74 ISLAND WONDERS.  1000s OF STORY IDEAS. January/February 2014.

There's always plenty happening here in the Whitsundays and the team at Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited are always happy to help develop your story ideas, or help with new ideas. Check out all the latest news from the Whitsundays, as well as some story ideas that you are welcome to use, amend or expand on for your outlet.

We update our top ten list of news and story ideas bi-monthly - here are our latest ideas for January/February 2014 to get the creative juices flowing....

WHAT'S NEW

1. FLY SYDNEY TO WHITSUNDAY COAST DIRECT
In April, Tigerair will commence direct services between Sydney and Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine). New developments, including the fresh feel and look of Airlie Beach, as well as the exciting new developments on the Whitsunday Islands, have boosted traveller's interest in the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach. According to Tigerair Australia's Commercial Director, Carly Brear, Tigerair has witnessed overwhelming demand from budget travellers wanting to gain easy access to Airlie Beach and surrounding areas.

The Whitsundays are accessible by air from Whitsunday Coast Airport, offering direct flights to Sydney and Brisbane, as well as from Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island with direct flights to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. 

2. FRESH LOOK OF AIRLIE BEACH TOWN CENTRE
Airlie Beach is looking new and feeling fresh with its $20 million town centre upgrade now completed. Residents and visitors alike are excited about the contemporary look of the main street and the new atmosphere of Airlie Beach. Businesses are embracing the new look of Airlie Beach with more and more restaurants, cafes and retailers spilling out onto the street, introducing al fresco dining options and creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Visit the region and discover how Airlie has grown up from a backpacker town to a cosmopolitan, inviting and trendy place with everything from budget to 5 star accommodation, a gourmet selection of restaurants and plenty of activities you wouldn't expect in this marine based destination. www.discoverairliebeach.com

3. NEW BOUTIQUE RESORT AND RETREAT
Palm Bay Resort has officially re-launched, providing a fresh brand ethos and an innovative new concept. Palm Bay Resort is offering contemporary packages for events, product launches, unique boutique weddings and private isle occupancy for corporate and celebratory group experiences in the picturesque cove of Long Island. Offering private beach bure style accommodation for up to 30 couples, the property caters to groups seeking an alternative to a typical hotel environment and guarantees exclusivity for its group guests. Palm Bay Resort is working in conjunction with some of Australia's contemporary and unique wedding, catering, wellness and event specialists. By aligning with regional boutique yacht, dive and scenic tour operators, the resort ensures that guests can enjoy the full Whitsunday experience before returning to the seclusion of their own private beach.www.palmbayhideaway.com.au

4. WHITSUNDAY SUP CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY
Whitsunday Stand Up Paddle recently celebrated it's one year anniversary. Whitsunday Stand Up Paddle operates from the picturesque Shingley Beach, near Abell Point Marina and is extremely popular amongst young and old, both locals and visitors (Number 1 activity on TripAdvisor!). From introductory Stand up paddle (SUP) lessons to SUP hire and tours - Whitsunday SUP will get you hooked on the world's fastest growing water sport. Try something new on your next Whitsundays holiday! www.whitsundaystanduppaddle.com.au

5. CAMP OUT UNDER MILLIONS OF STARS 
Feel the solitude of the reef without the hoardes and camp out under millions of stars at the Great Barrier Reef with Reefsleep. At the end of last year, Cruise Whitsundays announced the long awaited return of the Reefsleep product. Reefsleep offers a truly unique and exclusive Great Barrier Reef experience without the high price tag. Camp out in premium swags - right in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The stars offer a spectacular sight at night and Reefsleep allows guests to have more time exploring the colourful underwater world on their own. www.cruisewhitsundays.com

6. NEW AL-FRESCO DINING 
A popular spot in the Airlie Beach restaurant precinct, Capers, has recently undergone renovations and has now re-opened, introducing an exciting al-fresco dining option by the beachfront. The restaurant offers contemporary Australian dining experiences, superb views of the Coral Sea and excellent breakfast and lunch options. Psst...a new favourite among visitors and locals is 'Sunday's pig on a spit' - together with live music entertainment and a great selection of craft beers this makes for the perfect Sunday afternoon. www.airliebeachhotel.com.au/capers/

7. WHITSUNDAY REGION INFORMATION CENTRE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Whitsunday Region Information Centre was re-opened at the end of last year, providing a hub of information for visitors to the Whitsundays region. The Centre is located on the Bruce Highway in Proserpine and provides information and booking services together with refreshments and souvenirs. Despite the fact that the internet has become such an important source of information, visitors still flock to the centre to receive tips and advice first hand. The friendly staff provide local insights and point visitors in the right direction. For information or booking enquiries, the Whitsunday Region Information Centre can be contacted on (07) 4945 3967.www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au


STORY ANGLES

8. THE WHITSUNDAYS GOES GREEN
While bright blue azure seas are generally the colour that people take away with them after a Whitsundays holiday, February/March sees the greens of North Queensland's tropical green season really take the cake. Cruising the Whitsunday Islands you will see the azure blues meeting the lush greens of the island hills. The island vegetation is a thick and luscious forest green, dotting the horizon of the Coral Sea and the bright colours make a spectacular sight. The cane fields of inland Proserpine are in full growth, a lime green winding and undulating carpet of colour leading towards Airlie Beach. The rainforest is cool and bright, with sub-tropical species blooming and growing throughout the wet.The summer rain isn't cold, and the tropical green season introduces a new range of sightseeing throughout the Whitsundays, including:

• Cedar Creek Falls - the stunning natural waterfall and waterhole really come to life during the rains of green season (see picture).
• The rain bringing out all kinds of wildlife. Birdwatch for Magpie Geese, Brolgas and Jacanas, and species migrating from Papua New Guinea such as Spangled Drongos and Buff-breasted Kingfishers. Frogs are also out and about, filling the air with raucous calls. 
• A guided tour; the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari on a calm river cruise spotting crocs, and a wetland tour within the Goorganga Plains.
• Sitting in one of the cosy, sheltered restaurants enjoying great food and wine on the Airlie Beach Esplanade/Main Street. Cuisines are very multi-cultural from fresh local seafood (the rains make for excellent Barramundi catching) to Indian, Italian, Mexican, Moroccan, modern Australian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese.

It's raining - so what? Check out our guide to wet weather activities around the Whitsundays. And if you're wet already, then why not get out and do all the activities you'd planned - snorkelling, sailing, cruising and exploring the Whitsundays. 

9. LEARN HOW TO SAIL IN THE WHITSUNDAYS
Imagine you're amidst turquoise blue waters, a slight breeze wafting across your face and the sun slightly warming your skin. Now you're pulling the ropes, the breeze is picking up and you're ready to set sails and continue on your adventure around the lush green islands that dot the Coral Sea. You're on your sailing adventure in the Whitsundays - the playground of experienced sailors and novices. Have you ever wanted to learn how to sail? Do so in the Whitsundays - The Whitsundays provide sheltered seas, fantastic sailing conditions and superb beaches. At Sunsail's Sailing School, you can learn how to sail with courses for beginners through to experienced sailors seeking professional qualifications, along with every level in between. Whatever your level, Sunsail will get you out on the water, experiencing the incomparable thrills of sailing for yourself. www.sunsail.com.au

10. TAKE A HEART-TO-HEART THIS VALENTINE'S DAY
Forget chocolate coated strawberries and heart-shaped balloons: Take a Heart to Heart with a breathtaking scenic flight over Heart Reef this Valentine's Day! The natural heart-shaped coral formation is situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays. Not only a perfect spot to celebrate your love for each other, a scenic flight over Heart Reef is also the perfect occasion to propose or re-declare your love. Your heart will skip a beat at this breathtaking sight. Book your romantic adventure with GSL Aviation, Air Whitsundays or Hamilton Island Air. Spoil yourself and book the Air Whitsundays Panorama Tour - fly over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, then stop on Air Whitsunday's private pontoon and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef (eye to eye with plenty of colourful corals and fishes) before you take off again on a flight over Heart Reef. Last but not least, land on Whitehaven Beach and dip your toes into the white and soft silica sand whilst sipping on a glass of champagne. Surely there is no better way to spend Valentine's Day!?


WHAT'S ON

WHITSUNDAYS POPULAR FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR 
The Whitsundays will be celebrating the Year of the Horse, welcoming Chinese visitors to the region. On the mainland, operators will be rolling out the blue carpet, welcoming Chinese visitors with posters, desk signs and blue heart-shaped balloons, celebrating the Whitsundays blue colours and icon: Heart Reef. Out on the water and around the Whitsunday Islands, Cruise Whitsundays and Hamilton Island have partnered to create a very special and significant celebration at Whitehaven Beach for the upcoming Chinese New Year period. A life sized horse will be hand sculpted each day by world champion sand sculptor Dennis Massoud to celebrate the Year of the Horse. People visiting Whitehaven Beach every day during the New Year celebrations will be able to see the horse being sculpted, learn about how to sculpt sand and have their picture taken with the sculpture. On Hamilton Island, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated with street stalls and a Chinese dragon show. The Whitsundays are very excited to celebrate the Chinese New Year and are looking forward to welcoming Chinese visitors to the region. Follw the action via #lovethewhitsundays. www.thewhitsundays.com.cn

