Our honeymoon to the US in December is a no go, and now looking for a week getaway up North. Whitsunday springs to mind - having never been would love some recommendations on where to stay, what to do and any good deals.
Open to other destinations.
Whitsundays Holiday Recommendation
serenitynow on 12/06/2020 - 20:53
Comments
You need to do a boat trip of course, would recommend an overnight sailing trip. If you only go to Airlie Beach then that's not going to the Whitsundays. The waters are calm in most areas around the islands, so you won't get sea sick, and they will anchor overnight in a space where it's flat.
Try these links for some sailing options:
https://whitsundayssailingadventures.com.au/
https://www.bookme.com.au/things-to-do/whitsundays-airlie-be…Bookme especially can have some very good deals, but many of the cheaper options are catered more to a younger/backpacker crowd.
There's normally two airports to choose from, Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) and Hamilton Island. Even if you fly to Hamilton would still recommend you book a boat trip.
I would wait a few weeks before booking a flight, looks like QLD border will open 10 July and I think very soon the airlines will put a sale on. I believe you should be able to get $100 flights from Sydney to Proserpine, which is much cheaper than driving. Looks like Airport bus to Airlie is $22 though haha.
If you rent a car then a trip up to Dingo Beach and Bowen might be alright.
very soon the airlines will put a sale on. I believe you should be able to get $100 flights from Sydney to Proserpine
Okay I was wrong. SYD to PPP on sale now for $19. And HTI for $79.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/545986
For travel until October but they have a date change policy at the moment.
Whitsunday s is great but too hot in summer.
Why would nt you go to USA ?
We're going in January. Unrestricted flights look like return ING in September.
The travel ban was extended yesterday to September 17th
Yep September but NZ will probably be open in few weeks
As above, December is not ideal. It is also wet season so it will be raining a fair bit. Plus it’s also in the middle of stinger season so you won’t want to be in the sea without a wetsuit to protect you. Even then, your head, hands and feet are still exposed.
The tour boat operators provide stinger suits.
When I've been to North QLD we didn't book boat trips until we were there and knew the weather forecast.
I would recommend Hayman Island Resort.
I have been several times, but still love it, and looking forward to visiting again in the future.
Things to do include:
- Take a helicopter tour from the air, and see the beautiful reef.
- Fly over and enjoy half a day with a picnic at the Whitehaven beach (which has beautiful super fine sand).
- They operate one of the largest kitchen facilities in a hotel in the Southern Hemisphere and used to offer a kitchen tour (maybe this is not available anymore with COVID).
- Sunset sailing in the afternoon.
- If arriving by Hamilton Island, the luxury boat transfer from Hamilton with onboard canapes and champagne.
- Walking around the island, and the usual beach activities.
- Watch the night sky - since there is very little light pollution.
Only guests of the resort are allowed on the island - so it feels quite safe at night on the beach.
As others have said, perhaps the end of year is not the best time to visit Whitsunday. That is the only thing.
This was my plan however once I calculates all the costs, you're better off going to the Maldives with an all inclusive deal (post travel restrictions) - albeit, you may have to pay an extra $1k but totally worth it IMHO.
Torress strait is lovely that time of year, nice sunny humid environmentp. Great scuba.