Whitsundays Island and Ride to Paradise

The Whitsundays is made up of 74 islands, most of which are uninhabited

As we tried to maintain a backpacker lifestyle by eating tuna from a can and camping most places, Whitsundays Ride to Paradise was a luxury we allowed ourselves. And it was worth every penny.

Whitsunday Island National Park is Australia’s premier destination for all travellers and we wanted to experience it in style. We decided to book a tour with Redcat Adventures called Ride to Paradise. While other tours to the Whitsundays are normally overnight, sleeping on a boat, this tour takes you to an all-inclusive luxurious beachfront resort.

The resort is actually a millionaire’s holiday home which he rents out to celebrities for $15,000 a night. However, Ride to Paradise has started renting the place and accommodate guest here during the trip.

We arrived at Airlie beach a day prior to our departure. The Ride to Paradise tour started at Abell Point Marina at 2pm. We arrived and where met by our incredible cabin crew. We had Rahn as our guide and he was amazing. From the Marina we hopped on Wildcat (boat) and headed to Paradise Cove Resort. It was about an hour to the resort.  Upon arrival, we were greeted with a cheese and dip platter including crackers with a selection of dips, cheese, cabana, celery, and carrots plus tea and coffee. We were then given a tour of the resort which was absolutely stunning. It’s surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest, the national park and of course the ocean. There is a main villa and some smaller villas scattered around the resort as it’s able to accommodate up to 32 guests. The grounds also consist of an international award-winning bath house.

After our tour of the resort, we had free time where we could relax in one of the many hammocks, play table tennis or pool, swim in the pool/hot tub or go kayak and paddle boarding in the ocean. Later in the evening we ate an amazing dinner of Steamed BBQ fish, mash potato, coleslaw and sourdough bread. Then desert consisted of Apple/berry strudel with warm custard. After dinner we hung around the main house or laid out in the bean bags on the lawn, gazing up at the stars.

For Breakfast the next morning, we had our choice of select cereals, muesli, fresh fruit, choice of bread and spreads with juice, coffee and tea. We then hopped back onto Wilcat and departed to Whitehaven Beach and the amazing Hill Inlet Lookout.

Whitehaven beach is 7km long and situated on the largest island, The Whitsundays Island. It’s famous for its crystal clear waters and perfect 98% silica white sand. Now, I can truly and honestly say that this is hands down my favourite beach in the world. I was stunned by just how clear the water was and how it reflected against the white sand. Because it was stinger season, we were meant to wear stinger suits while we swam, but a majority of us ditched the suits and were fine in the water. But please be warned that the stingrays are extremely tiny and you won’t be able to see them if they were there. After our swim, we headed up to the lookout where we were awarded with views of the inlet where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. Afterwards we headed back to the boat, where we enjoyed lunch which consisted of sandwiches and wraps with cold cuts, cheese, veggies and more.

After Lunch, we went snorkelling at a couple of different spots where we could enjoy the marine life and coral formations. We then returned to the resort where there were more snacks waiting for us. Same as the previous day, we had some time to relax and do as we pleased until dinner. For me, it was a perfect time to make use of the outdoor shower.

Dinner that night consisted of Thai Green curry, rice and spring rolls. While we enjoyed chocolate mousse with crushed biscuits, coconut shavings, berries and vanilla ice cream for dessert. Later that night, we decided to test out the outdoor bathtubs.

On our last day we didn’t get much luck with the weather. It was sunny when we hopped on the boat and left the resort, but minutes later you could see a storm rolling in. Moments later we headed right into in. In fact, I’ve never gotten more wet from a boat ride. We basically had water splashing on us from every end. That morning we headed to the Langford Sandbar which I was really excited for. It’s a sand bank in the middle of the ocean. Unfortunately, because of the rain, we didn’t get off the boat. This only means I have to make another trip back to the Whitsundays.

Note: this tour is BYOB (no glass or red wine)

A dry bag will be supplied at check in which requires a $50 cash deposit (this will be refunded on return of an undamaged bag). This is the ONLY bag you are allowed to take to the resort

Car parking available at the SOUTH End of Abell Point Marina (then short 5-minute walk to NORTH END MEETING POINT) for a fee of approx. $8 per day.

24 hour luggage surveillance is available at the office at 402 Shute Harbour Road Airlie Beach from the hours of 7am-6.30pm. This is charged at $5 per person.

Budget: $589 pp, but if you book a packaged east coast deal, you can get this discounted

Best time to go: September (warm temperatures and lowest rainfalls). We went in November which was the beginning of stinger season (October to May), but most tour operators offer stinger suits. The weather was good for the most part except for our last day when it rained.

Would you book this amazing Ride to Paradise trip?