Whitsunday Islands
Australia · Queensland · 5 m
Description
The Whitsunday Islands (Whitsundays) are a spectacular archipelago of 74 tropical islands off the coast of Queensland, set within the Great Barrier Reef. The islands are renowned for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and remarkable marine life. One of their most iconic sights is Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, famous for its exceptionally fine silica sand and the swirling patterns of sand and water at Hill Inlet. Sailing, snorkelling, diving and scenic flights over the famous Heart Reef are among the most memorable ways to experience the region. Hamilton Island combines tropical scenery with comfortable resorts and a wide range of activities, while Airlie Beach on the mainland serves as a major gateway to the Whitsundays.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 6 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Whitehaven Beach
- Hill Inlet & Hill Inlet Lookout
- Great Barrier Reef & Hardy Reef (UNESCO)
- Sailing the Whitsunday Islands
- Heart Reef Scenic Flight
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
- Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving
- Whitsunday Island
- Hamilton Island
- Passage Peak, Hamilton Island
- Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island
- Hook Island
- Hook Island Fringing Reefs
- Langford Island & Langford Spit
- Hayman Island
- Daydream Island
- Border Island & Cateran Bay
- Chance Bay
- Whitsunday Peak
- Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail
- Kayaking around the Whitsunday Islands
- Bareboat Sailing through the Whitsundays (reservation required)
- Reefsleep at Hardy Reef (reservation required)
- Airlie Beach Lagoon
Getting there
- Airports:
- HTI
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry