The Whitsundays is a fun family holiday destination, offering oodles of tours ideal for kids. Many parents would be surprised at what kinds of tours and activities kids are able to participate in.
Did you know kids can have a scuba diving lesson at age 8? And that they can drive a kids quad bike on Hamilton Island at age 6? Or drive a jetski in Airlie Beach at age 16?
There are lots of things to keep the kids busy, and experiences to make your family holiday memorable. Be sure to ask about age restrictions on any tour you are interested in, the result may surprise you.
At what age can my child participate?
|
Activity / Tour
|
Location
|
Minimum age
|
|
Scuba diving lesson
|
Airlie Beach - Jubilee Pocket
|
8
|
|
Jetski passenger
|
Airlie Beach & Hamilton Island
|
10
|
|
Jetski driver
|
Airlie Beach
|
16
|
| Snorkelling |
All locations |
dependent on
swimming ability
|
| Kids club at the Reef |
Fantasea's Seahorse Club |
6 months
|
|
Quad bike for kids
|
Hamilton Island
|
6
|
|
Quad bike adult tours
|
Hamilton Island
|
16
|
|
Dual go kart passenger
|
Hamilton Island
|
4
|
|
Single go kart driver
|
Hamilton Island
|
11
|
|
Solo kayaking
|
Hamilton Island
|
13
|
|
For a list of activities suitable for young children on Hamilton Island click here
|
Most of the day tours allow children of all ages to come along. Children of basic swimming ability can try snorkelling, and flotation aides such as a noodle or boogie boards (sometimes with clear windows for underwater visibility) are often available to assist parents in helping their children enjoy the wonders of the reef. The major reef excursions offer a variety of activities perfect for non-swimmers including semi-subs, glass bottomed boats and underwater viewing chambers. Both reef pontoons also have a waterslide into the ocean, which is guaranteed to keep the kids busy for some time! Many of the Whitehaven Beach tours provide beach shades and also offer beach activities such as cricket or frisbees to keep the kids active and entertained.
The following tours offer specific itineraries and special options for children: