On the east coast of Australia, just over 90 minutes by plane from Queensland's capital Brisbane, are the unique Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsunday Islands are a unique group of islands that have an equally unique history. Actually, the Whitsunday Islands are a submerged mountain range. In this post I want to show you more of the Whitsunday Islands and help you to experience this wonderful place with its unique beaches.
History of the Whitsunday Islands
Today, exactly 17 of the 74 Whitsunday Islands are inhabited. This wonderful natural wonder was created by the rise of the sea level after the ice age almost 40,000 years ago. The sea separated the mainland from a mountain range, whose highest peaks today are the Whitsunday Islands. Most of the Whitsunday Islands are national parks today. By the way, the Great Barrier Reef is only about 40km east of the Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsunday Islands were discovered in 1770 by James Cook, from whom the Whitsundays got their name. At that time he considered the actual day as Whitsunday, although it was actually already Easter Monday. Thus, the Whitsunday Islands kept their name.
These are the Whitsunday Islands in Australia
The Whitsunday Islands have a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from around 21°C to 28°C. Many seabirds nest here, also flying foxes, monitor lizards, kangaroos, dolphins, turtles and also humpback whales are native here. The biodiversity of animals and also plants is huge. Orchids, pines or eucalypthus trees grow on the Whitsunday Islands. Since the Whitsundays are quite safe due to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays also attract many sailors to the east coast of Australia. Each of the Whitsunday Islands is unique. The largest island of the Whitsunday Islands is the namesake Whitsunday Island, which is also a national park. Here is the beautiful Whiteheaven Beach, which can only be reached by ferry and kayak. Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Hayman Island, Hook Island, Lindeman Island, Long Island and South Molle Island have hotel resorts and all have their own charm.