WHITSUNDAY PROFILE The Great Barrier Reef, the inherent beauty of the Whitsunday Region and the climate, rather than any specific locality or feature, are the major attractions of the Whitsunday's. The spectacular appearance of the rugged mountainous coastline and the islands, the clear and unpolluted waters and accessibility of the Great Barrier Reef combine to offer the visitor an outstanding environment for recreation. The central section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park extends from just south of the Whitsunday's (Midge Point) to Dunk Island north of Cardwell. An abundant variety of marine life, including 1,500 species of fish and over 400 varieties of coral can be found throughout the central section. Bait Reef is the closest to Airlie Beach (about 30 nautical miles to the northeast). It is one of a group of reefs separated by a deep tidal channel from Hardy Reef, the primary focal point for day trip activities in the Whitsunday section of the Great Barrier Reef. Two major pontoons are moored in the channel and are used as a base for scuba diving. Snorkeling, and coral viewing from submarine. The reef also serves as a landing area for seaplanes and helicopters. Conway and Dryander National Parks and State Forests dominate the Whitsunday Coast, but very little of these areas have been developed for recreational purposes, although some walking tracks have been constructed. The State Forests are also generally undeveloped for recreational purposes, however, rain forest tours are conducted in the State Forest adjoining Conway National Park. The 500 kilometers of island coastline includes 70 kilometers of beaches mostly comprised of coarse shingle or coral rubble, and is fringed by reef or mud flats exposed to the south-east wind. Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island, is the primary beach attraction, but there are numerous small beaches scattered throughout the islands and on the Whitsunday coast. Many visitor activities are based on the natural attributes of the region. These include: Cruising holidays (bareboat and crewed charters); Snorkeling and diving; Fishing, including game fishing; Bush walking; Whale watching (Humpbacks breed in the Whitsunday's in July-September); Sunbathing Swimming; Trips to the Great Barrier Reef; Rain forest tours; Studying wild life; Camping on isolated islands; Man made attractions: Resorts; Numerous water based motorized and non-motorized activities; Sugar mill; Shopping (principally Airlie Beach, Hamilton and Daydream Islands); Night life; Palm Bay Home   or   Premium Homes.