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Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands
lie close to the Queensland coast in the heart of Australia’s Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The Cumberlands,
or Whitsunday Islands as they are often referred to, are actually two
drowned mountain ranges cut off from the mainland by past geographical
events.
The magic of these Islands was first
recorded by James Cook during his voyage of discovery in the year
1770. The Whitsunday's are called continental Islands and are surrounded
by colourful fringing coral reefs pulsating with marine life. |
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The Great Barrier Reef
Twenty-five nautical miles further northeast
is the nearest of the platform reefs that are associated with the
Great Barrier Reef .
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest structure on earth ever created by living
creatures. It is included in the World Heritage list. Throughout the region
the reef structures bar the incursion of huge oceanic swells from the east,
rendering the waters behind them smooth in comparison to the open ocean.
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The Great Barrier Reef is the world's
largest and most complex expanse of living coral reefs, supporting
many unique forms of marine life. There are over fifteen hundred
species of fish, about four hundred species of coral animals and
a host of sponges, anemones, worms, crustaceans, shells, sea stars
and so much more.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's significant turtle breeding grounds
to six different species.
Whales, dugongs and dolphins are also found in the area. Humpback whales visit
the tranquil Whitsunday waters each year between June and October to give birth
to their young. Spectacular displays of breaching and whale sightings are awe-inspiring. |
Whitehaven Beach
The most spectacular beach in the Whitsunday's
is the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach , Whitsunday Island . It
stretches for some three nautical miles up the eastern side of
the largest island. It is composed of pure white silica sand and
the aboriginal name for it means “Whispering sands”. |
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Airlie Beach Airlie Beach is the main gateway to the
Whitsunday islands and is situated on the mainland. Airlie Beach is a tourist destination
in its own right. A variety of accommodation from Five star Resorts
to backpacker's and everything in between rubs shoulders with a
variety of nightlife and restaurants to choose from. The Airlie
Beach lagoon is surrounded by the Coral Sea and Airlie Beach downtown,
making it a central tropical and tranquil place to relax and enjoy
a slice of paradise. 100 Magic Miles of the Great Barrier Reef
, The Whitsunday Islands
By David Colfelt |
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