Whitsunday Island

Whitsunday Island is a major tourist destination in Queensland, Australia. The island is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, rainforest and unique wildlife. The island has become a top holiday destination for people from all over the world. The island is well known for its world-famous surfing spots and highly diversified holiday activities.

History

The island was first inhabited by the Kabiye tribe of Aboriginal people. The British explorer, Matthew Flinders, sailed past the island in 1799 and named it Governor’s Island. In 1826 Samuel Wallis sighted the island on his voyage from Tahiti to Australia and named it after Lady Louisa Stuart, wife of Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur who administered Queensland at that time.

Whitsunday Island became a tourist destination in the 1890s when its attractions were first found on one of the earliest tourist maps. The island is strewn with scenic hideaways and a myriad choices for adventure or relaxation.

Climate

The climate on the island is moderated by the surrounding seas and characterized by cool temperatures year round. The average temperature ranges from 28 °C (82 °F) in summer to 18 °C (64 °F) in winter. The weather can vary during the day and season, with winds from the east to west being common in summer. The island is free of tropical cyclones (hurricanes or typhoons) making it difficult for boaters to run into a storm at sea level.

Culture

The island is home to a number of cultural attractions and events, such as the annual Whitsunday Island Film Festival. The festival features premiere screenings of independent films from around the world.

The culture on Whitsunday Island reflects that of Queensland with a blend of Australian, British and Irish influences. English is the dominant language spoken on the island. Holidays on Whitsunday Island include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and Easter. All these holidays fall near the beginning of the Australian school holiday season called “School Holiday Season” (SHS). This four-week period is used by schools to conduct end of year activities for students in all classes from Kindergarten through Year 10.

Politics

Whitsunday Island is part of the Whitsundays Region which was created in March 2011 as a result of the Implementation of the Queensland Regional Plan 2020. The regional plan’s aim is to create strong economic and social futures for people in the Whitsundays region by addressing issues such as population growth, rural and urban development, tourism, infrastructure provision and carbon management. In March 2015, the Whitsunday Regional Council was formed as a result of local government amalgamations.

Whitsunday Island falls within the federal division of Wide Bay and Burnett, an electorate represented in federal parliament since 2013 by LNP MP Michael Ronald Daulman (elected previously at the 2007 election).

Government services

The main service provider on Whitsunday Island is the Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development (DIRD), which has responsibility for a range of infrastructure and community services, including management of local parks, roads and airports. Other government services available on the island include health care (via the QHospital) and police protection.

A public service operated by the Queensland Government on Whitsunday Island is the local council: Whitsunday Regional Council (WRC). The island was a principal district from 1959 until 1996 and became part of the Wide Bay–Burnett Region in March 2011. WRC is primarily based at Carnegie, but also works out of its administration building in MacArthur Square on Main Beach which opened one year later.

Tourism

Whitsunday Island is a popular tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its natural beauty and secure environment. The island has a number of accommodation options, as well as a range of activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. There are also numerous shops and restaurants available on the island. The 2002 film “Reefer Madness” was partially filmed on Whitsunday. Several film productions have also been shot in the area, from “Gods of Egypt” to “Maleficent”.

Transport

Whitsunday Island is served by the air-conditioned Roma Express shuttle bus from Airlie Beach. Buses depart hourly from the Brisbane Airport and travel to Airlie Beach, where travellers can transfer to smaller ferries that sail to Whitsunday. The journey takes around two hours. A regular passenger ferry service links Whitsunday with Proserpine on Queensland’s mainland, departing twice daily and taking around four hours each way.

Cuisine

Whitsunday Island’s cuisine features a wide variety of locally produced foods. The island is well known for its fresh seafood, with many restaurants specializing in this area of cuisine. There are also several cafes and bakeries that offer homemade bread, cakes and pastries. Island fishing is also popular in restaurants and cafes, with people from mainland Australia as well as international visitors often enjoying a meal of lobster caught locally.

Wildlife

Whitsunday Island is home to a wide range of wildlife, including more than 100 bird species and over fifty different types of reptiles. The island’s landscape is also rich in flora, with many kinds of creeks and trees that can be found nowhere else on the mainland. Attractions Whitsunday Island is also home to a number of attractions, including catamarans and jet skis – available for rent at most resorts on the island.

There are also several swimming beaches around Whitsunday that cater directly to tourists. These beaches are as close to clear waters and white sands of the mainland continents. Many resorts have sports facilities, including tennis courts and basketball hoops.

Conclusion

Whitsunday Island is a great place to relax and rejuvenate yourself. With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, diverse rainforest and towering mountains, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. From the adrenalin junkies who love diving and snorkelling to the nature lovers who appreciate birdwatching and hiking, there’s something for everyone on Whitsunday Island. Whether you’re looking for a day by the pool or a whole week exploring the island, we have all the information you need to make the perfect decision. So, what are you waiting for? Go explore Whitsunday Island today!

FAQ

What Are The Main Attractions On Whitsunday Island?

The main attractions on Whitsunday Island include its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, rainforest and wildlife. These resources make the island an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Some of the most popular tourist activities on Whitsunday Island include surfing, diving, hiking and birdwatching.

What Are The Island Groups That Make Up Whitsunday Island?

The islands of Queensland form part of a huge archipelago and are grouped into four main areas, known as island groups, or “Funds”.

What Are The Main Towns And Suburbs That Make Up Whitsunday Island?

Whitsunday Central Cairns (the largest town on the island) Townsville Ayr St Joseph Undara Hugh Creek Bundaberg Truman Ilfracombe Innisfail Kananook Peninsula Bribie Island Cape Byron Bowen Onslow Islands

What Are Some Of Australia’s Floral Treasures Found In Whitsundays?

The area surrounding the islands offers plentiful opportunities to appreciate endemic plant life, it is estimated that approximately one third of all Queensland biosphere species exist only within the Whitsunday Islands area.

What Wildlife Can Visitors Find While Travelling To Whitsundays?

In addition to an abundance of birds and marine life, there are tortoises, lizards and gibbons (the smallest known primate in the world).