The Whitsundays offers secluded getaways and plenty of parties, writes Craig Fyfe.

Where do you find 74 stunning islands with no crowds, pristine beaches, clear aquamarine waters and an average year-round temperature of 28 degrees and only a 90-minute flight from Brisbane?

The Whitsundays offers all this and more to the visitor. From the party-hard backpacker bars of Airlie Beach to the refined elegance of Hayman Island, there really is something to suit everyone in this exciting area.

Getting to the Whitsundays is easy. Virgin Blue and Jetstar provide daily services to the main airports at Proserpine (which is approximately a 30-minute drive to Airlie Beach and 45 minutes to Shute Harbour) or direct into Hamilton Island, where the other islands are a short ferry ride away.

Of the 74 Islands in the Whitsunday Group only eight are occupied. The largest resort island is Hamilton with its large jet-capable airport and a variety of accommodation ranging from motel style bures to hotel rooms, large apartments and even stunning houses.

The island features a large harbour village with a variety of shops and all the facilities for the serious sailor.

Hamilton also features a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. There is even a fully-stocked supermarket for those wanting to do their own thing – but remember you are on holiday!

If you feel like spoiling yourself head to either Hayman Island or Peppers on Long Island, where there’s fine dining, complete pampering, no kids and no phones.

For those that think that staying on an island equals a prison sentence, why not try Airlie Beach with its great accommodation, bars and restaurants.

Located a short walk from the centre of town, the Coral Sea Resort is surrounded on three sides by the Whitsunday Passage, and is the perfect place to rest and relax in a double hammock and enjoy a nice glass of red with a platter of fine cheeses after a hard day sightseeing and shopping.

The fact that this resort has won Queensland’s Best Four Star Resort award in 2005 and 2006 only enhances its appeal.

Though there is no ‘gay’ bar in Airlie, all the pubs and clubs are known for their friendliness and once the sun goes down a party can be found in any number of places.

A great option for exploring this region is hiring a car. Head through the rolling cane fields to Bowen where Nicole, Hugh and Baz spent a couple of months filming a movie.

This town is particularly good if you prefer blokey miners and tradies to backpackers.

In June, those that enjoy a good meal and a nice glass of wine can head to The Great Barrier Feast, an event at which all the restaurants of the area get together and offer a sample of their goods.

Or if a big man bent over straining on ropes is more your thing, Race Week in August is for you. Over 100 famous (and not so famous) racing yachts come to Hamilton Island for race week, and the partying often overtakes the racing.