REGATTA Waters Whitsundays' brand new golf driving range officially opens to the public today (Thursday October 23).

First to try out the facility were Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen, and State Member for Whitsunday, Jason Costigan, who took part in a longest drive competition.

Mr Costigan was triumphant with a drive of about 180m and as promised, Regatta Waters developer, Latitude Development Group (LDG), will now donate $500 to the charity of his choice.

When complete, Regatta Waters Whitsundays will have 2500 residential lots, plus retail, commercial and lifestyle components, including the professionally designed golf course.

The driving range, situated on what will eventually be the second and fifth holes, complements already completed recreational space within the lifestyle community, including parkland, walking trails and manmade lakes.

Regatta Waters project marketing manager Steve Marks said the range was a highly anticipated feature of the project.

"While some developers have promised much and delivered little, LDG is rolling out community facilities from the beginning of the project," he said.

Whitsunday Mayor Jennifer Whitney said it was fantastic for the tourism industry and the local community to see the opening of another great land-based facility for the townships of Cannonvale and Airlie Beach.

"It shows great progress for the whole Regatta Waters project and the local area to see the driving range open and I know it will be a great boost to the area," she said.

The driving range will be open daily from 6am to 6pm.