FAQs
Whitehaven Beach
General
A quick look at The Whitsundays in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, where they are, and what sets this stunning destination apart.
What and where are The Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays are 74 tropical islands off Queensland's central coast, within the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach on the mainland is the main gateway for tours, ferries, and sailing.
How many islands are in The Whitsundays?
There are 74 islands, most protected as national park. A handful host resorts, while many remain uninhabited for day trips, walks, and anchorages.
Why is Whitehaven Beach so famous?
Whitehaven Beach is renowned for pure silica sand that stays cool underfoot and clear, shallow water. From Hill Inlet Lookout, the tides create striking swirls of sand and sea.
Is The Whitsundays part of the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes. The islands lie within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and are ringed by fringing coral reefs, with the outer reef reached on day trips or scenic flights.
How long should a first visit be?
An ideal first visit is 3-5 days. A long weekend suits Whitehaven Beach, a reef trip, and time in Airlie Beach. Five days allows an island stay or an overnight sailing trip with time to slow down.
Planning Your Visit
Timing, packing, and arrival essentials for a smooth start to the trip.
When is the best time to visit The Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays are a year round destination. April to October brings milder days, lower humidity, and generally calmer conditions, while November to March is warmer with summer showers and lush, green islands.
What is stinger season and what does it mean for swimmers?
Marine stingers are more common from October to May. A full stinger suit is recommended for ocean and reef swimming during this period, and visitors should follow local advice.
What should be packed for island and reef days?
Light clothing, swimwear, reef safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A long sleeve rash shirt or stinger suit is useful, plus enclosed shoes for walks and a small dry bag for phones and valuables.
How do visitors get to The Whitsundays by air or road?
Two airports serve the region. Whitsunday Coast Airport near Proserpine suits Airlie Beach and mainland stays, while Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island suits island stays and connects to the mainland by ferry; the Bruce Highway links the region for self drive trips.
Is travel insurance recommended for reef and sailing tours?
Yes. Choose a policy that covers tours, cruising, weather related changes, and medical care, as some activities are weather dependent and operate in marine settings.
Getting Around
Airports, ferries, and local transport between the mainland and the islands.
Which airport is best for The Whitsundays?
Whitsunday Coast Airport near Proserpine suits Airlie Beach and mainland stays. Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island suits island stays, with ferries linking to the mainland for onward travel.
Is a car needed in Airlie Beach?
Most visitors do not need a car. Tours include pick up and there are local buses, taxis and rideshare, while a car is handy for day trips to Bowen or Hydeaway Bay.
How do ferries and island transfers work?
Daily scheduled ferries run between Airlie Beach, Daydream Island and Hamilton Island with set luggage allowances. Resorts also offer transfer services, and private charters can be arranged for other islands or late departures.
How do visitors get to Whitehaven Beach?
Whitehaven Beach is reached by tour boat, high speed vessel, yacht or scenic flight, with departures from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island. There is no public ferry direct to Whitehaven Beach.
Are there airport and marina shuttles?
Yes. Shuttle services meet most flights and connect marinas with accommodation, and advance booking is recommended.
Island Experiences
What to expect on the islands, plus quiet national park escapes.
Which island suits a first stay?
Hamilton Island offers the widest choice of dining, activities and tours. Daydream Island is compact and family friendly, while Long Island is peaceful and close to nature.
What can visitors do on Hamilton Island?
Explore beaches and walking tracks, hire a buggy to get around, and join tours to the reef and Whitehaven Beach. There are lookouts, a lively marina precinct, and plenty of places to eat and drink.
What can visitors do on Daydream Island?
Swim in lagoon style pools, visit the Living Reef, and snorkel from easy access beaches. Regular tours run to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.
What can visitors do on Long Island?
Walk Molle Islands National Park trails to quiet coves and lookouts, then kayak or snorkel in sheltered bays. Access is by boat or transfer which adds to the sense of escape.
Are there uninhabited islands to visit?
Yes. National park islands offer beaches, walking tracks and designated camping areas, with camping permits required and transport arranged in advance.
How do overnight sailing trips work?
Trips usually run for one to three nights on crewed yachts or catamarans, with cabins, meals and snorkelling gear included. Itineraries visit island bays, snorkel sites and Whitehaven Beach at an unhurried pace.
What can visitors do on Camp Island?
Camp Island offers a secluded retreat with quiet beaches and easy coastal walks. The island is uninhabited and perfect for day visits by boat or kayak.
What can visitors do on Hayman Island?
