whitsunday way tourist drive

Ultimate Whitsundays Itinerary: 4 Days in Airlie Beach (2024)

A visit to the remarkable Whitsunday Islands, nestled off the coast of central Queensland, has long been on my Australia travel bucket list. When a last-minute opportunity arose to assist a friend with a photography assignment in the Whitsundays came up, I couldn’t believe my luck! 

My flights were booked on Monday, and by Thursday night I was already mid-air, en route from Perth to the Whitsundays for what was going to be an unforgettable week filled with adventures. I spent three exhilarating days sailing the Whitsundays on a yacht, before spending the rest of the week in Airlie Beach. 

Based on this, I’ve crafted the ultimate Whitsundays itinerary. This itinerary provides a perfect mix of adventuring and relaxing, whilst exploring the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island?

This itinerary has you based in Airlie Beach on the mainland. Airlie Beach is the main hub and gateway to explore the Whitsunday Islands with most tours and sailing charters departing from the Airlie Beach port.

However, airlines also fly directly to Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is a smaller island in the Whitsundays, located a 60-minute ferry ride from Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach has more accommodation options and nightlife. It does attract more of a backpacker crowd than Hamilton Island, but don’t let this deter you.

I stayed in Airlie Beach as a solo female traveller in my 30s and met a wide mix of people – from other solo travellers to couples and families on holiday. 

Airlie Beach has more things to do and offers more day trip options as most tours leave from the mainland, making it a better option for those like me wanting to explore more of the Whitsunday Island region. It can also be cheaper than Hamilton Island.

If you’re wanting a slower-paced holiday , with more “island vibes,” on-island exploring and lazing by the pool, Hamilton Island might be a better fit for you.

If you’ve got more time up your sleeve, you could consider staying in Airlie Beach for three nights and then catching the ferry to Hamilton Island and spending a couple of nights there to experience both. 

How to Get to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays?

There are two airports in the Whitsundays; Hamilton Island Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport (also known as Proserpine Airport). If you stay in Airlie Beach, you’ll want to book flights to Whitsunday Coast Airport .

Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Bonza and Skytrans Airlines fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport. You can fly directly from Melbourne and Sydney, otherwise a connection is required in Brisbane. 

Flying from Perth to the Whitsundays took a flight from Perth to Brisbane (4 hours), followed by a connecting flight from Brisbane to Whitsunday Coast Airport (1.5 hours).

Whitsunday Coast Airport to Airlie Beach is a 30-minute drive .

You’ll find the usual car hire companies (like Europcar, Budget and Avis) have service desks at the airport near the baggage collection area. For the best prices on car rentals, compare rental companies on Discover Cars.

Read my guide on whether you need to hire a car to get around Airlie Beach and its surrounds, and options for public transport.

There are numerous companies offering shuttle services to Airlie Beach . These air-conditioned minivans offer stress-free transits from door to door for $25 one-way or $42 round-trip. 

Click here to book your transfer now

Whitsundays 4 Day Itinerary 

Day 1: explore airlie beach & hike to honeyeater lookout.

Welcome to the Whitsundays! Spend your first day settling into and getting familiar with Airlie Beach. 

Explore Airlie Beach

Wander down the main street of Airlie Beach… which is actually called Main St! This busy hub is the heart of Airlie Beach, with lots of accommodation, dining options, boutiques and tour businesses lining the street. 

You’ll also find a Woolworths supermarket if you need to grab any essentials. 

Airlie Beach Lagoon

The main drawcard of Airlie Beach is the man-made lagoon.

With views of the sparkling ocean, lifeguards watching the pool, shaded areas and lots of spaces to chill out, it’s no wonder that the Airlie Beach lagoon is a popular spot… plus it’s free! 

I’d also recommend going for a stroll along the waterfront.

I walked from the Lagoon along Airlie Esplanade, passing by the popular and busy “The Pub” underneath Airlie Beach Hotel.

Wander along the path lined with palm trees, where there are lots of shaded tables and rest spots. The large grassed area here is the home of the regular Whitsunday Saturday Markets . 

