The New Year is in full swing and we have some fantastic new tours, experiences and events that we'd like to share with you. There is plenty happening here in the Whitsundays!
Check out our latest story ideas and contact the team at Whitsundays Marketing and Development Limited to develop your story ideas, or help with new ideas.

WHAT'S NEW

HEART REEF DISCOVERY TURNS 40
Forty years ago, Air Whitsunday pilot John Ramsden, took off on one of his daily scenic flights over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef when he made a new discovery – a natural coral formation in the shape of a heart. Nestled in Hardy Reef lagoon, Heart Reef has become world-famous and is a true icon of the Whitsundays, the 74 islands that lay right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The name Heart Reef was first used in an advertisement for Valentine's Day in 1975. Today, thousands of visitors flock to the Whitsundays each year to get a glimpse of this unique icon.

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Mountain Biking in the Whitsundays is quickly growing in popularity. It is one of the many ways to experience the Whitsundays stunning natural landscapes. Climb to the top of the rainforest, ride through lush palm valleys and take in the stunning views over the Whitsunday Coast and Islands. In 2015, two new tracks have opened in the Conway National Park – the Conway Coastal Fringe Circuit and Hayward Gully tracks. In addition, riders can choose from over 20km of tracks on South Molle Island and the 36km trails of the Whitsunday Great Walk. For a social ride, don't miss the annual Dirty Molle Island Escape.

EXCLUSIVE NEW GREAT BARRIER REEF EXPERIENCE
Heli Taxi has launched their new fly & snorkel experience. The private experience allows guests to enjoy breathtaking views over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef as part of their helicopter flights before landing at the private pontoon at Knuckle Reef for their snorkeling adventure. Guests will have exclusive use of the private pontoon and can snorkel with hundreds of fish, view coral up close as they travel on the semi-submersible before relaxing with a glass of sparkling wine and optional picnic on the sundeck. On the return journey, guests will then get a chance to see world-famous Heart Reef before returning home. (Website coming soon…)

WHISPERS OF THE DREAMTIME
The Whitsunday Arts and Cultural Centre presents Whispers of the Dreamtime, a cultural journey into the Aboriginal Dreamtime. Each week, members of the Nulla Nulla tribe will share their unique story through music, dance, fire and guests can experience their culture through a range of activities. On the night, guests can also sample indigenous food and try out the didgeridoo.

PALM BAY RESORT OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Palm Bay Resort on Long Island offers the perfect private Whitsundays escape and it is business as usual with the resort fully operational and taking bookings. Guests can arrive by water taxi, seaplane, helicopter or private watercraft. Palm Bay Resort is a beautiful boutique resort nestled in a secluded cove in the neck of Long Island. Palm Bay Resort offers spacious Balinese inspired villas with stunning views over the Whitsunday Passage and Coral Sea. Guests can enjoy an exclusive, intimate experience, boutique accommodation with the convenience of self-catering.

GOURMET SAILING
The Whitsundays is world-famous for its stunning natural landscapes and is known as one of the best sailing grounds in the world and a firm favourite with food lovers. Join Lynne and John Boyce on a luxury sailing holiday on board their yacht Sydney Sundancer for a gourmet sailing experience around the Whitsunday Island and the Great Barrier Reef. You will visit remote and remarkable locations in the world's largest Marine Reserve and at the end of a great day you will enjoy a delicious meal. Lynne uses only the finest quality ingredients to prepare gourmet meals that guests can enjoy in the most stunning surrounds.

NEW CONCIERGE SERVICES AT ABELL POINT MARINA
Abell Point Marina has welcomed a new edition to its suite of concierge services with the introduction of a courtesy car available for all marina customers berthing casually in the marina. For those wanting to travel further afield, the Marina's soon to commence dedicated helicopter transfer service will provide transfers to and from Proserpine airport and out over the Whitsundays, making exploring the area a breeze. The new courtesy car as well as a private luxury pick up service from Proserpine Airport is now available for marina customers, with the helicopter service available in early 2015 with local operator Heli Taxi.

STORY ANGLES

ROMANCE ME WHITSUNDAYS
Stuck for a gift idea for Valentine's Day? Couples looking for a romantic escape will find a range of choices in the Whitsundays, the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. From the stunning, naturally formed coral reef in the shape of a love heart, to a romantic weekend away at an island resort, to sailing, scenic flights, luxury day spas and a private picnic on Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsundays truly caters for all kinds of romantic getaways. So forget about sparkling new jewellery and chocolate coated strawberries this year and surprise your loved one with a romantic escape to the Whitsundays. Here are our top 10 gift ideas for Valentine's Day.

WILD WHITSUNDAYS
The Whitsundays is world-famous for its azure blue waters, white sandy beaches and the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. But did you know about the wild side of the Whitsundays? From estuarine crocodiles that rest on the banks of the Proserpine River, to the Goorganga wetlands, the Conway National Park and muddy adventures in the hinterland. The lush green hills on the Whitsunday Coast are full of adventure and there is plenty to do: Hop on a Segway with Whitsunday Segway Tours and explore the rainforest of Conway National Park, splash through mud puddles and marshland as you rally through Wings Adventure Park in your own mini 4WD or learn more about the wildlife around Proserpine River and Goorganga wetlands on a guided tour with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. With plenty to do on the Whitsunday Coast, it's time to explore!

SAIL INTO YOUR NEW LIFE AS HUSBAND AND WIFE
Set sail in the Whitsundays and exchange vows aboard a luxurious yacht as the sun sets on the horizon. Whitsunday Rent A Yacht has launched two wedding packages - exchange vows on board one of their beautiful yachts, catamarans or motor cruisers. Prefer to have dry land under your feet? Get married on Australia's Best Beach, Whitehaven Beach and wow your wedding party with a transfer on board a luxurious yacht. If you decide to stay on, a special honeymoon package will cater to every aspect of your honeymoon in the Whitsundays.

 
WHAT'S ON

WHITSUNDAY WEDDING AND HONEYMOON EXPO – 22 FEBRUARY
If the thought of being proposed to flying over a heart shaped reef, tying the knot under a swaying palm tree where the turquoise waters lap the shore or relaxing in the arms of your loved one on your honeymoon sets your heart racing, then say 'I do' in the Whitsundays. Taste-test your future wedding at the annual Whitsundays Wedding and Honeymoon Expo held in Airlie Beach on 22 February.

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 17-23 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 17-23 May 2015.

OBSTACLES GONE MAD! – 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.

TID BITS OF NEWS

PARTNERSHIP TO PROTECT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Eco Barge Clean Seas and Cruise Whitsundays are excited to announce that their partnership has continued into 2015 with both organisations committed to preservation of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. In 2014, Eco Barge Clean Seas undertook 40 marine debris removal trips and a four-day expedition to the southern Whitsunday Islands, removing a total of 12,607 kilograms of debris. The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre rescued and cared for 24 marine turtles, with an amazing eight successful rehabilitations and releases.

CUMBERLAND CHARTER YACHTS 30TH BIRTHDAY
Cumberland Charter Yachts is celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2015 with great birthday offers through the year. The team has also welcomed two new vessels to their fantastic fleet in 2015.

OCEAN RAFTING WELCOMES NEW VESSEL
After the recent move to Abell Point Marina, Ocean Rafting is expanding. The new vessel, Joyride, is due to arrive in February and will be cruising the Whitsunday waters soon after.

NEW LINK FOR WHITSUNDAYS CHINA SITE
The China website for the Whitsundays has moved to a new domain: www.thewhitsundays.cn

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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