Hayman Island is home to a luxury resort with world class dining, spa experiences and pristine beaches. The island offers reef and island tours, water sports and a refined tropical escape.
Reef & Snorkelling
How to reach the reef, snorkel with confidence, and see Heart Reef from its best angle.
How do reef day trips work from Airlie Beach and the islands?
Trips depart from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island to outer reef pontoons or fringing reef sites. They include snorkelling gear, stinger suits, safety briefings and the option to add a dive.
Is strong swimming required to snorkel?
No. Flotation aids and guided sessions are available, and visitors are asked to follow crew instructions and stay within marked areas.
Can visitors snorkel from the beach?
Yes, at selected island beaches where fringing reef sits close to shore. Conditions change with weather and tide, so local advice is important.
Are stinger suits required and where are they available?
Stinger suits are recommended in the warmer months. They are provided or available to hire on most tours and at many island activity desks, with sizes for adults and children.
Can visitors scuba dive without a licence?
Introductory dives are offered on many reef trips with a qualified instructor. Minimum age, medical screening and safety requirements apply.
What is Heart Reef and can it be visited?
Heart Reef is a naturally heart shaped coral formation in Hardy Reef. It is best seen by scenic flight, and the formation itself is protected, so in-water visits are not permitted.
Mainland
Relaxed beach days and local favourites around Airlie Beach, Bowen, Proserpine, and Collinsville.
Which beaches are best near Airlie Beach?
The Airlie Beach Lagoon offers safe swimming all year. Nearby options include Boathaven Beach in town and Cannonvale Beach along the boardwalk.
Does Airlie Beach have a patrolled swimming area?
Yes. The Airlie Beach Lagoon has lifeguard supervision at set times, and seasonal stinger nets operate at Boathaven Beach and Cannonvale Beach, with signage to follow.
What is there to do in Bowen?
Bowen is known for quiet beaches and easy snorkelling from shore at Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay. Add Flagstaff Hill Lookout, coastal walks, town murals and a photo at the Big Mango.
What is there to do in Proserpine and Collinsville?
Proserpine offers heritage streets, a local museum, cafes and access to Lake Proserpine for barramundi fishing and boating. Collinsville shares outback history at the miners museum, with country pubs and big sky sunsets.
Are there family friendly walks and lookouts?
Yes. The Bicentennial Walkway links Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, Conway National Park has short shaded trails and lookouts, and Bowen's Flagstaff Hill delivers wide island views.
Where To Stay
Mainland or island stays made simple, with options for families, couples, and friends.
Should visitors stay on the mainland or an island?
Mainland stays in Airlie Beach suit variety, dining and day tours. Island stays suit resort time and easy beach and reef access, and many visitors combine both.
What are the main accommodation types?
Hotels, resorts, apartments, villas and holiday homes on the mainland, plus island resorts and eco retreats. Options span a wide range of budgets and styles.
Where is best for families?
Hamilton Island and Daydream Island are popular for pools, gentle snorkelling and easy dining. Airlie Beach apartments also work well for space and self-catering.
Where is best for couples?
Island resorts and boutique retreats on Long Island or the mainland suit relaxed escapes. Think spa time, quiet beaches and sunset sails.
Where is best for groups and friends?
Airlie Beach holiday homes and larger apartments provide space and kitchen facilities close to marinas and nightlife. Overnight sailing and small-group charters are social options.
How far ahead should bookings be made?
Peak periods and school holidays sell quickly, so book flights, accommodation and key tours several months ahead. Outside peak times, early booking still gives the best choice.
Traveller Tips
Practical advice on safety, weather, park access, and staying connected.
Are there marine stingers and how do visitors stay safe?
Marine stingers can be present, especially from October to May. Wear a stinger suit, follow lifeguard and crew advice, and swim at patrolled or managed locations.
What is the weather like through the year?
The climate is tropical with warm days year round. Summer brings higher humidity and showers, while winter is mild and drier, with clear conditions common in the shoulder months.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes. Tap water on the mainland and on most islands is safe to drink unless local notices advise otherwise.
Can drones be used on the islands or reef?
Drone use is regulated by park and aviation rules. Check current permissions, keep well clear of wildlife, aircraft and people, and respect any resort or park restrictions.
Do mobile phones and internet work on the islands?
Mobile coverage is good on the mainland and main resort islands, with patchy reception in remote areas. Wi Fi is available at many resorts, marinas and cafes.
Are the national parks open year round?
Parks are generally open all year, with occasional closures for maintenance, fire or weather. Check park alerts and follow on site signage.
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