WHITSUNDAYS WEDDING AND HONEYMOON EXPO - 23 FEBRUARY
Taste-test your future Whitsundays wedding at the inaugural Whitsundays Wedding and Honeymoon Expo held at the PCYC in Airlie Beach on Sunday 23 February 2014 from 10am - 1pm. The region's key suppliers will exhibit at the event, showcasing their experiences to consumers. Make it a girl's day out - enjoy a fashion show by the region's famous Haute Couture Bridal designer Kim Marcel who will launch five new dresses from her collection, meet with event planners to discuss your dream wedding setup and trial the latest hair and make-up trends. Then hop on a mini bus, sit back and relax with a glass of champagne while you are being chauffeured to open houses at Airlie Beach wedding venues - what better way to scope out your perfect wedding. Find out more...

WHITSUNDAY TOURISM EXCHANGE - 26 FEBRUARY
The first Whitsundays Tourism Exchange will be held in Airlie Beach on 26 February connecting the Whitsundays tourism industry with a contingent of Australia's key tourism product buyers. The one-day event allows local tourism operators to engage with product managers from major tour wholesalers and online travel agents. The Exchange will establish new and strengthen existing travel industry relationships and will allow product buyers to experience what's on offer in the Whitsundays. Post Exchange it is time to explore the Whitsundays at first hand with a two-day familiarisation showcasing key experiences of one of Australia's prime holiday destinations. 


TID BITS OF NEWS

WHITSUNDAY GEM JOINS BREAKFREE RESORTS
In October last year, Long Island Resort joined the BreakFree brand portfolio by Mantra Group. The 140 room property was rebranded as BreakFree Long Island Resort catering to families and couples and providing a superb location for weddings in the Whitsundays. www.longislandresort.com.au

AIRLIE BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL A HIT
74 bands rocked Airlie Beach over three days in November last year as part of the Airlie Beach Music Festival which is set to return in 2014. With key acts such as The Hoodoo Guru's, Mental as Anything, Dragon, Diesel, Kasey Chambers, Ian Moss and James Reyne the Airlie Beach Music Festival brought Airlie Beach to life. The remarkable line up of Australian talent has attracted music lovers from across the country, creating a fantastic atmosphere in Airlie Beach. Save the date - in 2014, the festival will be held from 7 -9 November!www.airliebeachmusicfestival.com.au

BIGGEST BADDEST BUCKET LIST WINNERS LOVE THE WHITSUNDAYS
Six months - two brothers - one bucket list. Marko and Alex have been the lucky winners of the Biggest, Baddest Bucket List competition run by the mydestination.com network. They have visited the Whitsundays as one of only two Australian destinations and were blown away by what the Whitsundays had to offer - view their video here. 

WHITSUNDAY OPERATORS AUSTRALIA'S FAVOURITE
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort and Hamilton Island's qualia have won the 2013 Australian Traveller Reader's Choice Awards. At the Queensland Tourism Awards, Ocean Rafting and Whitsunday Escape were awarded Gold and will now progress to competing in the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards held in Sydney on 7 February. And last but not least, Conde Nast Traveller announced that qualia has again been recognized as one of the Top Resorts in the world on The 2014 Gold List! Well done, Whitsundays!

YOU'RE INVITED: UPCOMING MEDIA FAMIL OPPORTUNITIES
Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited is inviting media to register their interest in a Whitsundays famil. With plenty of activities on offer in and around the Whitsundays, a new feel and look to Airlie Beach and lots of other exciting story angles, media familiarisations are held in the Whitsundays between April and November. To register your interest, please fill in the attached media famil application form and return to communications@wmdl.com.au

A BIG HELLO FROM ME
After several months of supporting the Marketing and Events team at Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited, I have started in the role of Marketing Executive (Communications) at the end of last year and will be looking after all PR for the Whitsundays. Originally from Germany, I have called the Whitsundays home for the past two years and have grown a strong passion for this stunning destination. The coastal rainforest, the deserted islands and the colourful underwater world become my playground outside of work and I absolutely enjoy living here in tropical paradise.
I would like to thank you all for your support of the Whitsundays over the past years and am looking forward to working with you in the future. I am looking forward to meeting some of you at media functions across the country in 2014. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information or images on any of the above story ideas, or anything on the Whitsundays.

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
www.discoverairliebeach.com.au