Australia, my essentials in Airlie beach & the Whitsunday Islands

Located in the heart of the Queensland coast in Australia, Airlie beach is the best starting point to discover the coral reef and enjoy the azure waters of the Whitsundays Islands . On land, in the air or on the ocean, here are 5 essential activities to do to make the most of one of the most paradisiacal places in the world .

My 5 essentials in Airlie beach & the Whitsunday Islands

The Great Barrier Reef stretches for 2300km, along the coast from Queensland to north-eastern Australia . The Whitsunday Islands National Park is centrally located. It is home to 74 islands.

The city of Airlie beach, ideally located off the archipelago, is the best home port to discover the islands .

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It is exceptional for its ecosystem. Here, you can admire more than 400 species of coral, 1600 species of fish, 133 species of sharks and rays, 30 species of dolphins and whales, and 6 of the 7 species of sea turtles recorded in the world.

Fly over the coral reef by plane from Airlie beach

Flying over the coral reef by plane is one of the most beautiful experiences I have had in Airlie beach, along with being able to camp on Whitehaven beach . The flight lasts one hour and passes over all the must-see places in the center of the Great Barrier Reef, including the famous Heart Reef, this heart in the middle of the ocean, and Whitehaven beach.

Info and reservations for the plane flight over the coral reef.

Do you like intense sensations ? So why not take advantage of your stay in Airlie beach to take a parachute jump above the coral reef . Did it (further north at Mission Beach ) and loved the experience. Doing a tandem jump was a dream I had had for a long time, and I couldn’t dream better than to do it above this unique place. The adrenaline rushes as the plane takes off, peaks during the freefall descent, then descends again once the canvas is open and the view of the coral reef can be enjoyed. You have to want it, I loved it! Info and reservation for the parachute jump .

My tandem jump over the coral reef

I had both experiences a few years apart. They are totally different and as incredible as each other. We do the parachute jump for the adrenaline it provides and the overflight to admire from the sky the exceptional nature of the coral reef . We take advantage of the environment more during the flight by plane since it lasts an hour, and above all we are sure to see Heart Reef , this heart in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The parachute jump, free fall + open canopy descent, hardly lasts about ten minutes.

Ocean Rafting: a day of snorkeling and walking in the Whitsundays

On board an inflatable semi-rigid boat, you will discover the Whitsunday Islands . In one day, you can snorkel to discover the exceptional seabed, go hiking with a guide on one of the islands in the national park, go to the Hill Inlet viewpoint, and discover the most beautiful beach in the world . The azure waters, fish and corals worthy of the world of Nemo, and an immaculate white beach are yours.

Discovery of the Whitsunday Islands with Ocean Rafting

Whitsundays Ocean Rafting is an eco-certified local business that works with respect for the environment of national parks and aboriginal peoples. You will be guided in this direction throughout the day, and guaranteed to be in a small group.

Info and reservations for a day with Ocean Rafting (snorkeling, walking and basking on Whitehaven beac