When you dream of a honeymoon destination, nothing ticks the boxes more than the beautiful picture-perfect Whitsundays. Made up of 74 islands right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, most of the islands that make up the Whitsundays are uninhabited with only four boasting luxury resorts. A tropical paradise with clear blue waters, pristine beaches, spectacular scenery and sunsets, all you have to do is kick off your shoes and get into holiday mode with nothing more than ‘honeymoon relaxation’ on the agenda.
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Barrier Reef – a perfect place to base yourself right in the central hub. With the Coral Sea on its doorstep, there is no shortage of high quality produce with seafood a favourite across the myriad of amazing restaurants. Airlie Beach offers tropical rainforests, white sandy palm fringed beaches and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Laze on one of the many stunning beaches or get active with sailing, helicopter rides, hiking or snorkelling in the crystal blue waters right on your doorstep.
Capers on the Esplanade – Airlie Beach Hotel
Located right on the main strip with gentle sea breezes and panoramic water views, this is the perfect relaxed setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Enjoy a range of delicious breakfast items such as corn fritters (my absolute favourite) to decadent Baileys waffles (so good for brekky!) For the remainder of the day be spoilt for choice between steak, seafood, pizza and pasta.
With 18 beers and ciders on tap there is something for everyone who fancies a taste of craft beers or a thirst quenching cider.
Sunday afternoon proves to be highly popular when their gorgeous alfresco area features a pig on a spit, live music and a special cocktail bar set up – the perfect way to sit back and watch the sun go down!
Thinking of a wedding at this idyllic setting? A ceremony on the beach followed by a reception on the pool deck taking in the balmy breezes sounds just perfect! And with guest accommodation aplenty – you’ll never want to leave!
Fish D’Vine Fish Café & Rum Bar
This is the perfect spot to experience the best of the region whether it be seafood or ‘the spirit of the sugar cane fields’ – rum. This award-winning seafood restaurant is highly regarded for its unique point of difference featuring a renowned local seafood display with an extensive Rum Bar! With a menu ranging from local chilli mud crabs to barbequed tiger prawns, team with this with a Rum Bar Mojito (which has been rated best in the world!) With a choice to eat in or take away, what a delight it would be to take your seafood to the beach and watch the ships sail by as the sun sets. Or take a Rum Journey tour with ‘Dr Rum’ – rum tastings which explore some of the 500 different rums they have on offer.
Fish D’Vine have also extended into D’Vine Catering and Events – and have been busy catering for many wedding and corporate events along Airlie Beach as well as boat catering and off shore events! Perfect for a group get together with your wedding guests if you have enjoyed a destination wedding in the region! And be sure to try those rums from the Rum Bar – an education in itself!
As well as a range of dining options, the Whitsundays are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Whether you are looking for a modern penthouse to a secluded and intimate island bungalow, nothing is off limits!
Known “for the best time of your life” this majestic property is part of the iconic Mirage group. Comprising north facing apartments, luxury villas and the jewel in the crown – the stunning Penthouse apartments – Mirage Whitsundays boasts world class architecture and superbly luxurious facilities. These penthouses are truly the most spacious available featuring four bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms, full modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, entertaining deck complete with a private ten metre lap pool and views across the sea that go on forever. The property also features two swimming pools in addition to building a five-star restaurant, beauty spa and gymnasium which are due for completion December 2016. Everything you need for an opulent getaway!
Only a leisurely 20 minute walk along the waterfront takes you to Airlie Beach township for a sunset cocktail, or simply stay in and enjoy everything Mirage Whitsundays has to offer.
One element I love for honeymoon accommodation is self-contained apartments complete with private jacuzzi! Overlooking the Coral Sea, the horizon is nothing but blue skies and island bliss whilst you relax and unwind on your private terrace. Every apartment features a jacuzzi or spa as well as full size kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Penthouse suite apartments are inclusive of breakfast hamper, sparkling wine and chocolates on your arrival.
Venturing outside your accommodation you will find the resort’s 20 metre heated wet edge ozone pool, infrared sauna and gymnasium as well as easy access to the cosmopolitan shops, restaurants and cafes in Airlie Beach.
