Second Summer.
Some places do winter. We do second summer.
Being cold is a choice, a weird one. When the year starts to feel heavy and cold, it's knowing that an iconic escape is always here when you need it.
Summer didn't end. It stayed in The Whitsundays. This is your quiet reminder that your next adventure is closer than you think.
Summer, Your Way.
Pick your pace. Action, quiet, romance or a trip with the kids, The Whitsundays has an escape ready.
Discover Whitehaven Beach
Stretching over 7km along Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is one of the world's most pristine beaches.
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Experience Heart Reef
One of the most recognised natural wonders in The Whitsundays, Heart Reef is a stunning coral formation best seen from the air.
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Take In Hill Inlet
One of the most photographed views in The Whitsundays, Hill Inlet is a shifting sandbar where tidal waters and pure white silica sand create ever-changing patterns.
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See the Great Barrier Reef
Dive and snorkel the world's largest coral reef system right from The Whitsundays.
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Explore 74 Islands
From resort islands to uninhabited national parks, The Whitsundays is home to 74 islands scattered across the Coral Sea, each with its own character.
Learn MoreCruise The Whitsundays.
Swap winter for a day on the Coral Sea. Cruise Whitsundays makes it easy to book reef and island experiences, from Whitehaven Beach and island day trips to Great Barrier Reef adventures. Choose your departure, lock in your spot, and spend more of your holiday out on the water.
Experiences.
Stays.
Sea Days, Sorted.
Reef trips, island transfers, bareboat charters and Island departures. This is where you head out on the water.
Choose Your Playground.
The recipe is simple. Choose your kind of day, then find the operators ready to make it happen.
Exploring The Icons
5 Days in The Whitsundays
Five days across the places that put The Whitsundays on the map. Follow the route, swap days around, or let one icon hold you longer than planned.
Winter, Without the Winter.
Typical winter weather, water temperatures, reef days, whale season and what to pack for The Whitsundays.
How warm is the water in winter?
Ocean temperatures around the Whitsundays generally vary from about 22°C to 27°C across the year, with winter at the cooler end of that range. Conditions differ by day and location, so check the marine forecast and ask your tour operator what protective gear is recommended.
What is the weather like in The Whitsundays in winter?
Bureau of Meteorology long-term averages at Hamilton Island Airport show mean daytime maximums of 22.3°C in June, 21.6°C in July and 22.9°C in August. Mean overnight minimums are 18.9°C, 18.0°C and 18.5°C respectively. These are averages, not a forecast, so check current conditions before you travel and pack a light layer for evenings and boat trips.
Is the Great Barrier Reef still good in winter?
Yes. You can visit the Great Barrier Reef in winter, but reef health, visibility, wind and sea state vary by site and day. Check the Bureau of Meteorology marine forecast and current tour availability before booking, then follow crew and Reef Authority guidance in the water.
Can we see whales here?
Humpback whales migrate through the Whitsundays, with northbound pods often seen in June and July and southbound pods from August to October. Sightings are possible, not guaranteed, so keep watch from boats and lookouts while following crew instructions and whale-approach rules.
What's open and running outside of summer?
Many reef trips, island transfers, accommodation and mainland experiences continue outside summer, but schedules, maintenance periods, prices and inclusions vary. Check the live listing for your dates and confirm the current details directly with the operator before booking.
What should we pack for a winter Whitsundays trip?
Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, suitable footwear and a light layer for evenings and time on the water. Marine stingers may occur year-round, with higher risk from November to May, so follow local signs and operator or lifeguard advice about protective clothing.
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