Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is well regarded as a spot to laze about on sand that is touted as some of the whitest (and squeakiest) in the world. But it has another, more adrenaline-charged side. The iridescent beach hosts the annual Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim, and if you’re going to push your swimming skills to the limit, doesn’t it seem more appealing to do so off a tropical island in turquoise water?
Pro athletes front up to the annual contest, so you can mingle with the big guns and potentially pull a few tips. There are two-kilometre and 750-metre races plus a 350-metre swim for kids under 14.
While the swim is an attraction in itself, you can’t miss a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Some local hotels put on deals for competitors and spectators, making a sporty trip to sunny Queensland look even more attractive. Activities in the area include snorkelling, boating, hiking, and boozing and schmoozing around Hamilton Island’s bars. We like to think of it as exercise and achievement with a side of luxury.