The Whitsundays – high on The Urban Mum’s list of the most beautiful regions ever seen – are an easy sell…
Part of the attraction of the Whitsundays is getting off the beaten track. There are 74 Islands to explore; kilometres of waterways; and a diverse mainland – you can be as busy (or relaxed) as you like. With no shortage of magnificent scenery; water based activities; and fabulous accommodation options – the only problem will be squeezing it all into your holiday.
Luxury comes in many guises. For us the luxury of time; spent outdoors; on old-fashioned activities – these make marvellous childhood holiday memories.
Here are our ‘Top Five’ (outdoor) kids activities enjoyed on The Whitsunday’s’ mainland (Airlie Beach and surrounds). Guaranteed to keep the kids (and you) happy:
Back to Nature
The majority of the Whitsunday Islands are National Parks. The mainland also boasts 22,500 ha of parks (Conway National Park); making the Whitsundays a bush walking paradise. Little legs cannot always cope with a big hike so consider these gentle options.
The track follows a mainly level route; situated half-way between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. A handy information brochure is available at the beginning of the walk; explaining the flora and fauna visible along the way. My boys always enjoy this track; no matter how often we have walked it.
A fairly recent addition – just off the Airlie Beach main ring road of Waterson Way – it is a 850 metre steady climb (first half is gravel, second half bush track). Culminating in a gorgeous waterhole.
Coral Beach Walk (Shute Harbour)
A beautiful uninhabited spot; overlooking Daydream Island. Perfect for afternoon tea – bring a picnic and thermos because there are no facilities. Enjoy glorious vistas over Whitsunday Passage on the well maintained 2 km (round trip) walk.
The Urban Mum’s Insider Guide:
- Always layer on the mosquito repellent; it is often damp in the bush so the mossies thrive.
- Bring drinking water.
- Tread carefully – the National Parks are home to lots of fauna (including snakes). The Urban Mum DOES NOT LIKE SNAKES – not one little bit. That said, I have never had one cross my path – it is the exception rather than the rule – just be aware.
A Day at a (Whitsundays) Beach
If you are looking to: step back in time; enjoy a beautiful beach, casual dining, and cabin style accommodation; then Montes Reef Resort Lodge at Hideaway Bay is the spot for you. After a 45 minute drive from Airlie Beach (past the cane fields) you will arrive at a gem frequented by the locals. Travel through Dingo Beach (enjoyed by local cane farming families as a weekend paradise for many generations) to the end of the sealed road and you know you are on the right track. With signs like OMG Hill (oh my god) and Kangaroo Corner; you may wonder where you will end up. Wildlife abounds so travel at a sedate pace and you will be rewarded.
Montes offers basic cabin accommodation – fabulous for families. Rooms spill out onto the lawn before meeting sand and the bluest of blue tropical waters. Great for beach combing at low tide, fishing, and kayaking. Lunch is a treat under the shade (burgers and fish and chips and salads). Go for the day or stay for the night.
The Urban Mums Insider Guide
- Check your hire car allows travel on gravel roads.
- Pre-book the restaurant, especially on weekends when the locals tend to make a day of it.
- If you plan to swim October-May you may wish to investigate the purchase or hire of stinger suits.
Whitsundays Camping
Kids love camping. Parents; well they fall into two camps! The lovers and the tolerator’s – The Urban Mum is of the latter (barely) – actually I DISLIKE it. It always seems like such an effort to gather the gear, pack and unpack. But the great outdoors are good for children – so when I discovered Scamper Island Camping (a company that provides the lot) – all you bring is your clothes and food and drink – it seemed a match made in heaven (and a tick in my ‘Super Mum’ box). After meeting at their depot in Shute Harbour; you are transported via sturdy boat to your chosen location (ours was Sandy Bay – close to the mainland); a return day/time is pre-arranged. Once the excitement of setting up the campsite (sheltered, with toilet facilities) is complete there is a scenic island walk; cooking out; games of cards; and beach combing. Whilst it is not glamorous by any stretch – the kids loved the experience and wanted to stay longer, I was happy to get home to a shower – although I will say, time away from electronics was good for all of and in hindsight it was quite fun in a campfire – toasted marshmallows’ way!
The Urban Mums Insider Guide
- Bring your gear in water proof bags/plastic boxes – in case of rain.
- Don’t forget the bread rolls (as I did) there are no shops!
- Don’t book a beach so close you can still see your home on the mainland – I spent most of the night tossing and turning in my sleeping bag; watching the lights twinkling and imagining my cosy bed and hot shower across the bay.
Whitsundays Sailing
The Whitsundays is a yachting paradise; so why not give your kids an opportunity to try it themselves. The Whitsunday Maritime Centre offers School Holiday Junior Sailing camps (run out of the Sailing Club in the heart of Airlie Beach). Who knows; when they get proficient you might book a sailing holiday!
The Urban Mums Insider Guide
- Book early the spots fill up (07 49466710).
- The restaurant/bar in the Club is great for a simple meal; the sunsets are glorious.
Eating Out (doors in Airlie Beach)
Nothing smells like a childhood holiday more than the sizzle of a BBQ. In Airlie Beach there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Our favourite spots are;
Arrive before the crowds for an early morning swim and a BBQ breakfast; ‘little chefs’ can make their own while you enjoy a coffee (free gas BBQ’s cleaned by the council each morning).
Buy fish and chips for lunch; and go across the road to where you will find tables and chairs; or spread out on the grass and let the kids play in the playground or on the beach.
Part of the new Port of Airlie development. Take a picnic and a fishing rod to the white sand beach; lovely landscaped gardens to sit and watch the fish bite.
A few new ‘secret spots’
Have you visited The Whitsundays, Australia with Kids?
