A tropical collection of islands and icons on the cusp of the Great Barrier Reef

A non-negotiable for visitors to the Sunshine State, The Whitsundays is home to gaggle of 74 idyllic islands and famous landmarks. Spend your time sailing the crystal clear waters, or traipse your way through the globally recognised landmarks, from the Great Barrier Reef, to the pure sands of Whitehaven Beach. 

The mainland-side of the Whitsunday Coast is just as enticing, boasting beaches and national parks galore, and the coastal enclave of Airlie Beach. This is paradise found for the sailing enthusiast - it’s home to one of the country’s favourite yacht weeks after all.  
 
The Whitsunday Islands reside in the very centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Get up close and personal with this natural wonder, flippers in hand, snorkelling and diving the coral-laden stretch. Or avoid getting wet altogether, chartering a plane to catch a glimpse of the natural beauty from the sky.

With a bounty of beautiful sandy stretches to choose from here, there’s an island for everyone. Tempted by the endless activities on offer, families tend to sway towards Hamilton Island, while the more adventurous may stray for the uninhabited, like Hook Island. The beaches here are second to none. In fact they’re award-winning; the Whitsundays is home to the iconic Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, a seven-kilometre stretch of swirling silica sand that has been dubbed the world’s best. 
 
From resort towns to rainbow-hued reefs teeming with marine life, exploration here is encouraged. 
The seaside town of Airlie Beach has long been considered the gateway to the Whitsundays region, while the family favourite of Hamilton Island is home to as many accommodation options as it is beautiful beaches.  
 
As its name suggests, the coral outcrop of Heart Reef is shaped just like a heart and has become one of the country’s most recognised attractions. Best reached by plane, take in the view from above before landing for a swim in the surrounding waters of Hardy Reef.

Getting there 
Just a half hour from the mainland’s Airlie Beach resides Proserpine Airport, or those more interested in convenience may prefer to land at the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island - though boasting just one runway, there are direct flights to and from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Cairns. 
 
Or make an adventure of it and road trip your way to Airlie Beach from the Queensland capital. The journey from Brisbane meanders 1000 kilometres and takes 12 hours, or from Cairns a mere seven.

Getting around 
Surrounded by water, the Whitsundays is naturally best explored by boat. Transfers operate between Hamilton Island and Daydream Island every half hour, or choose to go solo, chartering a yacht or bareboating. 
 
On land things are a little more traditional - shuttle bus or hire car is the easiest way to traipse the Whitsunday Coast on the mainland, which can be organised in Airlie Beach or Proserpine. 

The Whitsundays

Welcome to

The Whitsundays

Islands and tropical coastline in the heart of the Reef

White sand. See-to-the-bottom water. Heart-shaped coral reef. No, it's not a dream, it’s the Whitsundays. For better-than-AI backdrops and an island experience so pretty it will make your eyes water, the Whitsundays is the place to be. Like variety? Take your pick from 74 tropical islands, exquisitely sprinkled through the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Sail it, snorkel it, dive it or just lay around. You can treat yourself to full-tilt luxury or camp out on the beach under a blanket of stars. However you do it, the Whitsundays is your wildest island dreams made manifest.

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On now

Crystal clear waters

June - August

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June - August

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Things to see and do in The Whitsundays 

Now, let’s talk reef. The Whitsunday Islands are smack bang in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, meaning you’ve got front-row seats to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Strap on a snorkel, take a dive, or if you’d rather keep your feet dry, hop on a seaplane and soak in the reef from above, because nothing beats that heart-stopping view of Heart Reef (pun fully intended).

Of course, no visit to The Whitsundays is complete without a Whitehaven Beach day trip. This seven-kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand is regularly crowned one of the world’s best beaches, and trust us - it lives up to the hype. Sink your toes in, snap a selfie, and let the beauty of this place blow your mind.

The mainland isn’t just a launchpad - it’s a destination in itself. Airlie Beach is where good times roll year-round, with waterfront bars, epic sunsets, and easy access to all the best Whitsundays attractions. Adventure-seekers can jet boat through the waves with the likes of Red Cat Adventures and Ocean Rafting, or take an ATV ride across Hamilton Island. Or if you are more of a ‘rosé at sunset’ type? Qualia’s got your name written all over it.

And if you really want to do the Whitsundays in style, take a scenic flight over the reef, land on the waters of Hardy Reef, and sip champagne as you drift over coral gardens in a glass-bottom boat and even stay the night on the reef. Luxury, tick. Bucket list, tick. Smug Instagram post, tick.

But first things first - head to a Visitor Information Centre to get more information on the best places to go and things to do. 

 

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How to get to The Whitsundays

So, how do you get to this tropical paradise? It’s all smooth sailing. Fly straight into the Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) or Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island) from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Cairns.

