There's always plenty happening here in the Whitsundays and below we have included an update on the latest news, new products and events for April/May 2015. We've also developed some story ideas that you're welcome to use, amend or expand on for your outlet.

Please don't hesitate to contact the team at Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited to develop your story ideas, or help with new ideas and images.

NEWS

WHALE WATCHING TOURS FOR THE WHITSUNDAYS
Visitors to the Whitsundays will soon be able to get up close with humpback whales with whale watching tours launching on 20 June 2015. Ocean Dynamics will commence whale watching tours in the Whitsundays in time for the start of the annual whale migration from late June – September. The tours will depart daily from Airlie Beach and will allow visitors an opportunity to experience an unforgettable natural encounter with the southern hemisphere's humpback whales as they travel north during their annual migration. Find out more…

MORE AWARDS FOR WHITEHAVEN BEACH
Whitehaven Beach consistently ranks as one of the world's best beaches and was recently voted Best Beach in Australia and the South Pacific in the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. This was the third consecutive year in which Whitehaven Beach was voted Australia's Best by TripAdvisor reviewers. The crystal clear waters, soft white silican sands and stunning natural surrounds are simply breathtaking. The beach was also ranked as number 1 of the Top 10 Island Beaches for Perfect Sand by Conde Nast Traveler.

NEW DIRECT SERVICES FROM MELBOURNE
The Whitsundays has welcomed new direct services from Melbourne to the Whitsundays. On 27 June, Qantas will commence a twice weekly return service between Melbourne and Hamilton Island, introducing business class seats on this route. The Qantas Group has also announced direct services between Melbourne and Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) with Jetstar. The services will commence on 25 June, adding more than 15,000 seats a year on three weekly return flights to the Whitsundays Coast.

CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS WINS BRONZE
Cruise Whitsundays was awarded Bronze in the category for Major Tour and/or Transport Operator at the 2014 Australian Tourism Awards. This is a huge success for Cruise Whitsundays and the Whitsunday region. Together with 16 other Queensland tourism businesses and events, Cruise Whitsundays was recognised for their committment and excellence in raising industry standards. Find out more...

NEW GUIDED MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS
Ride through tropical rainforest with a professional guide, wind your way along easy urban tracks as you explore Airlie Beach or watch the sunset as you ride through a tropical bush setting at Brandy Creek with Airlie Mountain Bike Tours. The team offers a wide range of guided mountain bike tours – experience stunning views across the Whitsunday Islands on a full day tour to South Molle Island, ride through lush, tropical rainforest and discover the local flora and fauna on a Rainforest Ride or take one of the half day tours. The tours range from beginner to advanced levels of fitness and experience. 

PASPALEY PEARLS POP-UP BOUTIQUE
Paspaley, the world's leading producer of Australia South Sea pearls, will 'pop-up' at Australia's newest ultra-luxury resort, One&Only Hayman Island, showcasing their current fine pearl jewellery collections. This collaboration will allow guests to discover an elegant on-island pop-up pearls boutique, and a range of unique experiences, such as The Paspaley Chef's Table and Poolside Pearl Discoveries. Find out more…

SUP THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF BOWEN
The Bowen Stand Up Paddleboard Club is holding weekly social paddleboard sessions at Grey's Bay. The sessions are open to all – whether you're a local, a visitor, a beginner or pro! Sessions are held each Wednesday from 4.30pm – 6pm and Saturdays from 8.30am – 10.30am. 

UNMISSABLE SUNSET COCKTAILS
Sunsets at One Tree Hill on Hamilton Island got even better. A new venue designed with timber and stone has opened its doors for a truly unforgettable sunset experience at One Tree Hill. Taking full advantage of the beautiful backdrop with an open and breezy verandah, it is the perfect location for a relaxing afternoon with wine and cheese or for evening cocktails as the sun sets over the Coral Sea and surrounding Whitsunday Islands.

