Guide to the Whitsundays
Sailing through blue waters, snorkelling above gardens of coral and coastal views more beautiful than a postcard – it’s all waiting for you in the Whitsundays.
A cluster of islands located 55km (34mi) off the Queensland coast, the Whitsundays offer everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise; turquoise waters that meet swirling white sands, beautiful secluded beaches and world-class luxury accommodation. It’s certainly relaxing, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find incredible adventure experiences. The proximity to the Great Barrier Reef means the Whitsundays are a mecca for sailing, diving and snorkelling, and there are plenty of opportunities to tick off some bucket-list worthy activities like swimming with turtles or flying over famous Heart Reef.
Top things to do in the Whitsundays
Find a lot to love about Heart Reef
Be one of six guests to visit Heart Reef on an unforgettable tour that includes a scenic helicopter ride to the heart-shaped reef, a glass-bottom boat tour and snorkelling in the turquoise waters off a purpose-built pontoon.
See the Whitsundays in a hot rod
Enjoy a customised introduction to the beaches and countryside of Cannonvale and Airlie Beach from the comfort of a classic hot rod. Cruise around in Betsy, a 1928 Ford Tourer, or Letty, a 1949 Chevrolet Styleline for a special tour of the region.
See the swirling waters of Whitehaven
The charm of Whitehaven Beach is amplified when wading in the waters off Hill Inlet, where shifting sands turn the sea into a swirling palette of blues and greens. See the stretch of sand that regularly rates as one of the world’s best beaches.
Snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef
Visitors from around the world come to the Whitsundays to dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Go on an underwater safari to find Nemo the clownfish, Maori wrasse, sea turtles, giant clams and the rest of the Great Eight.
Chill out in Airlie Beach
Laidback vibes come with the territory at Airlie Beach, the mainland hub for the Whitsundays. The perfect base from which to explore the region, this tropical resort town has plenty to offer couples, families and adventure-seekers.
Embark on an Indigenous cultural tour
Depart Airlie Beach on a Ngaro Indigenous Cultural Tour to consider the coastline through the eyes of its ancient island sea people. Learn how to throw a spear and source bush tucker before visiting a cave with Aboriginal rock art.
Sleep atop the reef
Extend your time on the reef with a unique overnight experience. As the day-trippers leave, suit up for a night dive or snorkel before being lulled to sleep by the sound of lapping water under a sky full of stars with ReefSleep.
Stay at a secluded eco island escape
Elysian Eco Retreat is the first solar-powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Stay in an oceanfront villa in Paradise Bay, Long Island, where everything from spa treatments to aquatic adventures epitomises barefoot luxury.
Sail around the Whitsunday Islands
Chart your own course through the calm waters of the Whitsundays when you skipper a luxury vessel. Even with no sailing experience, "bareboating", as it's known, is an incredible way to island hop with your friends or family.
The Whitsundays to a tee
The Whitsundays is paradise for golfers, with options ranging from a links-style oceanfront course at Bowen Golf Club to the must-do Hamilton Island Golf Course, the only 18-hole course on its own island, in the Coral Sea.
Discover Cedar Creek Falls
The perfect place for a dip in clear water, Cedar Creek Falls is a well-kept secret, hidden away behind trees and rocks. Walk through the path to unveil the cascading waterfall. Pack a picnic and enjoy a refreshing swim in this special spot.
Stay on a tropical island
With only eight of its 74 islands inhabited, staying on a tropical island in the Whitsundays is an enticing prospect. There’s one to suit every mood, from the popular Hamilton Island, to the secluded luxury of Hayman Island, it's easy to find paradise.
Join a Whitsunday Crocodile Safari
Boofhead the crocodile is the headline act on a Whitsunday Crocodile Safari up Proserpine River. You can also expect to see agile wallabies, brolgas and herons, who call the wetland habitat outside Airlie Beach home.
