The tropical city of Mackay is the 'sugar capital' of Australia. Mackay is a prosperous city from its sugar and mining industries. Mackay's proximity to the rainforest and the reef make it a very popular holiday destination, and yet this is an area which has not been overdevloped. Following the heritage walk will show the visitor the main highlights of the city and display its history. Mackay's city centre is marked with the products of community arts project. Almost 600 pieces of art are displayed depicting the theme of 'the natural north'.

Proserpine is another sugar town, located inland of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Airlie Beach is the mainland centre of the Whitsundays, along with Shute Harbour just 10 minutes away. These two towns provide water access to the islands of the Whitsunday passage. This is also an extremely popular place to learn to dive.

Brampton Island: 8 square kilometres of mountainous island, only 32km from Mackay harbour. It is a national park and wildlife sanctuary with lush forests, palm trees and fine white beaches. The island is surrounded by coral reefs.

Hamilton Island: Characterised by high-rise hotels, Hamilton Island has an international airport and is the most heavily developed island in the Whitsundays. It has a range of entertainment including parasailing, scuba diving, cruising and helicopter joy flights. There are squash courts, shops, nine restaurants, take-away's and a supermarket. All the resort facilities can be used by day trippers.

Daydream Island: The closest island resort to Shute Harbour, it has a very good swimming pool and mainly caters for families. Day trippers are allowed and can use all the non-powered water activities and tennis courts.

Lindeman Island: One of the most southerly of the Whitsunday group, 67 kilometres north of Mackay. Lindeman Island is 20 square kilometres in area, and more than 90% national park. The island offers great views across the Whitsunday passage from Mt Oldfield and is noted for its birds and butterflies and walking tracks.

Hayman Island: There are no daytrippers on Hayman Island as it is a very exclusive and upmarket resort. It is the most northerly of the Whitsunday Islands and has many facilities and activities available.

Whitsunday Island: There is no resort on this island, however it is the largest of the Whitsunday group. Whitehaven Beach, 6 kilometres long, is on the south-east coast and is the longest and finest beach imaginable. There are National Parks camping areas at Whitehaven Beach and some good snorkelling sites at its southern end.

Long Island: 8km from Shute Harbour and 43 kilometres from Proserpine. Long Island offers excellent walking tracks through the rainforest for great views of the surrounding islands. There is over 2000 acres of National Park and palm fringed beaches.

Orpheus Island: Covered with lush green palms and sandy bays. This unspoilt wilderness is softened by the graceful curve of seven beaches of soft white sand and a dark green centre of National Park.

Great Keppel Island: This island is only a short boat ride away from the Great Barrier Reef, with spectacular marine life and 28 kilometres of pure white sand. This island is perfect for all ages and is one of the Whitsundays most beautiful destinations.

Dunk Island: A tropical island with lush rainforests. It is a tropical island with a real working dairy farm and an artists colony. Its a place of contrast, where getting back to nature is so simple.

Fact Summary

Proserpine Airport Transfers: To Shute Harbour $13, to Airlie Beach $11.

Climate: Summer 17-31 deg CC. Winter 17-26 deg CC.

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