STORY ANGLES

A WEDDING VENUE LIKE NO OTHER
Whisk your guests away to an unforgettable wedding ceremony and say 'I Do' right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, literally. Celebrate your special day at a very unique event venue – Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef pontoon. After you've popped the champagne, take a scenic flight over world-famous Heart Reef and enjoy an unforgettable reception to the backdrop of the stunning colours of the Great Barrier Reef. After drinks, speeches and dancing guests, enjoy a sunset cruise back through the Whitsunday Islands while the newlyweds enjoy a romantic candle-light dinner and a intimate night in their private King Suite at Reefsleep. The pontoon is located at Hardy Reef, just 40 nautical miles from the Whitsunday Coast mainland. 

AUSTRALIA'S LAST WORKING PIT PONIES
In 1990, Australia's last working pit ponies, Wharrier and Mr Ed, were retired from a coal mine in Collinsville. A rich and unique history, the story of the miners of Collinsville and their pit ponies remains fresh in the memory of locals. In commemoration of the 25 year anniversary, the Collinsville Pit Pony Experience was brought to life. The new visitor attraction includes the development of a bronze statue to celebrate the end of the pit pony era and a historic trail through Collinsville to showcase Collinsville's rich stories of the past. Find out more…

WHAT'S ON

HILLY HALF MARATHON – 3 MAY
Hit the long-distance running trail and be cheered on by the crowds on the annual Stamford Financial Hamilton Island Half Marathon. Held each May, the challenging Stamford Financial Hamilton Half Marathon follows roads, fire trails and walking tracks through Hamilton Island's undulating interior.

WHITSUNDAY SUP CHALLENGE - 17-24 MAY
Calling all adventurers to get ready to Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board around the tropical islands of the Whitsundays. Set sail to Australia's best beach on your own charter yacht and spend unforgettable nights under the stars during the ultimate Whitsunday SUP Challenge from 17-24 May 2015.

OBSTACLES GONE MAD! WHITSUNDAYS – 30 MAY
Start packing your bags because this event is not to be missed. Feel the adrenaline rush through your body as you conquer this obstacle course event to the buzzing cheer from family and friends. There will be 5km, 10km and a kids course, as well as lots of entertainment and much more. The exact locaton is a secret but buses will depart Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Proserpine to take you to the secret location on the Whitsunday Coast.

AIRLIE BEACH RUNNING FESTIVAL – 18-19 JULY 2015
Lace up your running shoes! The Whitsunday Running Club has just launched its third Airlie Beach Running Festival after last year's event was a huge success. The event includes a half marathon, part of the North Queensland half marathon series, a 10km and 5km run. There is also a 5km Corporate Team Challenge and a 2km Sea Star Kidz Fun Run. Registrations are now open on the club's website. Discounted early bird registrations are open until May 31, 2015.

TID BITS OF NEWS

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR AIRLIE BEACH FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
74 bands over 3 days. Airlie Beach Festival of Music brings Airlie Beach to live. This year's event has already attracted a massive line-up including The Black Sorrows, Toni Childs, Angry Anderson, Wendy Matthews, Mason Rack Band, The Hillbilly Goats, David Flower, Bondi Cigars, Richard Clapton and many more. 

NEW OWNERS AT DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT & SPA
Iconic Whitsunday Island resort, Daydream Island Resort & Spa, will (subject to Government approval) be sold to China Capital Investment Group for an undisclosed sum. The new owners intend to continue to operate Daydream Island Resort and Spa and invest money into the gradual refurbishment of the popular resort.

ABELL POINT YACHT CLUB
The Abell Point Yacht Club has a brand new committee with a renewed focus on fellowship and organised social events. The Club has shifted to a club which is inclusive of all the boating community – power or sail. Check out the Club's fantastic event calendar for 2015 including a formal dinner on Whitehaven Beach and reef rendezvous on Knuckle Reef pontoon. Find out more…

IMAGES: We have put together a selection of images that you are welcome to use to complement your story.

Media Contact:

Media contact:
Chelsea Hauschka
Marketing Executive (Communications)
Ph. +61 7 4948 5917
M +61 417 765 736
communications@wmdl.com.au 
www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au  
Media centre: www.wmdl.com.au/media 

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