Queensland residents have been advised by the government that it is now too late to escape as the most dangerous tropical cyclone ever predicted to hit the state makes its final approach.
This live webcam feed is in Airlie Beach:
Airlie Beach webcam
Airlie Beach is one of many departure points for the Great Barrier Reef it usually takes about 2-3hours to get out to the reef from nearby Shute Harbour depending on ocean conditions. Near latitude 20 degrees south, Airlie Beach, Proserpine and the nearby Whitsunday Islands enjoy a tropical climate and lifestyle.
The Whitsunday Islands, named by James Cook in 1770 are a sailors' paradise. Cook named the islands as he believed he passed through the area on the Christian festival day of Whit Sunday. It is now widely accepted that he didn't actually pass through on this date, as he had failed to take into account the yet to be brought into existence International Date Line à la Phileas Fogg.
Each year the residents of Airlie Beach celebrate The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday or Pentecost Sunday. The Blessing was started by Father Keith Felgate.
Airlie Beach is a tourist destination, extremely popular with backpackers. Its beach is small and the sea is inhabited by marine stingers, the Irukandji jellyfish from November to May.
