Was last there about 30 years ago and remember betting on toad races in some pub at Airlie Beach.
Any suggestions of islands to stay at for a week.
Charter a boat out of Airlie, sail or power, wet or dry (skipper provided or not). I dont know about the prices but that way you see alot more.
Last time I was in Airlie (about 10 years ago) they still had toad racing, if you're into the night life and touristy things, parasailing, hanging out at the lagoon, etc, Hamilton and Airlie Beach are always teeming with backpackers (especially for the under 30ish), if your more into relaxing and seeing nature, hiking etc. Lindeman (look out for snakes!), South Stradbroke and Brampton are all really nice, if you want more remote and out of the way of the tourist trail try Hasselwood or Whitsunday Island itself. djt91184 is right, best way to get around is charter a boat, or you may be able to hitch a ride with a keen skipper from the sailing club at Airlie. You can sail or motor into many beautiful anchorages and it's a compact area so not too far to travel from place to place, with snorkel gear you can snorkel in some of the best places, lots of sealife, giant clams, Maori Wrasse, etc., if you get into a spot of bother i.e. are sailing about and don't really know where you are or have had a fight on the bow of the boat with your boyfriend and broken your boat hook in frustration so are unable to pick up your mooring bouy (yes have seen both) some kind soul from the charter company will come to give you another to replace the 'faulty' one or to collect you provided you are able to describe your location accurately enough 
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Probably should have explained a bit more.
In our early 50's, just want to go to an island resort with my partner to unwind. Go for some walks, snorkel, sailing, and explore or just hang around some beautiful secluded beaches during the day. Also enjoy good coffee and meal options. Although tempting, don't want to do the whole charter, sail yourself thing for the entire week.
I was told by a friend today to avoid staying at Airlie Beach. I remember it as a busy, shabby, annoying tourist trap hole 30 years ago. Daydream was some sort of under 25's schoolies island, some of the others catered for different peeps, honeymoons etc. South Mole Island was my favourite that I saw, Maybe some places don't change.
I've lived here for 20 years.
Airlie is a lot better than it was 10 years ago, but maybe not what you're after.
Daydream and Long island are both nice places, good value.
South Moll is a hole, stay away.
Hammo is big, busy and expensive.
Hayman is nice if you're seriously rich.
Not an island, but worth checking out: Gloucester Eco Resort. A lovely quiet spot, great food, reasonable prices.
Daydream, Lindeman (but I believe it can be expensive) or South Molle (which I called South Stradbroke by mistake in earlier post, getting my islands mixed up 
) might suit what you're looking for. Airlie ten years ago was full of backpackers, a lot started their day, when they came blinking out into the sunlight at 2pm with a drink.
If you got the coin Hayman Island , No such thing as south mole any more, Hamo will cost you 200 min a night plus food, Daydream the same and not much to do except chill, relax.
That sounds good, I have heard prices up there are exorbitant(I have sailed around the islands so dont know firsthand) for what you get. By what you described Great Keppel Island you should have a look at, 8 miles off Yepoon in the Keppel group. I was sailing up there acouple months back and spent lots of time on the island. The main resort shutdown 5 - 10 yrs ago. Now there is a range of accommodation from backpacker cheap up to 5 or so beach bungalows (step out your door on the beach) built in the 60's for rent, all located on fishermans beach. From what you described I would definitely have a look at it. Through the week the island is practically deserted, the weekend everyone with a boat comes over from the mainland (still a good vibe). Real nice chill spot with lots of good walk options and deserted beaches.
Select to expand quoteTractorguy said..
If you got the coin Hayman Island , No such thing as south mole any more, Hamo will cost you 200 min a night plus food, Daydream the same and not much to do except chill, relax.
Yeah, right about having coin. Hayman Island min price $850 p/n for the days I looked at. That's crazy dollars. Will have a look at G Keppel. May have to rethink this whole holiday in Queensland thing again.
Have you considered Fiji ?
You can get 10 nights for well under 5K with airfare, accom for 2 people & incl meals.
Only a 5 hr flight.
Great Keppel is really nice, good walks, swimming, fishing, relaxing, another really good place is Fraser Island if you can go to avoid the peak seasons, it has a range of accommodation and food to suit most budgets and it's beautiful.
There are a couple of smaller islands in the Keppel group that have low key holiday accommodation. Could be Pig, Cow Or Pumpkin Isalnd. Fishing is a feature I believe.
+ 1 that on the Keppels from Cisco.
FWIW I've lived on my yacht around that area for a total of 12 months, shared between Rosslyn Bay marina and the Keppels. Great walking trails, wonderful uncluttered beaches and as the others have said, not crazy expensive. l Just beautiful walks, fishing, crabbing, oystering and the water at least as clear as the Whitsundays...easy ferries/daytrips to and from the mainland for trips if you want. There are basic shopping facilities on the island. And a pub so all good there. I reckon that if you rented a decent sized tinnie and outboard for a week so you could go to the other islands around GKI it would be brilliant!
Whatever, I hope you have a great holiday.
Wazza's yacht at anchor off Great Keppel Island & my young fella having a dip in the crystal clear water. Keppel is well worth consideration.
Select to expand quoteNewScotty said..
Have you considered Fiji ?
You can get 10 nights for well under 5K with airfare, accom for 2 people & incl meals.
Only a 5 hr flight.
Been going OS for the past few years for holidays. Want to put some coin back into Aussie again and enjoy what we have here.
Was just looking at pics of Great Keppel. Looks marvellous, accom prices are good too - love the idea of hiring a tinnie for a week.
Thanks for your suggestions brains trust.
A few more photos from a recent trip to Keppel - This is one of the beachfront cabins we've stayed in - basic but comfortable.
Charter a yacht if you have a few to pay they usally have pay for 5 days and get two for free some have auctions if you have a look at there web sites.
I charted a Seawind 40 footer for a week think it cost around the $5000 took my kids we had a ball
and you might meet freddy fish while your there
whitsundays
Select to expand quoteSkid said..
Have you considered Magnetic Island (just of Townsville)?
Went there a few years ago.
Magnetic is um..... weird, just yeah weird.
Point lookout North Stradbroke Island. Avoid holiday season, big Brisbane influx.
Select to expand quoteoliver said..NewScotty said..
Have you considered Fiji ?
You can get 10 nights for well under 5K with airfare, accom for 2 people & incl meals.
Only a 5 hr flight.
Been going OS for the past few years for holidays. Want to put some coin back into Aussie again and enjoy what we have here.
Was just looking at pics of Great Keppel. Looks marvellous, accom prices are good too - love the idea of hiring a tinnie for a week.
Thanks for your suggestions brains trust.
Same here however when I priced 1 week at Hamilton island airfares included it was cheaper to go Bali for 2 weeks.....Unfortunate but I am not a millionaire so I took the cheapest option.
Ended up at Hamilton Island. Great for a week, can't fault it. 3k for a week at the reef resort including direct flights breakfast and a half day cruise. Maybe GKI next time, sounds good too.
Forgot how pretty the Whitsundays are, and was hesitant of going to a Kieth Williams resort, but he's long gone and Robert Oatley looks like he's done a fine job with his Island.
