Native to the Ngaro Aboriginal people, evidence suggests that the islands may have been first inhabited over 8,000 years ago with must-see Aboriginal paintings lining the caves of the Nara inlet. Captain Cook’s crew was the first recorded Europeans to discover the islands in 1770 and then incorrectly name them! Cook believed the date to be the 3rd of June, or rather, the calendar day of Whit Sunday, however, it was actually Monday the 4th. Nonetheless, the Whitsundays are arguably Australia’s most adored islands with a staggering 70% of the area dedicated to national parks with a seemingly endless number of organisations devoted to the region’s conservation. While it is a massive playground for lovers of marine environments, it is also undeniably romantic and serene. An estimated 1500 people get married in the Whitsundays every year and even more choose it as their much-awaited honeymoon destination.
From untouched islands covered in dense tropical growth to high-end luxurious resort islands, everyone has their personal favourite spot to visit. Voted Australia’s best beach and the fifth-best in the world, Whitehaven beach is a favourite. Famous for its mysterious pure white silica sand, it is an Aussie icon and one of the most photographed beaches in the world! Another curious favourite is heart reef. Yes, that’s right, it is a fascinating structure of coral that has naturally formed into a love heart shape that can only be experienced by helicopter or seaplane as it is a protected area. If you know a friend, family or couple visiting the wonderful Whitsunday Islands, Gifting Owl has got you covered for the perfect present with a wide variety of unforgettable Whitsunday experiences.
A great introductory experience fit for any giftee is the multi-award-winning ‘Southern Lights Whitsunday Islands Tour’. The tour starts with exploring uninhabited islands with sensational natural scenery brimming with native wildlife and finishes at the previously mentioned world celebrated Whitehaven beach. Here, your giftee will have the chance to visit both ends of the beach with a brilliantly guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end. The tour also includes snorkelling in hidden snorkel spots and riding in the fastest day boat in the Whitsundays. Alternatively, another fantastic introductory day experience is the ‘Whitsundays Day Tour’.
If your giftee happens to be a bit of an adrenaline junkee, Gifting Owl has some thrilling jet ski experiences available. The ‘Ultimate Island Trek Jetski Tour’ will have giftees jet skiing for three hours on a exciting 70km sea trek that journeys to numerous islands and resorts, pausing halfway for a delicious wood-fired pizza lunch. If you’re really looking to get your giftee’s blood pumping, also on offer is the experience of a lifetime - skydiving. What better place on earth to skydive than above the world's most celebrated coral reef surrounded by Australia's most treasured islands. All fear will leave your giftee as they jump off the plane to witness the breathtaking views below before rapidly plunging through the air and landing safely on a pristine beach. Truly a once in a lifetime experience!
For a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, look no further than the Segway Rainforest Discovery Tour. Taking place in the spectacular Conway National Park rainforest, giftees will zip and zoom their way through lush rainforest and flowing streams, as an experienced tour guide will share interesting commentary.
If your giftee is quite the passionate amatuer fisherman, they’ll be absolutely stoked with the ‘Half Day Private Fishing Charter’. Trolling from location to location within the best fishing spots in the Whitsundays to target Spanish mackerel, tuna, coral trout, red emperor and much more, this sounds like the perfect day out for anyone willing to test their luck with the reef.
Gifting Owl has got you covered for unforgettable Whitsundays experiences no matter what your giftee loves to do for pleasure. All Gifting Owl vouchers are fully interchangeable so your gift can't go wrong. Happy gifting!
