The Whitsundays are a tropical paradise of 74 islands set in the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white beaches, and world-class sailing, the region is one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations.

This week, Melissa joins Tracy to share everything you need to know to plan your dream Whitsundays getaway. From the famous Whitehaven Beach with its squeaky-soft silica sand, to unforgettable sailing adventures and insider tips, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Where the Whitsundays are located and how to get there (Hamilton Island or Proserpine/Airlie Beach gateways)
• Why Whitehaven Beach is a must-see and how to plan your visit
• The best times of year to travel — from whale watching in winter to stinger season considerations in summer
• Accommodation choices include luxury island resorts, Airlie Beach stays, and unique experiences like ReefSleep
• Top activities such as snorkelling, jet ski tours, Hill Inlet lookout, and sunset cruises
• Hidden gems beyond the main tourist trail, including Cape Gloucester, Dingo Beach, and Hideaway Bay
• Insider planning tips, like booking Whitehaven trips early in your stay, in case of weather disruptions

For photos and highlights from Tracy and Melissa’s visits, head to the shownotes linked below!

⭐️ Guest - Melissa Delaware from "The Queensland Travel Guide"
📝 Show Notes -Episode 75

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #18 - Queensland Travel Tips: Beaches, Outback Adventures, and Hidden Gems
• Episode #32 – Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Gems
• Episode #46– Discovering Western Australia: Essential Insights and Travel Tips with Tess Moone

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Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

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Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins is joined by her husband and regular co-host Doug Collins to share the story of their epic 10-day coast-to-coast road trip across Australia, from Brisbane to Perth. Together they talk through the logistics, highlights, surprises and practicalities of covering 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) through outback towns, iconic routes such as the Nullarbor, and three very different states.

Tracy and Doug reflect on the planning that went into the trip, the memorable stops they made along the way, and their favourite places to stay. They also offer honest thoughts on what they might do differently next time. Expect stories of wildlife sightings, the reality of budgeting for fuel and accommodation, preparing the car for such a journey, and a few mishaps on the road (including the drama of a locked-in car key rescue).

The episode wraps up with the total cost of the trip, along with practical tips to help you plan your own bucket-list Australian drive and make it as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Show notes - Episode 74

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #46 – Discovering Western Australia: Essential Insights and Travel Tips with Tess Moone
• Episode #32 – Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Gems
• Episode #7 – UK to Australia: Making the move with guest Karen Bleakley

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

🗺 Global Travel Planning
Website - globaltravelplanning.com
Instagram - Global Travel Planning
YouTube - Global Travel Planning

🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
Website - UKTravelPlanning.com
Instagram - UK Travel Planning
YouTube - UK Travel Planning

📍London Travel Planning
Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!

“The perfect trip rarely exists.” No matter how carefully you plan, travel throws curveballs. In this candid chat, the Ladies Who Travel unpack what happens when plans fall apart: a protest that blocks all roads, weather-cancelling bucket list moments, and train strikes that derail rail itineraries.

You will hear different coping styles in action - Shelly’s calm in a crisis, Melissa’s quick “meltdown then regroup,” and Tracy’s pragmatic pivots. We also share practical tactics: build flexibility into your plan, book priority experiences early, research potential disruptions, and keep backups ready (including Shelly’s smart two-phone system for solo travellers).

We also discuss openly the emotions behind cancelled plans and how to move on quickly. As Melissa says, “It’s okay to have your five-minute meltdown, express your disappointment, and then ask: now what am I going to do?” Because so often the best stories start with, “Well, this wasn’t what we planned…”

⭐️ Guests - Melissa (QueenslandTravelGuide.com.au) and Shelly Marie (SoloHerWay.com)
📝 Show Notes - Episode 73

🎧 Listen to next

• Episode #56 – Essential Tips for Surviving Long Haul Flights [Ladies Who Travel]
• Episode #52 – Travel Safe Travel Smart: Real Tips for Every Type of Traveller
• Episode #65 - Navigating Food Abroad: Tips, Mishaps & Healthy Hacks with the Ladies Who Travel

Support the show

🎤 Leave us a voice message via SpeakPipe

🗺 Global Travel Planning
Website - globaltravelplanning.com
Instagram - Global Travel Planning
YouTube - Global Travel Planning

🇬🇧UK Travel Planning
Website - UKTravelPlanning.com
Instagram - UK Travel Planning
YouTube - UK Travel Planning

📍London Travel Planning
Website - LondonTravelPlanning.com

Work With Us - Contact tracy@globaltravelplanning.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.

Thank you ❤️

Disclaimer: Some outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!