Destinations

The Whitsundays

In the heart of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, lie the Whitsundays; 74 islands floating like jewels in the tropical warm waters of the Coral Sea. From your very first sunset, you'll lose yourself to its beauty in unique places such as:

• The 74 Island Wonders that are mostly uninhabited provide the perfect setting for a day of exploring or simply relaxing on the secluded beaches and coves. Of the resort islands, there is a choice ranging from world-class luxury to budget hideaways. Resort islands in the region include Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream, Lindeman, Long and South Molle.
• Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is a must-see. Experience walking along this 4 mile stretch of sweeping, pure white silica sand which is often voted as one of the best beaches in the world.
• Great Barrier Reef – The Whitsundays is a perfect access point to the Great Barrier Reef. Join a cruise, see the spectacular site from a seaplane or glass bottom boat, or take a diving or snorkelling tour.
• Heart Reef – Fly over this iconic site, a stunning composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart.
• Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, a cosmopolitan and vibrant beach town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants. Airlie Beach is the epitome of a beach town; you'll instantly feel the carefree and relaxed environment.
• Eight of the islands in the Whitsundays are resort islands and all vary in size and style and seem to capture a different mood. The island resorts include Brampton, Daydream, Hamilton, Hayman, Hook, Lindeman, Long and South Molle Island.

Once the sun sets on Airlie Beach, another ambiance embraces the town. You'll find a thriving energy from the bars and nightclubs where backpackers and travellers party together well into the night. This energy is both contagious and irresistible, often encouraging travellers to stay longer than expected.

The Whitsundays offer something for everyone, from a fun-filled, adventure-packed family holiday to a luxurious romantic escape for two. Explore this incredible diversity from the bow of a sailboat, cruise through the islands and disembark at a resort, or drop anchor for a quick snorkel or dive and fall asleep at night to the gentle rocking of the waves under a canopy of stars.

Diving & Snorkelling & Water Activities 

Visitors can choose from a variety of options to experience the Great Barrier Reef, including snorkelling, diving, day or overnight aquatic cruises to the outer reef or even semi-submersible boats. One of the best ways to view the reef is from the air. Scenic flights offer visitors a bird’s eye view of not only the entire Whitsundays coastal and island area, but also one of its most distinctive features, Heart Reef, a popular choice for couples whether on honeymoon or those about to say "I do".

For those wanting to immerse in the azure waters of the Whitsundays, the region boasts two types of diving locations: inner (fringing) island or the outer Great Barrier Reef. Inner island diving is great for beginner divers and snorkellers because of the sheltered waters. Here, visitors will see colourful coral, tropical fish species and quite possible turtles or reef sharks. The outer reef diving is more varied with both shallow and deeper dive sites. More experienced divers will appreciate the dive conditions and good visibility of the outer reef locations, the option for deeper dives and the chance to spot more diverse and bigger marine life.

On the water, the Whitsundays offers numerous sailing options, whether it’s a sleek maxi racing yacht or an eco-certified tall ship adventure, a ‘bareboat’ where you can chart your own course or a mini cruise liner. Visitors can choose to experience the thrill of a day-tour option or perhaps enjoy a longer stay, spending several days aboard a vessel as it sails the picturesque waterways and islands of the Whitsundays and stops at the region’s stunning beaches, including the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, consistently voted one of the best beaches in the world.