Whitehaven Beach FAQ

July to November, during these months the weather is perfect with light winds and warm days (but not too hot) its also whale season.

There are 5 ways to get to Whitehaven Beach

1. Tour Boats
2. Private Boat
3. Charter Boat (Bareboats)
4. Seaplane
5. Helicopter

For more information on the different tour boats, helicopters and seaplanes see our tour page

Unfortunately no, there is no wheelchair access on the beach

Whitsunday Island including Whitehaven Beach is uninhabited. The only form of accommodation is camping at the south end of the beach or staying on a boat that is anchored off the beach. 

Yes camping is available at the south end of Whitehaven Beach, you will need to book your location with National Parks and use Scamper or a private boat to get there, see our camping guide here 

Whitehaven Beach’s sand is cool to touch on hot days and perfectly compliments the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Made up of 98.9% pure silica, it has a unique white colour and powdery texture. The sand is so fine that it can easily get into and harm electronic gadgets.

You can swim at Whitehaven Beach all year round due to the warm tropical waters. There are no large waves or rips and the shoreline is shallow with a light decline.  However, during the months of November To April, it is advised to use a stinger suit due to jellyfish.

Dangerous marine stingers can be found in the waters all year round but mostly from November to April, like any ocean there are sharks, and saltwater crocodiles can be in the sea at all times of the year, but is very rare to see them around the islands

Yes, you can bring food and drinks as there are no shops at Whitehaven Beach. Please remember to take any rubbish back home.

Public restrooms are available at the South end of Whitehaven Beach only. These are hybrid compostable toilets. 

The south end of Whitehaven Beach has picnic tables with sunshade roofs, there is also shade under the trees that line the beach. Some tours also provide shade tents.

Yes there are 4 walking tracks at Whitehaven Beach

1. North end – has the Hill Inlet walking track to the lookout from Tounge Bay.
2. South end – has a walking track to the south lookout
3. South end walking track across the island called Chance Bay Track
4. South end – Solway way circuit

No there are no shops you will have to take your own. If you visit with a tour company check to see if they include snorkelling or diving equipment.

Absolutely! There is a range of boat tours to Whitehaven Beach that depart from Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island. For more information see our Whitehaven Beach Tours page here 

Beaches that are close and can be visited near Whitehaven Beach are 

• Chalkies Beach
• Betty’s Beach
• Chance Bay

Swimming, walking, beach games, sunbaking, north and south lookouts, long walks on the beach

Unless you have your own boat you will need to book a tour. Whitehaven Beach is 35km from the mainland. 

Most tours spend around 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach, some are longer and spend the full day discovering the north and southern ends.