The Whitsunday region is one of natures most remarkable gifts as it has been blessed with the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef along with many tropical islands and golden beaches including the famous Whitehaven Beach, regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. For visitors this means that plenty of activities abound from beach games at island resorts and championship golf courses with a view, to the buzzing nightlife in the coastal town of Airlie Beach. Choose to sail in the calm waters, water ski, parasail, camp or enjoy the many facilities of a luxury resort. Natures tropical selection of island and coastal delights awaits your selection.

To Destination Paradise - the islands, the waterways and the coast - there are so many holiday temptations in the Whitsundays. This tropical sub-rainforest region is around 1,125 kilometres north of Brisbane, or 725 kilometres south of Cairns. The Cumberland and Northumberland Island groups, commonly called the Whitsunday Islands, form the largest offshore island chain on Australia's east coast. You can skipper your own vessel, go sailing for the day, snorkel and scuba dive at the second largest dive destination in Australia, water ski, explore rainforests, go horse riding or be pampered in a luxury resort. The choice is yours - restricted only by your imagination.

Things to do in the Whitsundays:

* Take a cruise to one of the 74 idyllic Whitsunday islands - from uninhabited coral cays to romantic lovers' retreats to full-on party islands.

* Don't miss Whitehaven Beach, a snow-white stretch of sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

* Take in the atmosphere at Airlie Beach. As the water-side hub of the Whitsundays, the town attracts a cosmopolitan mix of visitors from around the world.

* The Barefoot Bushman Rob Bredl is a real-life Aussie adventurer. Rob's wildlife park features Rob's amazing crocodile show, plus offers guests a chance to pat a koala, feed a kangaroo - even hold a snake!