Queensland Holidays - Whitsundays and Mackay -

The Whitsunday area is well known for its sheltered waters and its 74 beautiful islands dotted along the coastline. The diving and snorkelling here is spectacular and Airlie Beach is the ideal base for many snorkelling and diving day tours. All kinds of yachts, catamarans and motor cruises depart daily from Abel Point Marina and Shute Harbour to cruise the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Take a three island cruise, spend an entire day snorkelling from an island resort, visit the Great Barrier Reef on a fast-cat or sail on a super-maxi for a day of snorkelling or diving at a remote sand cay. There are many learn-to-dive operators in Airlie Beach and on the islands. Serious divers and snorkellers may like to join a live-aboard vessel to explore a diversity of reef spots over several days.

A must-see is fabulous Whitehaven Beach a superb 6km long stretch of white silica sand surrounded by clear, aqua-blue water. Divers marvel at pristine reef locations such as Elizabeth, Black, Fairy, Net, Knuckle, Oublier Reefs and beyond. Moderate temperatures with sea temperatures around 22C (71F) in the winter make it comfortable for diving and snorkelling year round. During the warmer months from November to May, additional precautions may be necessary due to the presence of marine stingers.

Winter waters are said to be the clearest, but spectacular diving is on offer any time.

Further south, coastal Mackay offers day and extended trips for snorkellers and divers. Just off the coast, uninhabited Scawfell Island and its pristine coral gardens are now accessible on a day snorkelling or diving cruise.

Exciting wreck diving is to be had at the historic 'Llewellyn' site. The Llewellyn was last seen departing Cape Capricorn Lighthouse on 17 July 1919. The location of the vessel remained a mystery until 1997, when the shipwreck was located 35 kilometres east of Mackay.