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Each
year over half a million people visit the Whitsunday's - one of
the most popular destinations in the Great Barrier Reef World
Heritage Area. Visitors come to enjoy the spectacular scenery
of the continental islands, the colourful fringing reefs, the
myriads of coral reefs and bombies running parallel to the coast
in the surrounding clear tropical waters. There are 74 Islands
that make up the Whitsunday Group - an aquatic playground.
Reef Dive vessels visit some of the most pristine coral
formations leading out to the Coral Sea.
The
islands and reefs support a huge variety of wildlife, including
endangered species. Some endangered species are unique to the
area and others are just passing through on annual migrations,
such as the humpback whale. The natural environment provides
an ideal setting for a whole range of recreational activities,
including sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, watersports, camping,
reef walking and whale watching.
WHITSUNDAY DIVE SITES
Gorgonia
Hill: Large gorgonia corals and sea whips can be seen from a
depth of 18 meters and deeper. A large black stingray ( 2 meters
across) is often seen resting on the sandy bottom of this dive.
NET REEF:
Grouper Grotto; A sheltered lagoon to 20 meters. A resident school of
groupers usually greets the divers. Many coral gardens.
Dolphins
Wall; Great wall diving on the south east face which appears
to be home to a pod of dolphins
LITTLE
BLACK REEF: A protected lagoon anchorage which can be dived
in all weather. Walls, cathedrals and caves. Excellent drift
dive site.
BLACK
REEF: Excellent marine life, hammer head sharks, turtles,
octopus, reef sharks, rays such as puggy, manta, eagle and
cowtails. A favourite dive site of the crew.
KNUCKLE
REEF: The Walking Stick: Swim throughs, caverns, eagle rays
and sand cays. Excellent wall diving. Dolphins often sighted
here.
OUBLIER
REEF: One of the best reefs in the Whitsundays' with
2 meter plus plate coral, brilliant diverse coral gardens with
excellent visibility. Exciting deep and wall dives. Ponds have
great shallow dive sites, also good for snorkelling. Wall dive
site locally named "Just Magic".
KENNEDY
REEF: Home to large turtles and pelagic fish. Great wall
dive site.
LINE
REEF: Great diving on the south east face in northerly weather.
Abundant variety of coral gardens and swim throughs. Plenty
of resident school fish.
PARKSThe reefs and waters of the Whitsundays' are included in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Queensland Marine Park. Most of the islands are Queensland national parks. The whole area warrants special management to protect the outstanding natural values which are also the major attraction for visitors and local residents. CLIMATEThe Whitsunday region is just north of the Tropic of Capricorn and around the same latitude as New Caledonia, Tahiti and Mauritius and the cooling trade winds help keep the temperature stable throughout the year.The average maximum daytime temperature out on the water is around 30-31° centigrade during the summer months, 26-29° C during autumn, 22-25° C winter and 26-31 °C in spring. July is the coolest and January the warmest month. |