Make sure to check out these local markets held from 7am – 1pm on Saturdays if you’re in town. The markets also occasionally pop-up at other times during the week, when a cruise ship is in town. 

If you continue walking past the Sailing Club for another 5 minutes, you’ll come across Boathaven Beach.

Boathaven Beach is a quiet, sandy beach fringed with palm trees. There is a stinger net here, making it a safer option for an ocean dip. 

Honeyeater Lookout

The Honeyeater Lookout Trail is one of the best hikes near Airlie Beach . Starting from Kara Crescent in the suburbs behind the main street, prepare for a short but steep uphill climb. Allow 3 hours, return trip.

The highlight of this 8km return trail is the lookout which gives a panoramic view across Airlie Beach and the sparkling blue ocean.

Honeyeater Lookout and Trail is part of Conway National Park, which we’ll be exploring more on another day of your Whitsundays adventure! 

Day 2: Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

This was the day I was most excited for during my week-long Whitsundays trip… laying eyes on the remarkably white sand of Whitehaven Beach and the shifting tidal patterns as seen at Hill Inlet Lookout .

The photos you see online aren’t edited – the colours really are that vivid! 

Unless you are on a private yacht or charter, the best way to visit these two iconic Whitsunday locations is on a tour. Many companies offer day tours that will take you to both of these spots. 

Ocean Rafting Tour

I booked my tour with Ocean Rafting as they had great reviews and offered a full-day tour that included a visit to Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitehaven Beach and a snorkelling spot. 

I also liked that they had two Whitehaven tour options ; one offering more time on Whitehaven Beach (which I chose) and one that offered two snorkelling spots with less time on Whitehaven Beach. 

This tour was a brilliant day out – the two crew members were lots of fun and made sure we had a great day out. Ocean Rafting have semi rigid inflatable vessels that offer one of the fastest options to get across to the Whitsunday Islands, and they can also pull up onto the beach directly.

At Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, the people on larger cruise boats had to come across in a small tender in small groups, whereas we could pull our boat right up to the beach. 

I chose the option without lunch, taking my own packed picnic lunch and snacks for the day. You can add a packed lunch onto your tour that the Ocean Rafting team provides, and you can buy soft drinks on board the boat.

Each boat has a maximum of 32 passengers, so you’re in a smaller group environment for these tours than the larger cruise companies. 

In summary, reasons why I went with and loved this tour:

• Fast travel time from Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands
• Vessels can pull up directly onto the beach
• Smaller group numbers
• Option for provided lunch, or bring your own
• Fun and adventurous day tour
• Two tour options; one with more time on Whitehaven Beach (Southern Lights option) , one with more snorkelling time (Northern Exposure option)

Click here to check availability

Read my other tips to make the most of your day exploring Whitehaven Beach

Other Tour Recommendations

For a less adventurous option with a more comfortable cruising experience, I’d recommend the Full-Day Eco Cruise with Red Cat Adventures. 

This was my second choice of tour on a custom-built catamaran. This tour offers two different snorkelling spots on the outer fringes of the Great Barrier Reef plus visits to Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea are provided. 

For a different kind of cruise, consider this Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure . Lounge in the sun on the nets of the catamaran, and enjoy a gourmet lunch, beer and wine on this all-inclusive cruise. 

For all other Whitehaven Beach tours, browse all tours on offer here . 

Note that not all of these will include a visit to Hill Inlet Lookout, but the specific ones I have linked above do.

Day 3: Conway National Park & Cedar Creek Falls

Only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Airlie Beach you’ll find nature paradise at the sprawling Conway National Park.

The park spans almost 75 km of coastline, covering the entire Cape Conway peninsula. The vegetation is largely tropical rainforest, with patches of mangroves. 

Coral Beach Hike and Beak Lookout

There are many hiking options, including multi-day hikes, but I decided to head out on an adventure on the Coral Beach hiking trail. As the name suggests, the beach isn’t sandy but instead is made up of thousands of pieces of washed-up coral.

For more information on the hike itself and what to expect, read my dedicated guide here .

The hike itself wasn’t too challenging, the hardest part was tackling the midday heat on my way back to the starting point after spending a morning enjoying the beach almost to myself. 

