1 June 2016

Channel 9's TODAY Show was broadcast live from Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays today, 1 June, showcasing the beautiful beaches and exciting activities on offer in the Whitsundays.

Popular presenters Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson, Sylvia Jeffreys, Richard Wilkins and Timmy Gilbert arrived in Airlie Beach on Tuesday afternoon to make the most of the warm Whitsundays weather.

Enjoying an adrenalin-fuelled thrill ride on board a jet boat, the TODAY team got drenched and had a ball while seeing the sights from the water, before sipping on cocktails while watching the gorgeous Whitsundays sunset.

The Great Barrier Reef was the setting for some spectacular snorkelling and exploring by TODAY show reporter Aislin Kriukelis on the pontoon at Hardy Reef, easily accessible from Airlie Beach.

Beginning the live broadcast from the Airlie Beach foreshore this morning, the weather cleared to reveal a stunning sunrise over the water.

A colourful crowd turned up to cheer on the TODAY team as they raced jet skis, competed for the title of quickest mud crab cracker and cut a spectacular cake created by a local cake maker in honour of Timmy Gilbert's twenty years on Channel 9.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Mr Craig Turner, was thrilled with the opportunity to highlight the range of activities and experiences on offer in the Whitsundays.

“The Whitsundays is one of Australia's most stunning destinations, and we are particularly proud to welcome the TODAY show team here in the region,” he said today.

“We would like to thank our partners Tourism and Events Queensland, Whitsunday Regional Council and our local members for their support in making this broadcast possible.”

Escape the cold this winter and visit the sunshine and warm waters of the 74 island wonders of the Whitsundays.

Take advantage of the great deals on offer during today's broadcast and visit Tourism and Events Queensland's website here www.queensland.com/whitsundays

And to catch up on today's episode or watch the highlights from the Airlie Beach live broadcast, visit Channel 9's website here www.9now.com.au/today

For more information about the Whitsundays region and to plan your next holiday, visit the Tourism Whitsundays website at www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au

-  ENDS –

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, CONTACT:

Joanne Hennessy

PR & Communications Specialist

Tourism Whitsundays

Ph: 07 4948 5917 or 0417 765 736

Email: communications@wmdl.com.au