Qantas

FIND YOUR OASIS

With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life and breathtaki­ng beaches, the allure of The Whitsunday­s is no secret – but you can still carve out your own slice of paradise.

Camp on the reef

Spending a few hours exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef is enticing but you can make the magic last even longer with Reefsleep (cruisewhit­sundays.com). The one-ofa-kind experience begins with a scenic cruise from Airlie Beach to a pontoon moored in the magnificen­t turquoise waters of Hardy Reef. Here, you’ll scuba dive around colourful coral, venture into the underwater observator­y to admire tropical fish and hop aboard a helicopter to enjoy bird’s-eye views of the stunning silica sand beaches and famous Heart Reef. Dinner is served on the deck as the last embers of sunlight dip below the horizon (all meals and drinks are included). Come bedtime, get cosy inside your glamping-style Ree…ed on the deck and gaze up at the blanket of stars stretching across the sky as you drift into a peaceful slumber. Reefsleep has Advanced Eco Certificat­ion so it’s committed to ensuring the reef is not harmed by tourism. It uses a desalinati­on unit for fresh water and contribute­s to an ongoing initiative to remove harmful marine debris.

Stay beachside

With sweeping views, a temperatur­econtrolle­d pool and spa, a gym and barbecue area all on offer at The Sebel Whitsunday­s (athotelgro­up.com.au/ sebel), you may be tempted to stay put for the duration of your visit. If you do venture beyond the comfort of your penthouse, Port of Airlie is mere steps away, where you can embark on a boat tour. The two infinity pools at Water’s Edge Resort (athotelgro­up.com.au/ wer) provide more spectacula­r vistas, with Pioneer Bay and the national park mountains on full display. Elegantly refurbishe­d in March, the property is just Ž‘‘ metres from the town centre but is perched on a hilltop and framed by tropical greenery so it feels like your own idyllic sanctuary.

Explore northern shores

Considered one of The Whitsunday­s’ undiscover­ed gems, the coastal town of Bowen is only a ’“-minute drive north of Airlie Beach. You’ll find eight secluded palm-fringed inlets, all blissfully free of crowds – hire snorkellin­g gear from Horseshoe Bay Resort to spot giant clams and Bywa, a man-made intertidal sculpture.