Backpacker chic

Hundreds of thousands of backpackers pour into Australia each year, and Airlie Beach is on the itinerary of many of them. In fact, backpackers virtually invented the town. Blipper OzBeachcomber recalls, when visiting it as a young woman, Airlie consisted of a couple of timber cottages, a timber dock with a little cafe where the boats left for the Whitsunday islands - and lots of backpackers. That was before the Aussie tourist industry caught on, and now the area has a core population of almost 8000 and a commercial tourism infrastructure that is still growing, within cooee of the luxury resorts on the islands. Airlie is still a haven for backpackers - whose casual labour keeps the hospitality sector running - but holidaymaking Australian singles, couples and families are thick on the ground now too. So far, helped by prudent planning, the place remains unspoiled - a fun tropical paradise for Aussie sun lovers and boaties (there is a large, modern marina) and carefree backpackers such as the girls above. I know, I know. These are their "dress" backpacks. The "travelling" ones are at the hostel.