If you are looking to escape to a secluded private cove with your beloved, Palm Bay Resort is for you. Exclusively located on Long Island in a declared National Park, and with the only self-catering accommodation in the Whitsundays, Palm Bay Resort offers a truly intimate and wonderfully unforgettable eco-tourism resort experience! Comprising 23 waterfront villas and suites, it is only accessible via seaplane, helicopter, water taxi or boat charter.
With the secluded location comes access to snorkelling in the stunning private cove right on your doorstep which allows you to experience the reef and its inhabitants first hand. Kayaking, fishing, tennis, bush walking and on site day spa packages are also available to enjoy. Sounds like a day in paradise!
As Palm Bay Resort is a self-catering resort, you will need to supply your own food. For convenience, a wide range of provisions such as meat, seafood, bread and snack items can be purchased at the resort store or arranged with the friendly staff prior to your arrival.
Le Sorelle Coffee House and Florist
Blessed with a tropical climate and an average of eight hours of sunshine a day, the township of Bowen is a leisurely 45-minute trip from Airlie Beach. Featuring pristine beaches, walking tracks, sumptuous food and secluded accommodation this is a must visit destination!
Le Sorelle Coffee House and Florist is a wonderful gem to find in this charming town! One would think that you have been transported to a laneway café in Melbourne with this gorgeous façade featuring hanging planters, timber panelling and black signage. Inside you discover garden like décor complete with the most amazing array of homemade fudge and cakes along with an extensive menu for breakfast or lunch teamed with the best coffee in the Whitsundays!
Boasting old fashioned customer service, ‘Le Sorelle’ means ‘the sisters’ in Italian and was created by sisters Alexandra, Bianca and Virginnia who had big dreams to build a gorgeous coffee house and florist business in a small town. Their floristry extends to all events in the Whitsundays – which keeps these girls very busy creating dream destination wedding days for many!
Overlooking a secluded white sandy beach five kilometres from Bowen town centre, lies the beautiful Rose Bay Resort. Take a couple of steps out of your self-contained apartment or studio room and you find yourself right on the white sandy beach with endless ocean views and access to snorkelling, fishing or simply sunbaking! If you are travelling with your furry friend on your honeymoon, they are also dog friendly so no need to leave your fur baby at home.
If it is action-packed adventure via land or sea you are after, then you will love exploring, snorkelling and scuba diving amongst the coral reefs. Try a boating or fishing trip to really enjoy the ocean.
Transfer services such as Whitsundays 2 Everywhere allow you to easily travel from the airport to your accommodation. Offering great customer service and clean buses, you won’t even need to book your own car.
No trip to Airlie Beach is complete without taking a ride on a cute Tuk Tuk! Brett and Tania founded Just Tuk’n Around as a way to environmentally showcase to visitors all there is to offer around town. On their ‘Secrets of Airlie Beach’ tour you get an insight into some of the best spots known to the locals; from secluded beaches to the bustling Marina, lavish mansions and trendy cafes – nothing is off limits. Their local knowledge is second to none and they are the friendly faces happily waving to all whilst peddling you around in paradise!
Barefoot luxury at its finest! Experience sophisticated sailing onboard this rare classic Australian yacht where the friendly team take you out to explore the magical Whitsundays by sea! Whether it be a day cruise through the islands to Whitehaven Beach or a sunset sail off the coast, you have the opportunity steer at the helm, get a photo on the bow for your own ‘Titanic’ moment or just relax with your loved one and watch the world go (or sail) by.
With a history as a racing yacht in many races including the Sydney to Hobart, this beautifully restored yacht will have you dreaming of days gone by when sailing was all about elegance and luxury.
Helipad
These amazing little red helicopters cannot be missed buzzing about the blue skies of the Whitsundays! Offering private charter tours and available for a myriad of excursions from flying over the Great Barrier Reef to viewing the Love Heart Reef or landing on Whitehaven Beach for a romantic picnic to transfers around secluded island locations, they are a must for an adrenaline lover!
Ms Liberty travelled to the Whitsundays courtesy of Tourism Whitsundays.
Images via Tourism Whitsundays.
Ms Chinoiserie Says: The idea of flying to a secret island beach sounds so romantic; on our doorstep, the Whitsundays are picture perfect for an unforgettable honeymoon!
Lovely spot