The Whitsundays: Top 10 things to see and do

Escape to one of The Whitsundays' deserted beaches for a romantic picnic. Photo / Supplied

1. Sunset cruise

From a boat, watch the sun light up the sky before sinking into the ocean while you sit back and enjoy a cocktail. Cruises leave from Airlie Beach or island resorts.

2. Sail the Island Wonders

Sign up at a sailing school and learn to chart your own course among the 74 island wonders of the Whitsundays.

3. Fly over Heart Reef

Heart Reef is a beautiful composition of coral naturally formed into the shape of a heart. Soar over it in a helicopter or seaplane.

4. Picnic on a deserted beach

Escape to a secluded cove or deserted beach for a romantic beach picnic by helicopter, seaplane or boat.

5. Enjoy nature

Discover unspoilt beaches, rocky outcrops and spectacular coastal views in Conway National Park, Queensland's largest lowland tropical rainforest outside the tropical north.

6. Sink a birdie

Tee off on the scenic 18-hole championship golf course on its own island, Dent Island, a must-do for novice and professional golfers.

7. Snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Feel the adrenalin rush as you glide alongside turtles and large fish, and even spend a night under the stars of the Great Barrier Reef in a true Aussie swag.

8. Catch your own dinner

Rich warm tropical waters are breeding grounds for an enormous array of marine creatures, including some of the best table fish and crustaceans in Australia.

9. Wildlife on the wetlands

Spot wild crocodiles along the mudbanks of Proserpine River and explore the Goorganga wetlands, home to birds, mammals, reptiles and marine animals.

10. Sink your toes into the silica

The aqua waters and white silica sand of Whitehaven stretch over 7km. Dip your toes into the world's softest sand on Australia's Best Beach (2014 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice).