Queensland, central coast · Australia
Seventy-four islands of white silica sand, turquoise water and coral, best explored under sail from the laid-back port of Airlie Beach.
Photo: Isderion · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
The Whitsunday Islands lie off the central Queensland coast, between the mainland and the Great Barrier Reef, in a sheltered region of calm water. There are 74 islands, most of them uninhabited national park, with fringing coral reefs, bays and beaches. Captain James Cook sailed through the passage in 1770, and named it on Whitsunday, although the actual date was different, due to the international date line.
The star attraction is Whitehaven Beach, seven kilometres of dazzlingly white sand made of almost pure silica, which stays cool underfoot, and Hill Inlet, at its northern end, where tides swirl white sand into the turquoise water in shifting patterns. Nearby, snorkelling sites, secluded coves and the Great Barrier Reef itself are all within a day's sail.
Most visitors base themselves at Airlie Beach, a lively backpacker and resort town on the mainland, and go out on day trips or multi-day sailing charters. Others stay on the islands, at Hamilton Island, the most developed, or on smaller resort islands. It is a beautiful and relaxing region, best from April to November.
Why visit
The Whitsundays offer the classic tropical island experience, with good access and a range of budgets.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with white silica sand and clear water.
Sheltered waters and steady winds make it one of the best places to sail in the world.
Coral reefs on the islands' edges and the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Turtles, rays, dolphins and, from July to September, humpback whales.
Beaches, boats, sunsets and seafood.
Main attractions
Most of the highlights are best seen from the water, on a day trip or charter.
A 7-km beach of fine white sand on Whitsunday Island, the region's most famous sight. Sand is so fine it squeaks underfoot, and it stays cool in the sun.
Tip Visit in the morning, before day-trip boats arrive.
A short walk from the beach leads to a lookout above Hill Inlet, where tides swirl the sand and water into a natural marbled pattern.
Tip Best at low tide, around midday.
The gateway town, with a lagoon, marina, restaurants, bars and tour operators, on the mainland.
Tip Book tours a few days ahead.
A heart-shaped coral formation on Hardy Reef, best seen from the air by scenic flight. Landing on or swimming at the reef is not permitted.
Tip Book a scenic flight for the view.
The largest developed island, with resorts, restaurants, a marina, golf carts as transport and a lookout at Passage Peak.
Tip Good for a resort-style stay.
Hardy Reef and Reefworld pontoons offer snorkelling and diving in the outer Great Barrier Reef, about 2 hours from Airlie Beach.
Tip Choose a reputable eco-certified operator.
Things to do
Sailing, snorkelling and beaches make up the main activities.
Two-day, three-day or longer charters visit the best beaches and snorkelling spots, with stops at Whitehaven.
Tip Choose a boat size and vibe to suit you.
Coral gardens fringe several islands, easily reached from the sand.
Tip Bring a stinger suit in season.
Seaplane and helicopter flights show the islands, Heart Reef and the outer reef.
Tip Book early on clear days.
Calm bays are ideal for paddling.
Tip Go early.
Humpback whales pass through from July to September.
Tip Join a whale-watching cruise.
Bars and restaurants at Airlie Beach and on the islands.
Tip Try the Airlie Beach lagoon.
Local food
The Whitsundays' food is seafood, tropical fruit and casual dining.
Fresh fish, prawns and Moreton Bay bugs, grilled or fried.
Where to try it Airlie Beach restaurants.
Takeaway on the beach.
Where to try it Airlie Beach and Hamilton.
Mangoes, pineapples, bananas and passionfruit.
Where to try it Markets.
Steaks and prawns on the barbie.
Where to try it Boats and resorts.
Local brews and Queensland rum.
Where to try it Airlie Beach bars.
Accommodation
Stay in Airlie Beach for value and variety, or on the islands for a resort experience.
Transport
The Whitsundays are about 1,100 km north of Brisbane.
Boats and ferries connect the mainland and islands.
When to go
The region has a tropical climate, with a dry season from about April to November and a wet season with cyclone risk from December to March.
Clear water, warm weather and few stingers.
Dry, sunny and mild, with whales.
Warm, dry and calm.
Hot, wet and humid, with stingers and cyclones.
Worth planning around: January to March, the peak of the cyclone season.
Itinerary
Sailing on the first days, then rest on Hamilton Island or the mainland.
Settle in.
The classic day trip.
Above and below.
A relaxed end.
Travel tips
A few tips make the trip better.
FAQ
Three to four days for the main sights, including a day at Whitehaven.
April to November. Summer has stingers and cyclones.
Yes, but stingers can be present in the wet season, so check advice.
Airlie Beach is cheaper and more flexible. Islands offer a resort experience.
You can see it on a scenic flight. Landing and swimming there is not permitted.
Yes, with calm waters and easy day trips.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with the Whitsundays, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Far North Queensland, Australia
Two UNESCO World Heritage wonders in one: reef trips from Cairns and Port Douglas, and the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, plus the scenic railway to Kuranda.
Don't miss Floating over a coral garden on the outer reef, with turtles and shoals of fish drifting past.
Explore Destination — Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and the DaintreeNew South Wales, east coast, Australia
Australia's largest city: the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, the Botanic Garden, Bondi and Manly beaches, cliff walks, ferries and a lively food and café scene.
Don't miss A ferry across the harbour at sunset, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge lit gold behind you.
Explore Destination — SydneyNorthern Territory, tropical north, Australia
Australia's largest national park, a UNESCO site for both nature and culture, with Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art, Yellow Water cruises, Jim Jim Falls and Litchfield, reached from Darwin.
Don't miss Sunset from Ubirr, looking over the floodplains after a walk past thousands of years of rock art.
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