Mrs Beach Eat Repeat

Climbing palm trees in the Whitsundays 🌴🌴🌴

Montes (Montes Reef Resort) at Cape Gloucester is a sought-after Whitsundays destination because it offers a rare "old-time" tropical getaway free of heavy tourist crowds.

Tucked away on the mainland, it combines an absolute beachfront location with relaxed, dining right on the sand.

Ticking things off my Whitsundays Bucket List.

Hammocks.
Island views.
Wonky palm trees.

Montes has got it covered.

Best restaurant view in the Whitsundays.

I mean...LOOK AT THIS.

Tropical winter paradise in the Whitsundays.

Ideal Weather:

The dry season offers clear, golden skies and calmer seas, which makes sailing, scenic flights, and hiking to Hill Inlet Lookout incredibly comfortable.

Safe Swimming & Snorkeling:

Winter falls outside the primary "stinger season" (box and Irukandji jellyfish), making it much easier to swim and snorkel without needing full-body protective stinger suits.

Whale Watching:

Winter is humpback whale season. You are likely to spot migrating whales cruising through the Whitsunday waters on your boat trip out to the beach.

Comfortable Sand:

The famous, 98% pure silica sand doesn't retain heat.

Combined with cooler air temperatures, mid-day walks are far more comfortable than during the scorching summer months.

Look how clear this water is!

The water at Whitehaven Beach is fantastic for snorkeling with great visibility and lots of fish.

Winter at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.

Visiting Whitehaven Beach in winter (June to August) is widely considered the best time to experience the region.

You can expect a tropical, dry-season escape with mild average temperatures (22°C to 25°C), minimal humidity, and crystal-clear waters.

Have you ever seen so many starfish??!!

The big, orange or brown-spotted starfish commonly found in the shallow, coral-rich lagoon off Erakor Island are called Chocolate Chip Starfish (scientific name: Protoreaster nodosus).

Here is what makes them unique:

Appearance:

They are generally orange, red, or beige and feature distinct dark, knobby spikes that resemble chocolate chips.

Habitat:

They thrive in warm, shallow sandy and seagrass environments.

Safety:

While you can gently pick them up to look at them, it is heavily recommended to leave them completely submerged in the water so they can breathe.