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If you're going to experience one of the world's natural wonders, why not do it from the best view possible? The beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef should be explored not only in the water but from the air as well. For it is from an aerial view that you can see the incredible patterns formed by the various reefs that make up the Collective. Reefs form where temperatures don't fall below 64F for long periods and the water must be very clear so sunlight penetrates. This crystalline clear water has a remarkable sapphire and aquamarine color and visibility.
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Island Air's Seaplane
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Island Air, part of Aviation Tourism Australia, runs seaplane joy flights from Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday Islands and is an absolute must excursion. We boarded the seaplane, along with the pilot and a single crewmember, who was our tour guide, from Hamilton Island's exclusive airport and embarked over the Whitsunday Islands out to the reefs. The airport is less than a ten-minute buggy ride from virtually anywhere you may be staying on the Island. The small air-conditioned turbine jet aircraft allows for great views from every seat and is a remarkably quiet and smooth ride.
The Whitsunday Islands consist of 74 islands spotted across the clear cerulean South Seas, most of which are uninhabited, pristine national parks. Seventy percent of the region is protected Marine and National Park. The driving forces of the economy for the resident population of only 15,200 are tourism, sugar cane farming and cattle grazing.
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Hayman Island
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On the ride, you are informed about the history of the Whitsunday's and get a view of certain resorts, including the elite five-star Hayman Island resort, and other places you may wish to visit by boat. Hook Island has an underwater observatory that takes visitors six meters below the surface, and also has a wilderness resort for campers. Trade wind conditions in this island chain offer year round sailing. Our plane contained several Japanese visitors and our tour guide, being fluent in both English and Japanese, offered all the information in both languages. She was well informed, enthusiastic, incredibly considerate and culturally conscientious.
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A view of Hill Inlet
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During the mid 1800's, the Whitsunday Group was the first to attract the attention of the pioneers from the mainland Australian coast. It wasn't until the 1920's that a small amount of galvanized iron huts were built for guests coming from cruise ships. These passengers rowed ashore for tropical fruits, tea and scones. Finally in 1962, the Islands became more accessible and now allow for a healthy, well-managed and contained, tourist trade.
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The Great Barrier Reef
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As you break out over the northern part of the islands, the plane turns to go over the Reef and the picturesque overload continues as you feast your eyes on the intricate patterns, color shadings and shapes of the various coral cays.
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Heart Reef
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One of the most famous of the reefs is Heart Reef, naturally formed in the shape of a heart that can only be seen from the air. After the visual explosion of the Great Barrier Reef you return toward the Whitsunday's and see the stunning Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach is a 4.3-mile stretch of 99% silica sand on the eastern side of the uninhabited Whitsunday Island, the largest island of the chain. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the only way to get to Whitehaven is by ferry, cruise yacht, seaplane or helicopter. The sand is unimaginably white and untainted. The seaplane's smooth landing in the water along the shore of this pristine place was exhilarating.
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The pristine Whitehaven Beach
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The creatures along this unique shoreline have evolved to blend in. We saw translucent, creamy and white fish, clear jellyfish, all shades or white and cream shells, and even the birds were incredibly white. In the 1960's, the ultra fine silica sand of Whitehaven was mined and exported to make high quality glass, such as lenses in Japan. Whitehaven Beach is no longer mined. It is protected as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Visitors are asked to observe, but not interfere respecting this spectacular habitat.
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An Australian Seagull on Whitehaven
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As we walked on the beach, certain areas of the sand made a strange squeaking sound when you stepped on it and felt different under our feet. Much like we were walking on the finest powder, yet the silica had a firmness at times that could be described as being on a solid surface and at the same time a sense of being suspended. Even in high season, walking along this shore felt quite private and as if we were truly having an exclusive experience. We were able to stroll on the sand and swim in the warm water in an environment where humans are only visitors.
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On Whitehaven Beach
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Toward the end of our stay at Whitehaven, the Island Air crew brought out fruit and champagne to enjoy on the beach before departing. There are a few picnic tables up near the brush on shore for visitors and every excursion crew has been trained to ensure that not a scrap of trash or anything else gets left behind. This type of protection of the environment ensures that it will remain just as authentic and unspoiled for the next visitor. The Island Air scenic flight is truly a luxurious way to engage in a most unique region of the world.
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