This area is famous for the 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Most are uninhabited but if you're on a yacht or a launch, you can go ashore for a private beach adventure at many of them.
Water activities such as snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef dominate the area. The best place to swim, however, is in the lagoon at Airlie Beach or your hotel pool - marine stingers make the beach a no-go zone from October to March, but you shouldn't get stung out on the reef (and the cruise companies provide stinger suits or wetsuits).
The best beach is Whitehaven - you need to take a boat or a seaplane to get there, but it's worth it for the dazzling bright white silica sand. Take your sunglasses, too!
Go outrigger sailing with Flying Outrigger Canoe Tours to explore the islands of Shute Harbour, with owners Steve and Michelle (she's a Kiwi, too).
For serious trampers, the 27km Conway Circuit through Conway National Park on the Whitsunday Coast can provide a different perspective, away from the beaches and islands. There are two camping areas along the circuit.
Shorter bushwalks can be undertaken on almost all the islands.
This series is part of a content partnership with Tourism Australia.
