The Whitsunday Islands

Naturally Iconic

Pin The Whitsunday Islands

Discover The Iconic Whitsundays

The Great Barrier Reef, 74 islands, 7 kilometres of white silica sand at Whitehaven Beach, and a mainland coast where the rainforest meets the Coral Sea. However you choose to explore, it starts here.

Find Your Way.

Four ways to experience The Whitsundays. The islands, reef, and sand stay the same. The way you explore them changes everything.

Whitehaven Beach

Family Holidays in The Whitsundays

Island adventures, free beach days, and the Great Barrier Reef. Plan your family holiday to The Whitsundays. Something for every age, every day.
Passage Peak Lookout, Hamilton Island

Find Your Quiet

Private islands, off-grid retreats, and bareboat escapes. The Whitsundays is where you go to genuinely switch off, with no schedule, no signal, no rush.
Hill Inlet Lookout

Fall in Love with The Whitsundays

Secluded islands, sunset sailing, and the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsundays is where unforgettable moments happen, naturally.
Hamilton Island

Adventure in The Whitsundays

Experience adventure in The Whitsundays, Queensland. Discover reef cruises, sailing, jet boats, skydiving, and outdoor thrills for every traveller.

The Best of The Whitsundays.

Reef snorkelling, island day trips, scenic flights, and overnight sailing. The experiences that define this destination.

00238E769D2891286C005658B90B4609
Experience

Sail and Snorkel - Whitehaven and…

This full day cruise incorporates two separate destinations; Whitehaven Beach for relaxing and Chalkies Beach for snorkelling.Includes morning tea afternoon tea and lunch on board whilst anchored at…
95214E5488Ffc59076De6E61B0139Fde
Experience

Island Explorer - Semi-sub

Take in the magic of the Whitsunday Islands from above and below the surface in our semi-sub.Cruise past neighbouring islands including Dent, Henning and Plum Pudding. Keep an eye out for turtles and…
1375Bd88F5C270Ff047Bdec9Cbcb89Df
Experience

Reefsuites

Slip between the sheets below the waterline – it’s an intimate and totally unique encounter with this amazing underwater world. Moored offshore at the spectacular Hardy Reef, 40 Nautical miles from…
16E2F4C3055Fe1734C331873Cd2B4Bda
Experience

Lady Enid Sailing - Iconic…

Lady Enid: an all-inclusive, adults only sailing experience to iconic Whitsunday destinations, on board a rare Australian classic yacht, with attentive crew and delectable meals. With three exclusive…
Cbab4C0920F102E863A331B1D70E51F1
Experience

Northern Exposure Tour departing…

The Northern Exposure eco adventure is a favourite amongst avid snorkellers because it is the only Whitsunday adventure which includes two different snorkel destinations. Enjoy snorkelling around…
B1Cb76E2Cba84D1D851E8B40E5B22B55
Experience

Falls to Paradise - Red Cat…

Falls to Paradise is an all-inclusive day tour exploring Cedar Creek Falls where guests can swim in the rockpools at waterfalls, surrounded by tropical flora and fauna. Enjoy the guided walks to the…
0C586C4Cbcc02057Ac3Caa70Adcb423B
Experience

Camira Sailing Adventure

Experience the wonders of the Whitsundays on this full day cruise on board Camira – the big purple catamaran! Sail through the azure blue waters of the Whitsunday Islands, walk to Hill Inlet, snorkel…
48660C236Ccb0394E16F85465076F29A
Experience

Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton…

Visit Hamilton Island in the morning and Whitehaven Beach in the afternoon, or vice-versa - the choice is yours. At Hamilton Island, jump on a shuttle bus and tour around the island. The driver will…
970958469C2F2Ae524Ca33D27Adb24C3
Experience

Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure - Red…

Experience the beauty of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef on this small-group snorkelling eco-adventure. Travel on the smoothest, most comfortable wave piercer to visit the incredible coral…
968B876Cbeb0C6C47Ca24C06E3A298Ef
Experience

Dive the Great Barrier Reef - Full…

The Great Barrier Reef is home to a remarkable variety of marine life, plants and animals including sharks, rays, turtles and fish as well as corals and seaweeds. Experience this amazing destination…

Where To Stay

Island resorts on the water, mainland accommodation walking distance from every tour departure, and overnight boats anchored in the islands.

Original__9184299_Bl17_Premium_Room_Landscape_Hr_M3G4Jfk
Accommodation

Beach Club, Hamilton Island

Awaken to absolute beachfront views at the Beach Club. Surrounded by landscaped gardens on Catseye Beach, the Beach Club Hamilton Island is a boutique retreat exclusively for adults. Romantic,…
E3F6Cb800C9C770B9198Eee3Ebb7B4Fb
Accommodation

Hamilton Island Palm Bungalows

Romantic and affordable, Hamilton Island Palm Bungalows are designed for couples and families holidaying on a budget. Surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens and Hamilton Island's lush foliage, the…
C38F4Eec012D20C8D3880B57C7D61B88
Accommodation

Airlie Beach Hotel

Located on the Esplanade, in the heart of Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach Hotel has long been a favourite in the Whitsundays. If you're chasing a relaxed tropical getaway or a lively weekend escape,…
Ef7E0Bd6C50A0E8Ebcb0Deade3Cd1Def
Accommodation

