When most people think of a holiday, they imagine a warm, tropical paradise–relaxing on the beach, basking in sunshine, and not having a care in the world. For most Australians, the first destinations that come to mind are our not-so-distant neighbors, such as Indonesia, Fiji, or Thailand. While these places are indeed tropical and beautiful, many Australians fail to realise that there is a tropical paradise right here at home: the Whitsundays. Expensive international trips can be costly and time-consuming. Spend less time travelling by choosing a domestic destination for your holiday. The Whitsundays are right here in our own backyard. Just off the Queensland coast, the 74 islands which comprise the Whitsundays are a treasure trove of beauty, discovery, and splendor. Airlie Beach, the unofficial gateway to the Whitsundays, offers a plethora of activities for the entire family. Accommodations are available to fit any budget and preference and the day trips from Airlie Beach are numerous. You can head to the surrounding islands or take a trip up to the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsundays are the prime location for sailing, with many visitors chartering yachts for day trips or extended overnight journeys. With so many gorgeous islands making up the Whitsundays, it will be a challenge to see as much as you can! The Whitsundays offer some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found not only in Australia but in the world. Pristine Whitehaven Beach is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world. The islands are dotted with glorious trails and waterfalls, and the surrounding waters are a perfect shade of clear blue. All of this natural wonder is only a 2 hour flight from Sydney, or a 1.5 hour flight from Brisbane. The Whitsundays offers two airports, to make getting here a breeze. So this holiday, discover the adventure and beauty right outside your own back door. Come see why the Whitsundays are the premier destination for Australians.