After the long North Queensland summer comes the absolute pinnacle of living in the tropics! WINTER! Beautiful sunny mild days, slightly cooler nights. As winter rolls around every year and we listen to the news reports of freezing southern temps, we smugly enjoy PERFECT winter weather!

We’ve listed the best things to do in the glorious Whitsundays winter – especially for our freezing southern friends (smug wink face emoji)

1. The Great Whale Migration – one of the most amazing things to see in the Whitsundays during the cooler winter months is the majestic humpback whales swimming the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. While you’re out on the water during the migration (July – September) keep your eyes peeled – there is nothing more incredible than witnessing these gentle giants breaching! Flagstaff Hill in Bowen is a TOP SPOT for whale watching on the mainland!

Photo Credit: @oceanrafting

2. The Whitsundays has some of the most scenic bushwalks in Australia – Hill Inlet anyone!? And what better time of the year to get back to nature and explore what the amazing Whitsundays has on offer. There is a walk for everyone at any fitness level, discover the walks the mainland has, or jump a ferry and see what walks some of the resorts have.

Locals Tip: Pack a lunch if you’re planning the Conway Park Great Walk

3. Ok we’ll admit it, sometimes the weather can be a little unpredictable during our summer wet season, but during our winter months you can be sure to get perfect sailing weather – and hey – what better chance to get to see that Great Whale Migration we mentioned earlier than to be on the water!!

Photo Credit: @intercontinentalhaymanisland

4. Too cold to swim down there….?? Not here! It’s seriously time for beautiful Whitsundays beach days… we’re not kidding! The day time temp here is perfect for swimming – honestly!

Photo Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland with Jason Hill

5. If you’re like the rest of the world… and for some reason the years seem to be going in fast forward, I mean you’re probably still wishing people Happy New Year and boom you’re grabbing the winter woollies out from storage – why not just come here and oh, I don’t know – RELAX! Get that book you’ve been lying to book club about reading and get on a beach chair!

6. The Whitsundays always has plenty of events throughout the year, but especially in our cooler months. If you’re a keen sailor, you’ll know that Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island Race Weeks happen during our winter months (because it’s amazing sailing weather!! Told you so!) We also have the Great Barrier Reef Festival in August and the annual Bowen Walk to The Lighthouse these two events are serious fun for the whole family!

Photo Credit: @julesingall

This Blog is brought to you by Liza Muller of Tourism Whitsundays