The 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 the Whitsunday Islands was first recorded by Captain James Cook during his voyage of discovery in the year 1770. The Whitsunday Islands are called continental islands and are surrounded by colourful fringing coral reefs pulsating with marine life. There are 74 Whitsunday Islands, mostly uninhabited, and several resort islands, including Daydream Island, Hamilton Island and Hayman Island. Ocean Rafting tours offer daily pick ups for guests of Daydream Island Resort.
Ocean Rafting visits several Whitsunday Islands on each day trip, including Whitsunday Island, where Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet are located, as well as the fringing reefs of Hook Island, Border Island, Dumbell Island and Black Island, otherwise known as Bali Hai, to enjoy a pristine snorkelling experience.
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.
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 Islands waters each year between June and October to give birth to their young. Spectacular displays of breaching and whale sightings are awe-inspiring. Visit The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) website for more information.
Ocean Rafting visits the fringing coral reefs around the Whitsunday Islands for a memorable snorkelling experience. The fringing reef flat extends out from the shore with a reef slope which drops off into deeper water and coral bommies dotted along the edge. A single fringing reef in the Whitsundays can have up to 130 different coral species. Three species of sea turtles are dependant on fringing reefs in the Whitsunday region and protected fish species living on the fringing reefs include Queensland Groupers, Humpheaded Maori Wrasse and Barramundi Cod.