Australia: Whitsunday Islands, [boat required, inexpensive accommodation possible

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The closest thing to the Caribbean in Australia, the Whitsunday's 74 islands have squeaky white beaches, turquoise water and pine clad hills.
Seven islands host resort hotels of all kinds but with a common marine theme - fishing, sailing, whale watching, castaway picnics, you want it, they got it.
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island tops Australia's 'Best Beaches' list, with 6km of powder sand, sandwiched between tropical forest and clear blue water. There are no hotels or restaurants but plenty of cheap camping options on this island. A camping permit is needed, available from mainland Airlie Beach. Most visitors are day-trippers from other islands [e.g. Hamilton]. Beware dangerous marine creatures, especially the jellies. Best: April - Nov. Jan-March gets some rain, December is hot and crowded. Scuba divers like Sept-Dec
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