Once you come out of the rainforest onto Coral Beach, head right down the beach to find another 10-15 minute trail that takes you to Beak Lookout. 

At Beak Lookout , you’ll get a panoramic view of the coastline and surrounding islands. 

The hike, beach and lookout were all very quiet and was an unexpected highlight of my visit to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. 

Shute Harbour 

After the hike, you can head down the road to Shute Harbour where many of the inter-island ferry transfers depart from. 

Lion’s Lookout above the harbour offers views across the harbour and surrounding islands. Down at the harbour, Explore 74 cafe provides a spot to escape the heat and enjoy a coffee or light meal.  

Cedar Creek Falls

Another highlight of Conway National Park is Cedar Creek Falls . You’ll find these falls on the other side of the National Park, halfway between Airlie Beach and Prosperine. 

It’s a 30-minute drive from Airlie Beach, but you can park directly at the falls with only a short, easy walk required before you reach the pool at the base of the falls. 

Unless you join a tour, a car is required to reach Cedar Creek Falls. 

The best time to visit the falls is during the wet season, usually around November to March .

I spoke to the ladies at the Visitor Centre in Airlie Beach the day before I was planning on heading out to the falls, and I’m glad I did. They didn’t recommend visiting as there was no flowing water, and the pool at the base was more of a stagnant pond than the tropical swimming hole that I had envisioned. 

In summary: Cedar Creek Falls is worth visiting, but only during the wet season months between November and March. 

If you don’t have a car, you can join this tour that departs from Airlie Beach, which also includes lunch at Northerlies Beach Bar and a swim at their beautiful beach. 

Day 4: Scenic Flight, Bicentennial Walkway & Cannonvale Beach

Whitsundays scenic flight.

Kick off your last day in the Whitsundays with a bucket list item and hop aboard a scenic flight to see the Great Barrier Reef from above. This includes the iconic heart-shaped reef that you’ve likely seen on tourism posters for the Whitsundays all over Airlie Beach! 

I went on this scenic flight with Ocean Rafting and had an incredible experience.

My favourite thing about this scenic flight (other than the insane views of course!) is that every passenger gets a window seat – so everyone gets an incredible view.

The flight passes over the Great Barrier Reef, including the famous Heart Reef , before heading to fly directly over Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. 

You can see a short highlights video from my flight on Instagram here .

While it isn’t a cheap experience (my flight cost me just under $300), I think it was worth every dollar…it really is the best way to appreciate the incredible Great Barrier Reef, and is a bucket list experience that I’ll remember and treasure forever. 

Book your bucket list scenic flight experience

Tip: your booking includes a transfer from your Airlie Beach accommodation to the small airport, located 10 minutes from town. At the airport, you’ll find the Hangar Café and Bar serving meals and coffee. 

Bicentennial Walkway

After your scenic flight, spend your last afternoon around Airlie Beach. 

Take a stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway, which connects Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale , the neighbouring suburb to Airlie Beach.

This 4km long boardwalk and trail hugs the coastline, taking you past Coral Sea Marina along the waterfront. 

If you’re in need of refreshment, stop by My Rainbow Cafe or continue to Cannonvale Beach where you’ll find Fat Frog Beach Cafe, a popular spot with locals.

At Cannonvale Beach you can go for a swim as there is a section of the beach protected by stinger nets. 

Enjoy the rest of your day relaxing around Airlie Beach, whether by taking a dip in the lagoon again, browsing the local boutiques or dining at the many restaurants scattered around the main street. 

Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill

Located on the water’s edge, Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill is an underrated gem tucked away 15 minutes north of Airlie Beach.

There is a free shuttle service that departs from Airlie Beach regularly, offering return transfers from the restaurants. 

Highly recommend visiting if you have time for lunch or dinner, and enjoy a dip or stroll along the beach during your visit. 

Sunset Cruise

Alternatively, for a final send-off and one last chance to soak in the view of the Whitsunday Islands, join this 2-hour sunset cruise with sparkling wine . 

You’ll get to watch Airlie Beach illuminate with the setting sun from the comfort of the purpose-built catamaran while watching out for turtles – a memorable way to cap off an all round amazing few days in the beautiful Whitsundays. 