Once you’re here, the best way to get around is by boat, because, let’s face it, island-hopping in the Whitsundays is the ultimate flex. Regular ferries run between Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach, and Daydream Island, or you can charter your own yacht for the full ‘living the dream’ experience.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Hire a car or jump on a shuttle to explore the Whitsunday Coast, or go all out and road trip from Brisbane (12 hours) or Cairns (7 hours) for the scenic route. However you get here, one thing’s for sure - this is a trip you won’t forget.

What to know before you go

Where are The Whitsundays?

Right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Whitsundays is a tropical archipelago of 74 islands off the central Queensland coast. Many travellers base themselves in Airlie Beach, the mainland gateway to the region.

What is The Whitsundays known for?

White sand beaches, turquoise water, dreamy sailing holidays and that iconic aerial view of swirling sand at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. It’s paradise, plain and simple.

What’s the climate like?

It’s warm and sunny year-round, but the dry season (May–October) brings clearer skies and lower humidity which is perfect for sailing, swimming and snorkelling.

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot and humid, 24–31°C
  • Autumn (Mar–May): Warm and mild, 21–29°C
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): Dry and sunny, 17–26°C
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): Mostly sunny days, 22–30°C

When is the best time to visit The Whitsundays?

Anytime is a good time, but May to October is peak travel season with cooler days and low rainfall. Expect postcard-perfect skies and ideal conditions for sailing, swimming, snorkelling and island hopping.

What can I do in The Whitsundays?

This region is all about water, wonder and wow-factor. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel with turtles, sail around the islands, or take a scenic flight over Heart Reef. Hikers will love the trails on South Molle and Whitsunday Island, while those who prefer to kick back will find plenty of beach hammocks and cocktail bars. Discover things to do.

How do I see Whitehaven Beach?

Day tours to Whitehaven Beach leave from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island by boat, yacht, seaplane or helicopter. This dreamy stretch of silica sand is only accessible by water or air—so getting there is half the fun. Get the details here.

Can I see The Whitsundays islands from Airlie Beach?

Absolutely. Airlie Beach is the mainland basecamp for island hopping adventures. You don’t even need a car; most tours to the reef, national parks and surrounding islands depart right from town.

What are the most family-friendly islands to visit in The Whitsundays?

Hamilton Island and Daydream Island are perfect for families, with kid-friendly resorts, wildlife parks, pools and activities. Don’t miss Daydream’s Living Reef - an underwater observatory and coral lagoon where you can hand-feed baby stingrays.

How do I book a sailing holiday?

The Whitsundays is one of the only places in the world where you can bareboat charter - aka rent and captain your own yacht (no licence needed!). Prefer to relax? You can also join a group tour or book a skippered yacht and let the pros guide you around. Find the right sailing style for you here.

Where can I eat in The Whitsundays?

Fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, beachside bites and fine dining with knockout views - The Whitsundays delivers. Don’t miss mud crab at Fish D’Vine, long lunch at Northerlies, or dinner with a sea breeze on Hamilton Island. You’ll also find local breweries, cool cafes, and sunset bars across the islands and in Airlie Beach.

Where should I stay?

You’ve got options. Stay beachfront in Airlie, sleep aboard a yacht, or check into a resort on Hamilton Island, Daydream, Long Island or Hayman. Luxury, eco-lodges, glamping, backpacking, or family-friendly – there’s an island (and a price point) for every style.

What can I do with kids?

Snorkel calm reefs, meet reef sharks at Daydream’s Living Reef, hop on glass-bottom boat tours, explore Hamilton Island's wildlife sanctuary or stroll coastal walks with ice cream rewards. Family-friendly fun is everywhere here.

Can I visit the Great Barrier Reef from The Whitsundays?

Yes! Tours depart daily from Airlie Beach, Hamilton and Daydream Islands to snorkel or dive the outer reef, pontoon platforms, or coral lagoons. Discover some of the best reef tours here.

Do I need a car to explore The Whitsundays?

It depends on what you want to do. If you’re based in Airlie Beach, you can walk to shops and restaurants and join tours without needing wheels. The islands are car-free and easy to explore by foot, buggy or shuttle. If you want to explore further afield on the mainland, like Cape Gloucester or Bowen, having your own wheels is best.

Are there hiking trails in The Whitsundays?

Lace up for rainforest trails, lookout hikes and coastal paths. Try Passage Peak on Hamilton Island, Honeyeater Lookout Walk from Airlie Beach, or South Molle Island’s Spion Kop track.

Is The Whitsundays good for couples?

100%. Secluded beaches, private sailing tours, sunset cocktails and luxe island resorts make this a top pick for honeymoons and romantic getaways.

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