Insider Guide: The Whitsundays
It’s a hard life living on the doorstep of the 74 islands of the Whitsundays but someone’s gotta do it. Janet Hogan from stunning wedding venue Villa Botanica gives her tips for living it up in paradise.
Favourite dinner spot
Alain’s Restaurant is one of the local’s best kept secrets. Eight courses of Alain’s gourmet French-inspired menu will leave you wondering if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a Parisian bistro!
Best place to party
The perfect recipe for any party would have to be the Coral Sea + sunset + cocktails. You’ll find all that and more at DejaVu Restaurant in Airlie Beach. Then, if you really want to hit the dance floor and enjoy great bar shows and flaring, Mama Africa is the place to be.
Must-do activity
There is nothing like sipping an ice cold beer as you watch the boats come in at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. And if you visit when they’re holding a fun race you may even be invited to set sail.
Can’t-beat-it-breakfast
An easy choice – Easy Café. Famous for their great coffee and generous service. And a great local tip, the café actually has a private seating area around the corner with tables overlooking the beach. Most tourists miss these!
Do as the locals do
If you can bring yourself to get up early enough, join the daily parade of super fit locals, their dogs and prams jogging along Airlie’s waterfront boardwalk, as the sun rises over the ocean.
Fun for families
How about a jet ski tour? The Whitsundays offers tours with action-packed adventure or more sedate eco tours – the choice is yours. And because kids can ride on their parent’s jet ski for free, it’s great family value.
Most romantic spot
Would have to be seaside ceremonial pavilion at Villa Botanica, where hundreds of couples have delivered their vows. The only hitch is you have to get married to come here. But if romance is in the air, why not?
