Discover 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the majestic Whitsundays. Postcard-picture perfect, this part of Australia is bursting with natural beauty. Be enchanted by pearled-white sand beaches, coral reefs, rainforests, world-class hiking trails, and an abundance of marine life. Spend your days, snorkelling, swimming, sailing, sunbathing, diving, island hopping or simply relaxing!
The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 islands, located 55 kilometres off the central Queensland coastline. Approximately 1120 kilometres north of Brisbane and 630 kilometres south of Cairns. An ideal destination for a holiday with a fantastic range of accommodation and activities on offer.
Choose from a luxurious resort or try glamping with the Great Barrier Reef as your backyard. Enjoy a multi-day sailing trip and uncover the secrets of this magical part of the world. Visit Hamilton Island, soar over Whitehaven Beach or go snorkelling and spot turtles. Uncover secluded beaches and hidden bays and soak up the laid-back vibes on your dream tropical holiday.
"I lived in Australia for several years and I love to share my local knowledge and experiences. I am looking forward to getting to know you better and making your dream holiday to Australia a reality!"
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Protected by the Whitsundays Islands National Park, Whitehaven Beach is truly one-of-a-kind. Attracting visitors from all over the world due to its pure pristine environment and bright white sand. Whitehaven Beach has even been voted the world's top eco-friendly beach and Queensland's cleanest beach. In 2021, Whitehaven Beach has been named the best beach in the world.
Due to the gorgeous tropical temperatures, the glistening water is ideal for swimming and snorkelling year-round. With an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, it is the perfect place to visit on your holiday. Whitehaven Beach is accessible by boat, seaplane and helicopter, departing from Airlie Beach. It takes approximately one hour from Airlie Beach on a high-speed boat and up to two hours on a sailing boat to reach Whitehaven.
Hamilton Island is 1 of the 74 islands that make up the majestic Whitsundays. Discover a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life! Spend your days swimming in waters that change from crystal clear turquoise to aqua. The coast is fringed by the coral reef and if you’re lucky, you may get a close encounter with a wallaby, kookaburra or koala.
There are plenty of dining options on the island to savour and many local wines to try. Head over to Dent Island for a round of golf. Or play at the Hamilton Island Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course. Head down to Catseye Beach and have a go at some stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Or simply relax by the poolside with your favourite book.
The Hamilton Island Ferry is the ferry service between Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. This ferry service is operated by Cruise Whitsundays. The crossing takes approximately one hour and ten minutes. You must be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure. The boat leaves from Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island to the port of Airlie Beach.
At Hamilton Island airport, you can check-in at the desk of Cruise Whitsundays. We advise you to buy a snack before or during your flight to Hamilton Island. There are no facilities if you have to wait for the boat to Airlie Beach. The boat is air-conditioned and there is a bar onboard where you can buy drinks and snacks.
Airlie Beach is a laid-back Australian resort town and the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. This region is the perfect place to enjoy activities on the water in a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Take a dip in the lagoon, stroll through boutiques and try some local fresh seafood at a bustling seafood cafe. Or, have a picnic at one of the family-friendly beaches and parks.
Spend your days swimming: at Cedar Creek Falls, Hideaway Bay, Dingo Beach, and Boathaven Beach. Be sure to spend a day swimming at Hill Inlet and soak up the view from Hill Inlet Lookout. Explore the ocean by sea scooter or visit the Whitsunday Saturday Markets and cool off at the Airlie Beach Lagoon.
The main street of Airlie Beach is the hub for shopping. You'll find everything including souvenirs, art galleries and swimwear by Australian companies. If you are feeling active, hike to Coral Beach or take the Conway Circuit. Conquer the Wompoo Walk, a seven-kilometre track that takes approximately four hours and is part of the Great Whitsunday Walk.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Take advantage of our local knowledgeWhether you prefer a sailing adventure, a scenic flight or snorkelling, there are plenty of great outdoor activities to keep you entertained during your Whitsunday holiday. If you have limited time, there are also many day trips to choose from departing from Airlie Beach. Otherwise, enjoy one of the many multi-day trips and discover the breathtaking scenery.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Whitsundays and beyond.
Whether you prefer an apartment with ocean views, a self-contained cabin with the beach at your doorstep or a luxury resort on Daydream Island. Your travel specialist will match you up with an accommodation that suits your wants and needs.
Experience the majestic Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in a unique and memorable way with a Reefsleep experience. Over two days and one night, cruise this slice of paradise on a high-speed vessel. A place with sparkling aqua water, over 70 tropical islands and the fascinating Great Barrier Reef.
Spend your day snorkelling and exploring an abundance of marine life including various types of fish, turtles and possibly dolphins. Enjoy Aussie tucker (food) along the way, including a buffet lunch. Soak up the afternoon sun on the deck. At dusk, watch out for turtles nibbling on seaweed by the pontoon. As night approaches, watch as the sky starts popping and filling up with shiny stars.
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We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
020 36 95 95 69