That wraps up this 4 Days Whitsundays Itinerary.

Keep reading on for 5 and 7 day itinerary options .

5 Day Whitsundays Itinerary

If you have an extra day up your sleeve, I would recommend heading on a day trip to one of the surrounding islands. 

Day Trip to Hamilton Island

My pick would be a Hamilton Island day trip. You can get a ferry from Airlie Beach, which takes 60 minutes and has several morning departure options (check the latest timetable here ). 

Don’t forget to check the departure times to get back to Airlie Beach! It costs around $120 for a return ferry ticket to Hamilton Island.

Spend the day exploring the small island.

Hike one of the island’s most popular trails, the Passage Peak trail. Or spend the day at the main beach on Hamilton Island, Catseye Beach, where you can rent paddle boards and kayaks.

Alternatively, spend the day lazing by the Main Pool , which includes a swim-up island bar. Tropical bliss! 

You can book a Hamilton Island Freestyle package. With this package, for a small additional cost on top of what return ferry tickets would cost anyway you get a pub-style lunch included. 

Alternatively, consider spending a couple of nights on Hamilton Island for a change of pace from Airlie Beach. A range of accommodation is available, although prices are higher than you’ll likely find in Airlie Beach. 

Browse all accommodation offerings here

7 Day Whitsunday Itinerary

Sailing tour.

For a week in the Whitsundays, consider an overnight trip.

This 2 night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Tour will have you soaking up the highlights of the Whitsundays with daily snorkelling stops and visits to bays and beaches that the regular day trips don’t make it to. 

Also on offer is a 2-day Whitsunday Sailing and Camping trip . Camp on the beach and wake up in paradise! 

Alternatively, spend a night or two on one of the other islands. Hamilton Island or Daydream Island are popular choices, but for something different consider staying on Long Island. 

Long Island

We spent an afternoon at Palm Bay Resort , paddling along the shore on Stand Up Paddle Boards and sipping cocktails by the ocean. 

The accommodation offering includes beachfront Balinese-style bungalows that look incredibly idyllic, plus a swimming pool by the bar. Compared to Hamilton Island and Daydream Island, this is a relatively undeveloped island paradise. 

Just note this is an adult-only resort with only guests of over 16 allowed, ensuring a truly tranquil experience. 

Where to Stay in Airlie Beach

Budget: Bush Village Holiday Cabins

I stayed at the Bush Village Holiday Cabins, which are located in Cannonvale, a 5-minute drive from Airlie Beach. These self-contained cabins are tucked down a long driveway, away from the main road and were very comfortable for my 3-night stay in Airlie Beach. 

The small kitchenette was basic but sufficient for me to cook dinner for two nights. A great budget option just outside of town, for those that are looking for a peaceful stay away from the hustle and bustle of the main street of Airlie Beach.

Mid-Range: Airlie Beach Hotel

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, then the Airlie Beach Hotel is the spot for you. There is an outdoor swimming pool, plus you’re only a few minutes walk from the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Rooms come with a balcony – book a room with a sea view for something extra special. 

Luxury: Mirage Whitsunday Apartments

These luxury self-contained apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen and balcony or patio. There are two outdoor pools, including an adults-only pool and an on-site spa. 

Where to Eat in Airlie Beach

• Airlie Beach Treehouse: Dine outside under the canopy of trees with views across to the lagoon – plus they do an all-day breakfast.
• Wisdom Cafe: One of the best coffee spots in town, plus tropical smoothie bowls
• Mika Airlie Kitchen & Bar: Funky restaurant serving the best Mexican in Airlie Beach
• Northerlies Bar & Grill: relaxed beachfront bar and dining 15 minutes from Airlie Beach
• Fish D’Vine: upscale seafood restaurant next to Airlie Beach Hotel
• Fat Frog Beach Cafe: buzzing cafe popular with locals opposite Cannonvale Beach
• Shibby’s Fish & Chippery: modern fish restaurant with an outdoor balcony, located out the front of NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park in Cannonvale

Best Time to Visit Whitsundays

You can visit the Whitsundays all-year round . 

