Whitsunday Islands © Tourism Queensland

Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770, the Whitsunday Islands is an archipelago of approximately 160 breathtaking tropical islands and atolls off the east coast of Queensland's Airlie Beach. The islands were named by Cook when he passed through the islands around Whit Sunday, the seventh day after Easter Sunday, and was immediately struck by their beauty.

Set in crystal clear azure waters of the Coral Sea waters in the heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are a sailor's paradise and one of Australia's most popular tourist attractions drawing over 600,000 visitors annually.

Most tourists tend to stick to the resort areas to enjoy the endless water activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, sailing, and relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches as seventy percent of the region has been declared a national or marine park. The resort islands of Hamilton Daydream, Hayman, South Molle and Lindeman are the most popular destinations with foreign visitors and accommodation is easy to find on these charming islands.

Perfect for a family getaway, a relaxing break for the hustle and bustle of the city or a romantic honeymoon destination, the Whitsundays have something for everyone. At the end of a busy day exploring the islands and marine life off their shores, what could be better than a romantic sunset cruise to round off the perfect day in this small slice of paradise.