The Sundays

They have taken everything that makes Sunday the best day of the week and turned it into every day of the week. Welcome to The Sundays, a boutique escape in Australia's Whitsundays in the heart of…
6F6C3197A79061C241E5921Dfb10C30B
Accommodation

qualia

Nestled in the northern most tip of Hamilton Island, qualia is a unique expression of world-class luxury. Immersing guests in a relaxed atmosphere, offering personalised and intuitive service, qualia…
2B7F56D70Ebd11817B5B65D53B3Fd3Bd
Accommodation

Daydream Island Resort and Living…

Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef is ideally located in the heart of Queensland’s Whitsundays Islands and the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Following an extensive…
7E3Ec7150707360C6Dfa763564Fb50Be
Accommodation

InterContinental Hayman Great…

Experience the frontier of Australian luxury at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. Nestled at the northernmost point of the Whitsundays, Hayman Island unlocks the heart of the Great Barrier…
E1614248079C52F0Dcd79838Dee7Ccb9
Accommodation

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort – Paradise FoundWelcome to BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, where "paradise found" isn't just a saying, it's our way of life. As the Whitsundays' most awarded resort…
A9D8F8Ea5Cc6F6D3D1748A7924A6E3E9
Accommodation

Yacht Club Villas

The luxury Yacht Club Villas boast a superb waterfront position with breathtaking ocean views. With a design emphasis on privacy and space, each villa spans three to four levels according to…
96365E79C514B5Fd175Cc35Ac8D685Fd
Accommodation

Elysian Island Retreat - All…

Nestled on the Southern tip of Long Island inside a private cove lays Elysian- A luxury eco island retreat that hosts a maximum of 20 adults at a time. Elysian is an all-inclusive, immersive food…

Experience Our Natural Icons.

Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and the Great Barrier Reef. The three natural wonders that define The Whitsundays.

Hill Inlet Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet are world-famous for silica sand and turquoise waters. Explore and see The Whitsundays’ most iconic view.
Heart Reef

Heart Reef

Discover Heart Reef in The Whitsundays, an iconic coral formation seen by air. Enjoy scenic flights that showcase its beauty within tropical Queensland.
Outer Reef

Great Barrier Reef

Visit the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and explore coral reefs, tropical islands and clear blue water. A natural icon of The Whitsundays.

Explore the Region.

Proserpine

Proserpine

Proserpine, The Whitsundays' charming country town. See sugar cane fields, heritage sites, Lake Proserpine & Cedar Creek Falls. 20 minutes to Airlie Beach.
Strathmore Station, Collinsville

Collinsville

Explore Collinsville, the heart of The Whitsundays Outback. Discover rich coal-mining history, visit the Pit Pony Museum, and enjoy country hospitality.
Rose Bay, Bowen

Bowen

Bowen, a coastal gem in The Whitsundays with calm beaches, bays and scenic lookouts. Find accommodation, local dining, and the best things to do.
Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach, the vibrant mainland hub for your Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands adventure. Find tours, accommodation, and the best things to do.

Planning Your Trip

The essentials for your Whitsundays visit.

Where are the Whitsunday Islands?
The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The region sits between Mackay and Townsville, roughly midway along the Queensland coast. Airlie Beach is the main hub and gateway to the 74 islands. Fly direct to Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, or to Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island.
How do I get to the Whitsundays?
Fly direct to Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Flight time is around 1.5 hours from Brisbane, 2.5 hours from Sydney, and 3 hours from Melbourne. The airport is 20 minutes from Airlie Beach by shuttle or transfer. You can also fly direct to Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Cairns. Self-drive visitors reach Airlie Beach via the Bruce Highway, approximately 1,100 kilometres north of Brisbane.
When is the best time to visit the Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays enjoys warm weather year-round, making it a destination for every season. Summer (December to February) is warmest with the best diving visibility. Winter (June to August) is dry season with mild days around 24 degrees, calm seas, fewer crowds, and humpback whale season. May and June are a particularly rewarding window: dry, warm, stinger-free, quieter than peak season, with lower prices and ideal conditions for the reef, the islands, and the beach. Water temperature averages around 25 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
What is there to do in the Whitsundays?
Snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef, walk 7 kilometres of white silica sand at Whitehaven Beach, sail overnight through the islands, kayak to secluded coves, skydive at 15,000 feet, take a scenic flight over Heart Reef, hike to island lookouts, explore Cedar Creek Falls and Conway National Park on the mainland, or settle into a waterfront restaurant in Airlie Beach. The region covers reef, islands, rainforest, and coastline, with experiences for couples, families, adventure seekers, and those looking for rest.
How long should I spend in the Whitsundays?
Three to five nights is the most common stay. That gives you time to see the icons: Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, and the islands, with room for mainland exploring or a day of rest. A week or more opens up bareboating, overnight sailing, island-hopping, and the quieter corners of the region including Bowen, Cedar Creek Falls, and the mainland walking trails. Even two nights will give you a meaningful experience if time is limited.
Is the Whitsundays the same as the Great Barrier Reef?
The Whitsundays sits in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, but they are not the same thing. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living reef system, stretching 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. The Whitsundays is one of the best places to access it, with short travel times to the outer reef and a coral-rich marine park surrounding the 74 islands. When you visit The Whitsundays, you are visiting the Great Barrier Reef and much more: the islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the mainland, and a coastline shaped by millions of years of natural forces.