Lindeman Island

More than half of Lindeman Island—which at 2,000 acres is one of the largest in the Whitsunday group—is national park, with 20 km (12 mi) of walking trails that wind through tropical growth and up hills for fantastic views. Bird-watching is excellent here, though the blue tiger butterflies you might spot in Butterfly Valley are, arguably, even more impressive. With its natural and sporting attractions, the island draws lots of families. It lies 40 km (25 mi) northeast of Mackay, near the southern entrance to the Whitsunday Passage.