Whitsundays
Discover the Whitsundays, 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, where white-sand beaches, coral reefs, rainforest trails and sparkling seas invite you to snorkel, sail, swim, hike or simply unwind.
Where should you visit in the Whitsundays?
Whitsundays holidays
The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 islands, located 55 kilometres off Queensland’s central coast, around 1,120 kilometres north of Brisbane and 630 kilometres south of Cairns. With a fantastic range of accommodation and activities on offer, it is an ideal destination for a tropical holiday.
The ultimate tropical escape
Choose from luxurious island resorts or glamping with the Great Barrier Reef as your backdrop. Set sail on a multi-day trip, visit Hamilton Island, soar over Whitehaven Beach, snorkel with turtles, and discover secluded beaches and hidden bays along the way.
Whitehaven Beach
Protected by Whitsunday Islands National Park, Whitehaven Beach is truly one of a kind. Known for its pristine setting and bright white silica sand, it attracts visitors from all over the world. It has also been recognised as the world’s top eco-friendly beach and Queensland’s cleanest beach, and in 2021 was named the best beach in the world.
Absolutely stunning all year-round
Due to the Whitsundays’ warm tropical climate, Whitehaven Beach is ideal for swimming and snorkelling year-round. Accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Airlie Beach, the journey takes around one hour by high-speed boat or up to two hours by sailing boat.
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is one of the 74 islands that make up the majestic Whitsundays. Discover a kaleidoscope of coral and marine life, and spend your days swimming in crystal-clear waters that shift from turquoise to aqua. Fringed by a coral reef and surrounded by native wildlife, you may even spot a wallaby, kookaburra or koala.
Discover Australia’s tropical island lifestyle during your stay at Hamilton Island
Enjoy a wide choice of dining options and local wines, head to Dent Island for a round at Hamilton Island Golf Club, or make your way to Catseye Beach for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. For a slower pace, simply relax by the pool with your favourite book.
How to get to Hamilton Island?
The Hamilton Island Ferry, operated by Cruise Whitsundays, connects Airlie Beach with Hamilton Island. The crossing takes around one hour and ten minutes, with check-in required at least 30 minutes before departure.
Your island escape awaits
At Hamilton Island Airport, check in at the Cruise Whitsundays desk. We recommend buying a snack before or during your flight, as there are no facilities while waiting for the ferry to Airlie Beach. The air-conditioned boat has an onboard bar serving drinks and snacks.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a laid-back Australian resort town and the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. It is the perfect place to enjoy time on the water, with a relaxed tropical atmosphere and plenty to see and do. Take a dip in the lagoon, browse local boutiques, enjoy fresh seafood at a bustling café, or have a picnic at one of the family-friendly beaches or parks.
The best of the East Coast
Spend your days swimming at Cedar Creek Falls, Hideaway Bay, Dingo Beach and Boathaven Beach. Visit Hill Inlet to swim in clear waters and take in the view from Hill Inlet Lookout. You can also explore by sea scooter, browse the Whitsunday Saturday Markets, or cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon.
Soak up the holiday vibes in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach’s main street is the hub for shopping, with everything from souvenirs and art galleries to swimwear by Australian brands. If you are feeling active, hike to Coral Beach or take on the Conway Circuit, or conquer the Wompoo Walk, a seven-kilometre track that takes around four hours.
Activities
Whether you prefer a sailing adventure, a scenic flight or snorkelling, there are plenty of great outdoor activities to enjoy during your Whitsunday holiday. Short on time? Choose from day trips departing Airlie Beach, or take a multi-day trip to discover the breathtaking scenery.
Where to stay?
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in the Whitsundays and beyond.
A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself
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.
Sleep above the Great Barrier Reef
Experience the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in a memorable way with Reefsleep. Over two days and one night, cruise through this slice of paradise by high-speed vessel, surrounded by sparkling aqua waters, more than 70 tropical islands and the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep under the stars
Spend your day snorkelling among colourful fish, turtles and, if you are lucky, dolphins. Enjoy Australian food along the way, including a buffet lunch, before soaking up the afternoon sun on deck. At dusk, watch for turtles by the pontoon, then as night falls, look up as the sky fills with glittering stars.
Let's design your holiday together
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.
