When you've had your fill of Airlie's maritime diversions, turn inland and explore the forested gullies of the Conway Peninsula.

Spread out over 22,500ha (55,598 acres) of the Conway Peninsula, this stunning swatch of lowland rainforest is traditionally home to the Gia and Ngaro tribes. The landscape of hoop pines, rocky escarpments and lush gullies is identical to that found on the Whitsundays themselves; they were cut off from the peninsula by rising sea levels around 10,000 years ago. While there are a few local inhabitants to be wary of (including scrub mites, red-bellied blacksnakes and (honestly!) stinging trees), and jellyfish make swimming unsafe from October to May, the park is ideal for a leisurely day's exploration. Camping permits are obtainable and fishing is permitted from the beach.

A leisurely cruise through saltwater croc country mightn't be everyone's idea of relaxing holiday entertainment, but the Proserpine River wetlands are a unique and often breath-taking ecosystem.

While the Whitsunday islands and coast deservedly claim most people's attention, the littoral wetlands formed by the estuaries of the Proserpine River are also well worth a look. They are home to the feared saltwater crocodile, a living relic from the time of the dinosaurs that inhabits waterways across Southeast Asia and Australia's tropical north. Yes, 'salties' (which can grow beyond five metres and weigh over 750kg) can be extremely dangerous creatures, but companies such as Proserpine River Eco Tours allow you to approach them in safety. Their certified eco-friendly tours, which pass through wetlands, melaleuca forests and marine mangroves, also offer the chance to sight many native bird and mammal species.

The Whitsunday Great Walk is perhaps a little boastfully named, although it is a pefectly enjoyable three day stroll. Ironically, it's not in the Whitsundays, as such, although you're rarely far from an arresting view of the islands.

Spanning 30km (18.6mi) of the Conway State Forest, from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach, the Great Walk is a leisurely three-day hike through coastal rainforest. The Whitsundays themselves are visible from many points on the trail (including the summit of Mt Hayward), and there's always the chance of spotting an orange-footed scrub fowl or a wompoo fruit dove closer to hand. Shorter side walks can be attempted if time is pressing, but if you do plan on the full three days, it's essential to book places at the camp sites (where toilets and drinking water are provided). The track is often closed during the wet, from February to March: make sure to phone Queensland Parks and Wildlife to confirm.