If you’re dreaming of a short break in the Whitsundays, the tropical holiday favourite has some new and revitalised options on offer.
The Koala Adventure Resort for guests aged 18 and over, is set to open on March 26. The former South Molle Island Resort has been renovated and now features Balinese-inspired massage beds, bamboo day beds and thatched pergolas along the beach and foreshore area. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including sailing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, bushwalking, tennis, beach volleyball and nightly entertainment. www.koalaadventureisland.com
The Peppers Palm Bay Whitsundays has added two new suites to its selection of accommodation of lagoon-side bungalows, bures, cabins and suites. The luxurious new Hemingway Suites are located on the hillside overlooking Palm Bay, each one opening onto an expansive sundeck and including a stylish lounge area with a plasma television and DVD player, king-sized bed, ensuite plus an additional private deck, providing spectacular views of the Whitsunday islands.
The resort offers just 24 secluded bungalows, bures, cabins and suites, perfect for a relaxed and intimate getaway. Packages start from $800 per couple per night and include a sumptuous hot and cold buffet breakfast. www.peppers.com.au
Enjoy million-dollar views on a backpacking budget at the recently-renovated Airlie Waterfront Backpackers. Located on the Esplanade, Airlie Waterfront Backpackers boasts stunning views over Pioneer Bay out to the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. Guests can choose from the 80 bed backpackers or 20 room motel-style accommodation. www.airliewaterfront.com
Summit Apartments, Airlie Beach are a new four-and-a-half star, fully self-contained apartment complex located a short walk from the Airlie Beach’s retail and business centre. The apartments are nestled in the foothills of Conway National Park, with one or two bedrooms available, all equipped with kitchen, laundry, separate lounge and dining rooms and large balconies to make the most of the stunning sea views. www.summitairliebeach.com.au
A new Power Catamaran is the newest addition to the Whitsundays’ luxury cruising options. Moorings Power is set to launch the cutting-edge 474 PowerCat which will operate in the Whitsunday Islands, where power vessels are becoming a popular choice for non-sailors who want the full on-water experience. Only five days previous skippering experience is required – no formal qualifications are necessary. A full briefing session with the Moorings Power crew is provided on arrival. For more details phone 1800 553 720.
There are also a couple of new restaurants which have recently opened in the region to tempt your taste buds.
Already famous for their quirky fish and rum café on the Esplanade in Airlie Beach, Fish D’vine has opened a second restaurant in the heart of Mackay. Visit either of the restaurants for fresh, locally caught Barramundi, their famous Chilli Mud Crab, or to try one of more than 100 rums. Both restaurants boast great locations with a relaxed atmosphere.
Big 4 Airlie Cove Resort and Van Park has recently opened the family-friendly Cookhouse. Good quality meals, generous servings and affordable prices are the order of the day, with an a la carte menu available Tuesdays to Fridays and a traditional spit roast carvery with all the trimmings on weekends. For more information, phone (07) 4946 6727.
For more information on holidaying in the Whitsundays visit www.thewhitsundays.com.au
