Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHERE TO STAY
Coral Sea Resort
Set in Airlie Beach's best location, on the edge of Paradise
Point, with 280-degree views of the ocean, this 5-year-old resort is one of the best
places to stay on the Whitsunday mainland. There's a wide range of great
accommodations styles to suit everyone from honeymooners to families, and
although its relatively sprawling, the design is such that you can easily feel you're
alone. All the rooms have a nautical feel, and the Coral Sea suites are divine, com-
plete with a Jacuzzi and double hammock on the balcony. There are four styles of
suites, apartments, and family units, all serviced daily. Bayview suites have a
Jacuzzi inside. It's a 3-minute walk along the waterfront to Airlie Beach village.
25 Oceanview Ave., Airlie Beach, QLD 4802.
&
1800/075 061
in Australia, or 07/4946 6458. Fax 07/4946
6516. www.coralsearesort.com. 78 units. A$185-A$300 (US$120-US$195) double suite; A$240-A$295
(US$156-US$192) double 1-bedroom apt; A$295-A$325 (US$192-US$211) double 2-bedroom apt; A$255
(US$166) family unit (sleeps 5); A$280 (US$182) 1-bedroom penthouse; A$375 (US$244) 2-bedroom pent-
house; A$520 (US$338) 3-bedroom penthouse. Cribs A$12 (US$7.80). Minimum 2-night stay at Easter, 3-night
stay Dec 26-Jan 5. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; 25m/82 ft.
outdoor pool; exercise room; games room; tour desk; car-rental desk; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysit-
ting; coin-op laundry; dry cleaning. In room: A/C and ceiling fans, TV w/satellite and free movies, kitchenette,
minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Martinique Whitsunday Resort
Your apartment in this French
Caribbean-style complex high on the hill above Airlie Beach has views which
make the short but very steep walk from the town well worthwhile. The one-,
two-, and three-bedroom apartments are roomy and light, and each has a big
balcony. The wet edge lap pool also overlooks the Coral Sea, and is surrounded
by tropical gardens and waterfalls. There's a barbecue area, and you can also
order kitchen supplies to be ready when you arrive. Apartments are serviced
weekly, and each has a washing machine and dryer.
18 Golden Orchid Dr. (off Shute Harbour Rd.), Airlie Beach, QLD 4802.
&
07/4948 0401.
Fax 07/4948 0402.
www.martiniquewhitsunday.com.au. A$175 (US$114) double 1-bedroom apt; A$190 (US$124) double 2-bed-
room apt; A$330 (US$215) 3-bedroom apt (sleeps 6). Extra person A$22 (US$14). AE, DC, MC, V. Covered
parking.
Amenities:
Outdoor lap pool; 2 Jacuzzis; exercise room; tour desk. In room: A/C and ceiling fans, TV,
full kitchen, minibar, hair dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
Mangrove Jack's Café Bar
PIZZA/CAFE FARE Bareboat sailors, local
sugar farmers, Sydney yuppies, and European backpackers all flock to this big
open-fronted sports bar/restaurant. The mood is upbeat but pleasantly casual,
the surrounds are spic-and-span, and the food passes muster. Wood-fired pizza
with trendy toppings is the specialty. There is no table service; just place your
order at the bar and collect your food when your number is called. The more
than 50 wines come by the glass.
In the Airlie Beach Hotel, 16 The Esplanade (enter via Shute Harbour Rd.).
&
07/4946 6233.
Reservations
recommended. Main courses A$7.90-A$20 (US$5.15-US$13). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 10am-midnight.
THE WHITSUNDAY ISLAND RESORTS
There are about 10 resorts of varying degrees of splendor; accommodations range
from positively glitzy to comfortably midrange to downright old-fashioned.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Hayman
This is the most luxurious, glitzy, and glamorous resort in
Australia. And a recent A$50 million (US$32.5 million) redevelopment has
ensured that it is even more so. Check-in is done over a glass of bubbly aboard
the resort's sleek launch that meets you at Hamilton Island airport. On arrival,
