Islands
Explore The Iconic 74 Islands in The Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands set within the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Known for white sand beaches, fringing coral, quiet bays and walking tracks to wide lookouts, the islands showcase The Whitsundays at its most distinctive.
Sail or bareboat between islands, join guided snorkelling or diving, or take a scenic flight for views over the reef. Accommodation ranges from full-service resorts to simple campground sites, with regular departures from Airlie Beach and island bases.
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When's the best time to visit the Whitsunday Islands? Which transport option suits your itinerary? How far in advance should you book island transfers? Whatever you need to know about island hopping, resort access, and navigating the 74 islands, we've got the answers. Scroll down further for more in-depth local knowledge about getting around, choosing your perfect island, and making the most of your Whitsundays adventure.
Getting To The Whitsunday Islands
Hamilton Island Airport provides direct island access with regular flights from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, and Melbourne. Whitsunday Coast Airport near Proserpine suits travellers staying in Airlie Beach or planning to visit multiple islands. Cruise Whitsundays operates daily ferries between the mainland and the islands, with Port of Airlie to Daydream Island taking around thirty minutes. Hamilton Island offers the quickest arrival with its own airport terminal. Hayman Island provides exclusive luxury launches and helicopter transfers for resort guests from the mainland or Hamilton Island. Smaller islands such as Long Island and Camp Island are reached by private water taxis or charter boats. Most day tours include boat transfers.
Getting To The Whitsunday Islands
Hamilton Island Airport provides direct island access with regular flights from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, and Melbourne. Whitsunday Coast Airport near Proserpine suits travellers staying in Airlie Beach or planning to visit multiple islands. Cruise Whitsundays operates daily ferries between the mainland and the islands, with Port of Airlie to Daydream Island taking around thirty minutes. Hamilton Island offers the quickest arrival with its own airport terminal. Hayman Island provides exclusive luxury launches and helicopter transfers for resort guests from the mainland or Hamilton Island. Smaller islands such as Long Island and Camp Island are reached by private water taxis or charter boats. Most day tours include boat transfers.
The 74 Islands
The Whitsundays are a tropical island group in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, just off the Queensland coast near Airlie Beach. There are 74 islands in total, most of which are protected as a national park and uninhabited.
Four islands host the region's main resorts: Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Hayman Island, and Long Island. Others welcome day visitors for beach access and fringing reef snorkelling, while many remain wilderness, accessible only by private vessel or guided tour.
Hamilton Island combines resort facilities with its own airport, Daydream Island suits families, Hayman Island delivers luxury, while Long Island blends resort living with ecotourism.
The 74 Islands
The Whitsundays are a tropical island group in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, just off the Queensland coast near Airlie Beach. There are 74 islands in total, most of which are protected as a national park and uninhabited.
Four islands host the region's main resorts: Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, Hayman Island, and Long Island. Others welcome day visitors for beach access and fringing reef snorkelling, while many remain wilderness, accessible only by private vessel or guided tour.
Hamilton Island combines resort facilities with its own airport, Daydream Island suits families, Hayman Island delivers luxury, while Long Island blends resort living with ecotourism.
Easy to reach. Enriching to explore.
Iconic From Every Angle
Wander the pure sands of Whitehaven Beach, snorkel vibrant reefs just offshore, or sail between secluded coves and towering headlands. Whether seen from a lookout, the water, the sand, or the sky, our islands promise unforgettable beauty in every direction.
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