Whitsunday Islands, Queensland Australia

Welcome to the 74 Whitsunday Islands, located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. This paradise is home to some of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches and crystal blue waters.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure through nature, there’s something here for everyone. With its pristine national parks and unspoiled beaches, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this picturesque destination each year for a tropical island escape.

From sailing around the calm Coral Sea on a yacht to exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach on a boat tour, plenty of activities will keep you entertained during your visit.

Read on to discover more about what these incredible continental islands offer! 

1. The Whitsunday Islands offer various activities, including sailing, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling, diving, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
2. The entire region boasts stunning natural beauty, with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and pristine national parks.
3. The destination is popular among tourists, with an estimated 3.5 million visitors yearly and 1,500 couples getting married here annually.
4. Accommodation options range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly alternatives, with options available on the islands and mainland.
5. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is consistently rated as Australia’s #1 beach and the 5th best in the world
6. 70% of the Whitsundays are national parks, making it perfect for sailing and snorkelling while taking in its unique marine life.
7. The islands have been home to the Ngaro Aboriginal people for 8,000 years.
8. Whitsunday Island is the largest island in the group of 74, with Hook Island coming in 2nd. These two islands can be seen from Airlie Beach and are connected by Hook passage.

Discover the fantastic protected areas of this popular tourist destination, with white sand beaches, emerald-green vegetation and colourful reef fish. Explore Whitsundays National Park by walking, camping, boating, or paddling and discover rare plants and animals such as Whitsunday bottle trees and unadorned rock wallabies.

The Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science manages the national park to protect and grow Queensland’s protected area system. Visitors are encouraged to be pest-free when visiting by checking gear for pests, seeds, or soil before entering any site. Furthermore, they should clean gear and clothing before leaving each site to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. Also, never throw food scraps or fish waste into the water as part of the biosecurity obligation.

Experience the perfect island getaway with accommodations ranging from –

Luxurious resorts on InterContinental Hayman Island resort,  Hamilton Island or Daydream Island.

Budget-friendly alternatives on Daydream Island and Long Island or eco-friendly option

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous escape or a relaxing retreat, choose from endless opportunities for tourism, resort stays, luxury experiences, and more!

There are camping locations, including Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

From the heart of Airlie Beach, explore a variety of mainland accommodation options for your perfect getaway.

Whitsunday Reflections offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a large outdoor balcony and views over the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie.

Peninsula is an upscale option located on the Abell Point Marina, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, a small outdoor pool and apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.

For a more affordable option, Island Gateway Holiday Park provides family-friendly villas, cabins, motel rooms and camping/RV sites with a resort pool, barbecue areas, laundry facilities, and daily bird feeding sessions.

If you’re after something luxurious, then look no further than Coral Sea Marina Resort which underwent renovations in 2019 and 2020, offering boutique-style rooms with whitewashed interiors that capture stunning ocean views plus a 25-metre outdoor pool.

Finally, for those wanting an eco-experience, there’s BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort within Conway National Park, offering villas, tents and campervans and seasonal activities such as swimming pools, playgrounds and jumping pillows.

See our accommodation guide below.

Immerse yourself in the Whitsundays’ vibrant landscape and explore various outdoor activities. From snorkelling on crystal clear waters, diving beneath the vast Great Barrier Reef with master reef guides, walking tracks along coastal trails (I recommend South Molle Island Lookout), and boat tours to spot wildlife.

The Whitsunday tropics are part of a protected area home to some of Australia’s most pristine coral reefs filled with fish and turtles.

With conservation efforts in place, visitors can experience unspoiled beauty while taking part in exciting activities like kayaking, sailing, jet skiing, or fishing. For more information, see our guides below.

Whitehaven Beach is a paradise of 98% pure silica soft sand, and crystal clear tropical waters that will take your breath away. Located on Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia – 35km across the Coral Sea from mainland Airlie Beach – the beach has won numerous awards for its beauty at cleanliness. It features two lookouts: Hill Inlet Lookout and South Whitehaven Lookout.

At 7km long, Hill Inlet stretches far into Whitsunday Island and boasts 97% powder-white pristine sands, which stay cool to the touch even in the tropical sun.

It’s protected by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Whitsunday National Parks with no one living on it; this makes it an ideal remote escape if you dream of freedom in nature.

From the white sands of Whitehaven Beach to the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, your Whitsunday getaway will surely be one-of-a-kind.

The Great Barrier Reef is a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving, with its 2,900 individual reef systems home to more than 1,600 species of fish and 600 varieties of coral.

With Cruise Whitsundays, you can easily access these reefs, including the famous Hardy Reef Pontoon from the Whitsundays and explore their biodiverse inner and outer reef systems. PS All snorkelling equipment is included on all tours.

For something truly unique, opt for an overnight stay experience sleeping under a sky full of stars on a Reefsleep tour or take a 70-minute Scenic Flight over Heart Reef with Fly Australia Charters.

No matter what type of exploration you’re looking for, the Great Barrier Reef will have something special in store!

Come to Airlie Beach for the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure! This small town in North Queensland offers something for everyone, from stunning views of the Great Barrier Reef to vibrant nightlife. A direct flight is available here from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

 You can explore the beautiful bays around the area by kayaking (spot the local turtles), stand-up paddleboarding, or taking one of the many boat trips to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. The Saturday morning market is full of locally produced goods and fresh produce that will make your stay even more memorable. There are plenty of budget-friendly places to eat and drink as well.

Alternatively, you can enjoy some outdoor activities, such as golfing at Whitsundays Country Golf Club or Hamilton Island Golf Club, where you’ll have great views of the Coral Sea. No matter what type of vacationer you are, this tourist town offers activities that will suit your needs:

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays aquamarine waters and white sands by sailing through this amazing region!

From day trips to overnight charters, there is a sailing tour to suit most people in this magical part of Australia.

Day trips are popular among visitors who want to explore the islands without committing to a multiple-day sailing trip.

Bareboat charters (skipper yourself) are also available if you prefer to plan your own itinerary and enjoy spectacular views and unforgettable sunsets.

For adventure and backpackers, the maxi range of ex-racing sailing yachts is the perfect way to discover hidden gems like Blue Pearl Bay and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island.

Whatever your plans may be, make sure you research beforehand so that you can make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Queensland, Australia!