Shute Harbour, Queensland, Australia

Shute Harbour at Airlie beach is the gateway to the World Heritage listed, Whitsunday Islands which form part of the world's largest National Park. Comprising some 74 islands the Whitsunday Group is primarily uninhabited. However if you pine for civilisation there is always one of the internationally renowned island resorts from which to choose.

The warm aquamarine waters range between 20 and 25 deg. C allow year round snorkeling and diving opportunities and provide a glimpse into the magic of these Great Barrier Reef Islands.

The Whitsundays with its safe anchorages and coves, sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef, is one of the world's finest cruising areas and will undoubtedly capture your heart and imagination. Lying in the tropics close to 20 deg south the Whitsundays has an enviable climate year round. The Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea protect the waters of the Whitsundays from the ocean seas with most islands being surrounded by a fringing reef system.