Exploring the northern Whitsundays by Mick Underwood

Nestled away, a little over 40km north of Airlie Beach and out on the end of Cape Gloucester, is a little piece of unpressured angling and holidaying paradise that up until recently had only been discovered and used by the more astute travellers.
I am talking about the beautiful sheltered little seaside hamlets of Dingo Beach, Hydeaway Bay and the surrounding area. These two little townships have been established on the shores of some of the most picturesque and accessible beaches in North Queensland. I might come across a little biased here, but I believe that our local beaches are truly stunning and you don't have to look real hard to find one to yourself.
These two little towns are also the primary access points to the fish rich waters of the Gloucester Islands National Park, which is within the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Hydeaway Bay hosts a permanent population of just under 400 residents and Dingo Beach has about 600 permanent residents, so when you get here you won't have to worry about any form of hustle and bustle in the form of traffic lights, traffic jams, hawkers peddling souvenirs, or any other form of tourism hype. You'll find the locals friendly, hospitable, down to earth and happy to provide visitors with any kind of information or assistance.
GETTING HERE
Although our little pocket of paradise is small and tucked away, access is easy. If travelling by road up and down this great state of ours there is a well signed turn off on the Bruce Highway approximately 12km north of Proserpine. From there it's only a 28km drive on a fully sealed road.
For those who don't have the time or the inclination to drive here, the Whitsunday Coast airport receives flights from all major east coast cities on a daily basis. Once on the ground at the Whitsunday Coast airport there are plenty of rental car options available. Once in your car, travel about 10 mins north to the pretty little rural support town of Proserpine, pick up any necessary supplies, and get back on the road again. From there it's only 45 mins travelling time before you are here in paradise central.
ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES
For such a small and unpopulated area you'll be surprised at how many accommodation options we have to cater for visiting anglers. From renting beachfront mansions to simply throwing your swag on the ground at the Hydeaway Bay caravan park, there is something here for everyone's style, taste and budget.
CAPE GLOUCESTER BEACH RESORT
Located 5 minutes through Hydeaway Bay and out on the end of Cape Gloucester is one of the prettiest resorts that you'll ever visit. The resort is located on the northern side of the headland and as such is sheltered from the prevailing southeast trade winds. This provides a great anchorage for visiting anglers to leave their boats safely while on shore in the evenings. There is also a private beach ramp reserved for houseguests to use.
In the resort there is a choice of ten different accommodation units varying from basic motel style units through to fully equipped beachfront bungalows. The resort is also home to the popular Oar Bar and Restaurant. The meals here are reasonably priced and delicious, the cocktails flow freely and the outlook is to die for. This is also (as far as I am aware) one of the only three places on the east coast where you can relax and enjoy while watching a sunset over the water. Even if you choose not to stay here, make sure you stop in for a visit.