Whitsundays?

Question

driving from mackay to cooktown,where should i stop for stunning,"postcard" beaches/islands?

Answer 1

In Airlie Beach, the beach itself is okay but if you can go up high (on Airlie Hill for instance, which is easy enough) a shot across the Coral Sea towards the Whitsunday Islands can be absolutely spectacular on the right day.

Also, Bowen - they have some beautiful award-winning beaches. Horseshoe Bay in particular is lovely. Also, the 360 Cafe on Flagstaff Hill will give you awesome 360 degree views (hence the name of the cafe!)

In Townsville, the Strand (along the beach) has some excellent photo opportunities but also make sure you get up to Castle Hill for some great shots across to Magnetic Island.

Answer 2

Airlie Beach and call into Townsville

Answer 3

As Jennifer says, Airlie Beach has some beautiful beach scenery though I'm personally not keen on Townsville.

Bowen has some beautiful beaches at the northern end of the Whitsundays and Mission Beach is 'picture postcard perfect'. Any or all of them are the type of scenery you're looking for.

Answer 4

Illawong Beach at Mackay is a great starting point.  Brampton Island out from there is a great 2 days stop over.  Driving up the coast there are some stunning spots on the way we finished in Cairns.  We have also been to Hamilton Island amazing place you would need a least 3 days there.  A great web site is RACQ where you can enter your leaving point and your destination it will give you points of interest on the way and times of travel.  Good luck and enjoy