Overlooking the beach and main street of the tourist town of Airlie Beach, entry to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Terraces spreads gently up the hillside, carefully tended tropical vegetation almost hiding some of the lower units. From the pools and spa you have panoramic views of boating on Whitsunday waters, resort islands in the distance, and a few of the over 70 islands of the Whitsundays. There is an air conditioned conference and function room, with amenities and bar.
The pool and spa next to the reception area are also very convenient to the poolside bar, which makes it far too easy to decide to sit in the spa after a swim, and relax over a plastic of champagne. It is tough, but someone has to set a bad example.
The resort consists of six smart white buildings, with gently winding paths (and, I must admit, far too many short flights of stairs) through the well kept lawns and tropical vegetation. I was once startled by three peacocks disputing right of way along the path, but the area is on the fringes of the Conway National Park. Each building consists of six levels, terraced back onto the hillside every two levels.
Most levels contain two studio apartments and two suites. The studio and suite have motel style connecting doors, and some can be booked as interconnecting units. Vehicle entry is at the rear, off Golden Orchid Drive, and there is a parking area for about 14 cars, mostly under cover, at each building. Stairways into the units are in the open, as befits a tropical climate, so you do sometimes get caught by rain.
Studio units are hotel style rooms. Suites include a bedroom with a small private balcony. All rooms have a full bathroom, and a kitchen area with fridge and cooking facilities, plus a 4.6 metre by 2 metre balcony, most except low units with water views. All rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans, telephone, radio, TV.
Whitsunday Terraces Resort is on Golden Orchid Drive, Airlie Beach, 4802. Phone reception on (07) 4946 6788, fax (07) 4946 7128, or freecall reservations on 1800 075 062.
Check the official web site for Whitsunday Terraces
Whitsunday Terraces from the beach.
The view over the pool. Relax with a drink from the bar.
View left from our unit, over Airlie Beach
Middle view from our unit, towards Sailing Club.
View right from our unit, looking towards Boathaven Bay.
Rainbow lorikeets enjoying the view (and food).