The Whitsundays is an archipelago of 74 tropical islands located just 55 kilometres (34 miles) off the Queensland coast, next to the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors travel to the Whitsundays from all around the world to relax on the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach, soar over Heart Reef in a sea plane and stay in world-class accommodation on luxury islands. The clear, protected waters around the island’s secluded beaches and hidden bays are also ideal for sailing, snorkelling, diving and swimming.  You can swim with turtles, spot whales, walk barefoot along one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and sail around the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef while on holiday in the Whitsundays.