Craig Tansley first discovered Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays at the age of 12 when his family chartered a 8.5m yacht and sailed around the region.
His mother liked it so much she sold the family home, bought her own yacht and now anchors there most of the year. One of his brothers also followed suit. As it is his family base, Craig visits numerous times throughout the year and has also spent a winter based there. He's written travel stories on the area for Jetstar, the Sun-Herald and other publications.
What's your favourite thing to do on a Sunday?
Go for a morning sail — perhaps in a regatta organised through the Whitsunday Sailing Club (just head down there and ask to crew), then spend the afternoon checking out live music at
Capers on The Esplanade, before heading to dinner at Airlie Beach's best seafood restaurant,
Shipwrecked Bar & Gril, on a deck overlooking the Coral Sea.
How would you spend a long weekend?
Take a boat out to
Whitehaven Beach to enjoy one of the world’s best beaches, spend Sunday up at
Cape Gloucester's Eco Resort taking time out to watch out for whales from the beach it sits on and then spend Monday relaxing in the cafes and restaurants that line Airlie Beach’s beachfront and main street.
What's your idea of a good night out?
A beer on the deck of the
Whitsunday Sailing Club with all the yachties before dinner at a casual restaurant such as
Capers at the Beach, where you can sit out on the street and feel the vibe. Some acoustic music at
KCs always gets me in the right mood, to start the night.
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