The wedding is often the first time some family members get to meet each other, not to mention all the friends who travel to the Whitsundays from afar to join the bride and groom on their wedding day. With a Whitsunday wedding often turning into a three day affair, the opportunities for fun and bonding between friends and family are endless. Put tensions, fears and worries behind you as your new family meet together in one of the world’s top holiday destinations for an unforgettable experience. Family bonding activities in the Whitsundays are many and varied, with a large variety of activities to choose from both on the Whitsunday coast and islands.
Of course the Whitsundays is also an ideal location to have your hens night or bucks party a few days or a week before your wedding.
Hens and Bucks parties
Hens and bucks parties don’t have to be a trip to Las Vegas. With your guests making the trip to come to the Whitsundays for the wedding, why not start a few days early and enjoy your hens and bucks parties in the beautiful Whitsundays as well? The Whitsundays boasts an array of options to suit all interests and budgets and all are bound to be memorable.
Indulge
Clucky hens can groom their feathers at an indulgent spa retreat on the Whitsunday Coast or on one of the islands. Follow this with a scenic flight to Whitehaven Beach for a gourmet beach picnic, and top it off with a Hayman Chef's table experience and a visit to the world famous chocolate room.
The 19th hole
Rambunctious bucks can take the challenge of one of the many beautiful golf courses in the Whitsundays. The most challenging of which would have to be the 18-hole Hamilton Island Golf Course - the only championship course on an island in Australia. Stop off at the elegant Golf Club for a post-game meal and drink, or hit the town in Airlie Beach with the ultimate pub crawl on the Whitsunday Coast.
Take flight
Bridal parties can stretch their wings and sky dive over the 74 Whitsunday Islands or experience the scenic delights of a panoramic tour of the coast, islands and reef by air.
Set sail
Test your mariner's skills by sailing the 74 Whitsunday Islands or venturing out to the deep blue for a spot of game fishing. You could charter two yachts and challenge the other team to a race, or simply enjoy some champagne sailing on a luxury vessel and soak up the natural beauty as you glide around the islands guided by an experienced crew.
'Hucks'
Combine your Hens and Bucks into a ‘Hucks’ and scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef as a group for the ultimate experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner together in one of the many fine restaurants in Airlie Beach or the islands before hitting the town to party the night away.
Family bonding ideas
Buggy rally
Navigate your personal buggy around Hamilton Island in a scavenger hunt type adventure. The Big Buggy Rally is a fun way to bring families together using team work and a great way to explore the island.
Whitehaven Beach Bonanza Olympics
For the competitive family, battle it out for the chance to be crowned champion across a range of beach activities. Beach Olympics is an excellent option for both large and small families and creates a healthy active environment whilst having fun getting to know each other. With the sun above and pure white silica sand under your feet, what better place to enjoy outdoor activities with your family. Games can include beach volleyball, relays, tug-o-war, paddle ski races, sand sculpting, bocce, flag races, beach cricket, team building, problem solving and much more.
Sea Kayaking Adventure
Become the Survivor Champion of the Whitsundays. Sea kayaking is the most environmentally friendly way to explore and experience the natural wonders of the Whitsunday Islands. Ideal for the smaller family, paddle to a deserted beach and take part in a survivor scenario of games and challenges.
Sail the 74 Islands of the Whitsundays
Embark on a sailing cruise around the spectacular islands of the Whitsunday group aboard a yacht. Suitable for the experienced mariner or first timers, families can hoist the main, set the genoa or take the helm. Visit locations such as Chalkies Beach or Whitehaven Beach, a pure white silica beach on a deserted island where you and your family can practice their snorkeling skills, improve their tans, play beach games and enjoy a fantastic lunch on board.
Airlie Beach Amazing Race
Discover the sights of Airlie Beach on a scavenger hunt type adventure through the Whitsunday coast’s vibrant town. Bond with your family as you race through the main street to uncover the hidden delights of this lively town, then unwind at the Airlie Beach Lagoon with a BBQ as the sunsets over the Whitsunday Passage.
Sunset Cruise
For a more relaxed style of union, bring the family together on a luxury sunset cruise. Sip cocktails and nibble on delicious local delights as you sail or cruise amongst the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, watching the vibrant azure sky transform into a tropical palate of oranges, pinks and crimson reds.
Bond with your family by experiencing the beauty of the Whitsundays
Share the wonders of the Whitsundays with your family. Watch crocodiles in their native habitat of the Proserpine river, race across the Whitsunday passage on an Ocean Rafting tour, admire the swirling azure colours of the tropical waters dancing with the silica white sand at Hill Inlet lookout, picnic at Cedar Creek falls and explore the tropical rainforest, or hike the Whitsundays Great Walk through beautiful National Park.
With a variety of activities to choose from, your new family will experience the time of their life enjoying a memorable bonding holiday in the Whitsundays. From extravagant dinners to adrenalin rushes, you can find it all amongst the 74 island wonders of the Whitsundays, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.