May/June 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.
Here are our latest top ten story ideas for May/June 2014 to get the creative juices flowing....

WHAT'S NEW

Robo Your Way Through Airlie Beach
Start your Airlie Beach adventure with an exciting new sightseeing tour. Both Fun Rentals Robotours and Whitsunday Segway Tours offer guided tours around the Whitsundays, departing Airlie Beach daily. Explore Cannonvale Beach, the Port of Airlie and Shingley Beach as you cruise along the Bicentennial Boardwalk and Airlie's foreshore. View the video here.

Introducing One&Only Hayman Island
One&Only Hayman Island, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef presents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, indulgence and adventure. Australia's iconic private island resort opening July 2014 is located off the coast of Queensland, nestled at the northernmost point of the Whitsunday archipelago, beyond verdant cliffs reaching into endless sky. Within this private island resort, stylish elegance reflects the harmony of nature with beautifully appointed accommodation set against the backdrop of the Coral Sea. Discover endless opportunities to delight the senses in a place where the beauty of nature inspires each day. Find out more…

Get Dirty
Race a mini 4WD through the amazing hinterland on the Whitsunday Coast at the new Wings Adventure Park. Climb from the valley floor to the hilltops of the rainforest, slash through pod holes, and conquer tracks through grassland, marshland, wetland, creek beds and bumps. Rally around the track with your friends and show off your skills. The new Wings Adventure Park will open on the Whitsunday Coast in mid-2014 and will also introduce a new downhill mountain bike tour and many other activities. Find out more…

Say 'I Do' on the Great Barrier Reef
In April, Cruise Whitsundays has celebrated the launch of a very unique event venue, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef - literally. The company opened up one of its Great Barrier Reef pontoons for exclusive use for weddings and events. Packages include a romantic night under the stars of the Great Barrier Reef for the newly-weds, a candlelight dinner, a private Honeymoon Suite and other functions and activities for corporate events. Find out more…

The Great Aussie Reptile Show
Get up close and personal with snakes, lizards, baby crocodiles, koalas, baby kangaroos and many more as part of The Great Aussie Reptile Show at The Whitsunday Arts and Cultural Centre in Airlie Beach. The show offers a true Aussie experience with the famous 'Barefoot Bushman', Rob Bredl who is world-renowned for his wildlife documentaries. The Whitsunday Arts and Cultural Centre will open in August 2014 – stay tuned!

Sail Away
The Whitsundays would like to welcome two new charter companies – Papillon Luxury Yacht Charters and Pacific Blitz. Papillon Luxury Yacht Charters offers sailing in and around the Whitsundays on board two custom-built luxury yachts. Operating from Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach, Papillon Luxury Yacht Charters is offering intimate, skippered cruises, celebrations or the hire for events. Pacific Blitz is offering luxury sailing holidays in the Whitsundays – from crewed private charters to overnight sailing adventures or day sailing – this is your chance to feel exhilarated as you set sail for your Whitsunday Island adventure. Feel worlds away as you cruise through the azure blue waters of the Whitsunday Islands and head for your own deserted beach.

STORY ANGLES

Taste the Difference
A new and exciting dining scene has developed in Airlie Beach following the recent $23 million dollar face-lift! New restaurants, cafes and bars have opened up, spilling out onto the new Main Street and creating a contemporary al-fresco dining scene. From Moroccan flavours, Spanish tapas and breezy cocktails over to tempting chocolate fondues - the new creations will get your taste buds longing for more. Find out more…

Sail to the Table
Indulging in delectable food and wine in gorgeous surrounds and sailing the 74 Island Wonders are two key Whitsunday experiences. So why not combine them? For an adventure of taste, board your luxurious yacht and sail throughout the calm and clear waters of the Whitsunday Islands as you flit from one island restaurant to the next. Experience the famous Chef's Table at One&Only Hayman Island, dine at qualia's Long Pavilion and partake in the famous long lunch at Déjà vu Restaurant before you snack away on delicious Spanish tapas at Abell Point Marina. Sail from one restaurant to the next and let your taste buds guide your way as you explore the exquisite cuisines of the Whitsunday Islands and the Coast.

WHAT'S ON

Bowen Superboat Championships 21-22 June
Fifteen power boats will race for the title at Bowen's foreshore during the 2014 Bowen Offshore Superboat Championships. The boats race in four classes with over 1000hp and on-shore entertainment is provided all weekend long – from 'meet the drivers', a street party, markets, the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic display team to helicopter rides, speed skiers and lots more. This event is new to Bowen and is expected to draw big crowds! Find out more…

Airlie Beach Race Week 8-15 August
Get your tropical shirt and sailor hat on and join into the fun and celebrations as part of the 25th Airlie Beach Race Week. Thousands of spectators cheer on the yachties as they race along the Airlie Beach foreshore during six days of competitive sailing and tropical fun. With lots of on-land entertainment and social activities, live music, family fun and a great atmosphere, the Airlie Beach Race Week will see Airlie Beach come to life. Find out more…

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 16-23 August
Renown as one of Australia's favourite yachting events and a firm favourite on the international sailing calendar, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week will see competitors, family and friends come together on Hamilton Island to enjoy the event. Characterised by a convivial atmosphere and unique camaraderie, the event includes fun on-water and off-water activities. Find out more…

TID BITS OF NEWS

Whitehaven Beach Named Best Beach
Whitehaven Beach won the 2014 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award for Best Beach in Australia and the South Pacific. Whitehaven Beach has also been awarded with No. 5 in the ranking of the world's best beaches.

New Look
The Club Croc Hotel in Airlie Beach has recently undergone a $1.2million dollar refurbishment with new room types and facilities. Refurbishments are also underway at the Hamilton Island Beach Club and the Reef View Hotel foyer.

New Menu
at Hotel Group and Airlie Beach Hotel have recently incorporated Eastern snacks into their mini bars.

More Tour Options
Whitsunday Taxis have branched out to offer Whitsunday visitors new land-based tour options – perfect for those that want to sit back and relax while taking in the scenery. From guided lunch tours to Hydeaway Bay, a Proserpine Museum and Shopping Tour to a guided Sightseeing Tour of Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and surrounds.

ATE 2014 – INTERNATIONAL MEDIA MARKETPLACE

The Whitsundays will be exhibiting at the International Media Marketplace held in Palm Cove from 9-11 May 2014.
I would be delighted to meet you, so please come by our Whitsundays stand or meet me at one of the networking functions of the event.

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

Warm Whitsundays Wishes,
Chelsea

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

Notes to editors:

The Whitsundays

The 74 islands of the Whitsundays lay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, cradled by the tropical waters of the Coral Sea, a truly remarkable icon of beauty. The Whitsundays is an invitation into a world of tropical wonder. The vibrant colours of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforest provide plenty of scope for activity and adventure. Easily accessible by air, road and rail, the Whitsundays are located on the central eastern coast of Queensland in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The area is characterised by world class resort facilities blending harmoniously with the pristine natural attributes of the area. Sail, Explore, Dive, Dine, Play, Relax, Enjoy. The opportunities are endless… which is why there is no better place to take a well-deserved holiday than the Whitsundays.

Media centre: www.wmdl.com.au/media

Media contact:

Chelsea Hauschka
Marketing Executive Communications

Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited
E: communications@wmdl.com.au
Ph: (07) 4948 5917
M: 0417 765 736
W: www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au

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