so those wanting a tropical summer holiday lazing on beaches all day are often disappointed.

I often go sailing there, and so that colors my thinking on when it is a good time to go.

Often in July due to school holidays (this year 2 of my 3 daughters will be on their Uni Breaks) , but from sailing perspective the SE Trade Wins are blowing and so is perfect for me. From a sailing perspective it is not peak season, and so many of the anchorages are less crowded and are more peaceful.

I have sailed in Nov and Dec too up there, and the heat is on by then! Plus it is stinger season! Though out around the islands the stingers are rarely a problem in my experience.





Back on July/August. Weather is still warm enough for swimming. But I pack my shorty wet-suit for my snorkeling as I find after about 20 minutes you start to feel cold without a suit.

Also pack a pullover as the nights can be brisk!



GENERAL.

In the main The Whitsundays is focused on visiting the islands, and so if you are not planning day trips then other Queensland locations are probably better.

Airlie Beach is quite small, but has a number of restaurant and pubs. Small is good for me, but some would find it too limited. I start and finish there, and as I normally sail for about 2 weeks each time we pop back to re-supply and visit a restaurant about half way through.


HEAVEN ON A STICK..

For my style of travel.. The Whitsundays is heaven on a stick. I am on a yacht for 2 weeks, with family, good beaches (though some can be corally), warm water, good coral fish for snorkelling, and a BBQ on the back of the yacht to cook on while enjoying a beer or a glass of bubbles as the sun goes down.

 

[JohnPhelan]

May-September is cool (for the region) but the water remains warm enough to swim all year round. It's also the dry season, so your chance of clear, sunny days is very high.

I'd certainly go at that time of year (and have done). I'd suggest Hamilton Island, but be aware a lot of the foliage is pretty bare at the moment. I suspect you might be able to get some good deals on accommodation.

Airlie is more the young backpacker crowd with rowdy nightlife. But lots of places to eat and upmarket accommodation as well.

 

[straitman]

Thinking of going for a weekend. Will be using a voucher from Red Balloon so need to check resort availability first but was thinking end of August. What is the best time of the year to visit? Don't want it too hot but don't want to waste the weekend inside.

How badly has Airlie Beach or Proserpine been affected with recent cyclone?

Quickly checked airfares today BNE-PPP and my jaw dropped. Well over $500 for 2 people. I must be dreaming that I thought sub $400 was possible. Is this route ever on sale? I guess another option is to fly to MKY and then drive to Airlie Beach. I believe it's only a couple of hours.

May try to have a game of golf at Proserpine Golf Club on the Saturday.

I certainly would be interested in your thoughts if you get there JohnK.

I know people love the Whitsundays but for reasons that I don't really understand they have never really done it for me. I have flown around the area many times when in the Air Force and and it looks great but I have no thoughts of ever going there for a holiday.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I certainly would be interested in your thoughts if you get there JohnK.

I know people love the Whitsundays but for reasons that I don't really understand they have never really done it for me. I have flown around the area many times when in the Air Force and and it looks great but I have no thoughts of ever going there for a holiday.

You really need to be on a boat, island hopping. My bias is to yachts.



Watching the dolphins herd fish as a group towards other dolphins to feed on in Gulnare Inlet

Catching up with Murray the giant Maori Wrasse who has been at Manta Ray Bay every time I have been there

Anchored off Whitehaven Beach under a full moon with no one else there, the beach a magical white arc bathed in the moonlight

Glorious sunsets viewed from Stonehaven

Feeding the schools of batfish

Stopping at little known reefs that most do not know about or ever stop at

Waking up to my toddler daughter saying "Daddy, boat, beach" with a gleeful look in her eye as she asked me with her then limited vocabulary to take her ashore in the dinghy.

Sailing at 20 knots on a 35ft Cat!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JohnK]

I certainly would be interested in your thoughts if you get there JohnK.

I've never really heen interested in Hamilton Island/Whitsundays/Airlie Beach as I don't swim or like sitting around at a resort.

My company for some reason hands out Red Balloon vouchers in lieu of a bonus when they do well every 3-4 years. I have a $300 Red Balloon voucher about expire and was looking through the list of things to do and most are overpriced even though it costs me nothing. It's the thought of overpaying. e.g. the Sydney tower revolving restaurant for lunch costs ~$120 or cheaper with discounts. Red Balloon wants $150. Can't do it.

Was looking through the list for accommodation today and saw Big Adventure Resort weekend stay for $300 and immediately thought that's what I want to do. I thought 2 free nights accommodation and the chance to visit a place I have never seen. The resort looks nice. Would be nice for the wife and daughter to relax for a couple of days. Then I looked at flights and saw they were expensive even TT and JQ. I think Mackay would be a good alternative to fly into and hire a car.

I love trips out to the reef. Wife gets motion sickness. Don't need to decide yet.

And obviously I love golf so a game of golf would also be good depending on the weather.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Quiet relaxing weekend would be desirable.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Big Adventure Resort .

Ok. I just google where it is.

If you are renting a car ok. Otherwise it is several km from the main part of Airlie Beach where most of the restaurants are etc.


Relaxing Holiday? I think many other Queensland locations would be better. When your daughter is say 6-10 she would probably love a place like that as she can run riot (I mean in a fun way) with all the other kids.


Airlie Beach is in the main a small port and access/service town to the Islands and Resorts including various day trips. Accommodation has mushroomed, but the beaches are not that good and you don't like the water anywhere.

Proserpine is pretty small and flat and so the golf course is probably not that challenging or flash.