Whitehaven Beach takes the number one spot on TripAdvisor

Australia votes: Whitehaven Beach takes the number one spot on TripAdvisor

MEDIA RELEASE - 16 JUNE 2026

Whitehaven Beach named Australia's top tourist attraction in TripAdvisor ranking

Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island has been ranked the number one tourist attraction in Australia by TripAdvisor, based on traveller reviews, reinforcing The Whitsundays position as one of the country's most sought-after destinations.

Tourism Whitsundays is celebrating the recognition, which reflects the consistently high quality of visitor experiences delivered by operators across the region. The ranking is based on the volume and rating of TripAdvisor reviews submitted by visitors, with the vast majority of those who visited Whitehaven Beach awarding the destination top marks.

Whitehaven Beach sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on Whitsunday Island and stretches across seven kilometres of silica sand. Visitors can experience Whitehaven through a wide range of options, including day tours, scenic flights and helicopter experiences, bareboat charters, private vessel or independent camping with a National Parks permit, with most departing from Airlie Beach or the surrounding islands.

For those looking for a new way to see Whitehaven, 2026 marks the opening of the Ngaro Track, a 32-kilometre multi-day walking trail that begins on the sands of Whitehaven Beach and finishes at Hill Inlet. The track traverses the remote interior of Whitsunday Island through ancient rainforest, mangroves and rocky headlands, and is available as a fully guided and catered experience through World Expeditions, or as a self-guided independent walk with a National Parks permit.

The recognition comes at a strong moment for The Whitsundays, with visitor demand growing and operators continuing to invest in the quality and range of experiences on offer. For a destination that can only be reached by boat or air, the ranking reflects not just the natural drawcard of Whitehaven Beach itself, but the collective effort of an industry committed to delivering experiences that consistently exceed expectations.

Tim Booth, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Whitsundays, said:

"To have Whitehaven Beach recognised as Australia's number one tourist attraction by TripAdvisor is a tremendous result and a direct reflection of the outstanding experiences our operators are delivering every day.

"The Whitsundays is home to some of the best tourism operators in the country and this ranking is a testament to their commitment to delivering world-class experiences. It is a well-deserved recognition for everyone who works so hard to share this place with visitors."

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About Tourism Whitsundays: Tourism Whitsundays (TW) is the organisation responsible for destination marketing and visitor attraction for the Whitsunday region. It is the lead agency recognised by Tourism and Events Queensland and the Whitsunday Regional Council to lead the promotion of the region as a tourism destination. Tourism Whitsundays markets all aspects of the region including the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Coast, accommodation, boating and sailing, fishing, touring, recreational activities, adventure, dining, shopping, weddings and honeymoons, conferencing and business events.

About the ranking: The ranking was compiled by Iglu Cruise, who analysed 40 of Australia's top tourist attractions on TripAdvisor, calculating the percentage of five-star reviews for each attraction.