There isn’t really a “low” season, because the wet season coincides with the Australian school holidays over December and January, with eager travellers not too deterred by the warm temperatures and tropical rains during this time. 

Temperatures in the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach are warm even in winter, thanks to the tropical climate. 

September and October are generally the most popular months to visit the Whitsundays, due to the reduced chance of rain and lighter winds which make it ideal for sailing activities. From November to May, stinger suits need to be worn when swimming due to the increased risk of stingers in the water. 

Stingers in the Whitsundays

When the water begins to warm, the chance of venomous stingers (Irukandji and box jellyfish) in the water also increases. During this time, from November to May, stinger suits need to be worn when swimming.

While the chance of stingers is present all year round, it vastly increases during this period so precautions should be taken when swimming in the open ocean. 

Final Thoughts – Airlie Beach Itinerary

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the spectacular Whitsundays, and following this 4-day itinerary will showcase the very best this tropical paradise has to offer. From relaxing by the beach or pool, to snorkelling the vibrant reef to spectacular nature hikes, this itinerary offers something for everyone. 

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect blend of both, the Whitsundays will not disappoint. I can guarantee you’ll create special memories that will last a lifetime in this idyllic slice of Australian paradise.

I hope this guide has been useful, let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. 

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The Whitsundays: Complete guide to visiting the Whitsundays on any budget

Home to 74 paradisiacal islands situated in the heart great barrier reef, this magical place is a non negotiable for tourists visiting Queensland. Most of the Whitsunday Islands are uninhabited and are a protected National Park teaming with wildlife, surrounded by colourful coral and white silica sand. But there are a few islands that are open for tourists to holiday on.

When to go?

The Whitsundays are located in tropical Queensland so temperatures rarely drop below 23 degrees all year round but the best times to go are Spring or Autumn. Avoid traveling during Jan-Mar as it is the rainy season, temperatures are very high, humidity is high and it is school holidays. ‘Stinger season’ also runs during the warmer months (Oct-May). That being said, jellyfish can be present year round.

April- May : Heat and humidity are less, days are bright and clear with pleasant temperatures of high 20s.

Jun-Aug : Best time to be in luck of spotting majestic humpback whales. Cooler temperatures of low- mid 20s dropping to 16-17 degrees at night.

Sept- Oct : Peak season with glorious temperatures of high 20s, clear days and light winds.

Whitsundays highlights:

Whitehaven beach

This world famous beach is consistently voted as one of the best in the world with gleaming white silica sand and crystal clear waters. The beach stretches over 7 km along Whitsunday Island, the largest of all the 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday Islands. The sand is famous for its consistency- it contains 98% silica which means it is extremely fine and soft.

There are a few ways of reaching Whitehaven beach:

• By air: Several companies run scenic heli rides over the Great Barrier Reef and land on Whitehaven beach or a flight over The Whitsunday Island and landing. GLS Aviation run a great tour for $449. It includes 1.5 hours on Whitehaven Beach and aerial views of Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands. They also run a 3 hour tour which includes a 1.5 flight over the Great Barrier Reef and a 1.5 hour landing on Whitehaven Beach. If you book through Travel Playground, they offer a discounted price of $ 709.
• By boat: Most of the day cruises around the Whitsundays or overnight cruises include a stop at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. There are hundreds of options to choose from. We stopped off here for 3 hours including Hill Inlet on the second day of our 3 day 2 night cruise with New Horizon. We went in the morning which was great as we had the Hill Inlet to ourselves and the beach. Other operators tend to go in the afternoon but I would try get on that visits in the morning to avoid hoards of crowds. Cruise W hitsundays offers a half day Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven beach tour departing from airlie beach at 7.15 am and stopping off to pick up passengers at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island. Prices start at $120 for this half day tour.

Hill Inlet is an incredible spot located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. The view is breathtaking, swirls of shifting white silica sands and crystal-clear waters that open up through vegetation pouring out into the ocean. Hill Inlet has three viewing platforms (the last one if the best) that are accessed through an easy walking track about 800 m. The walking track can only be accessed by boat.

The Islands

Hamilton Island and the recently reopened Daydream and Hayman Islands have long been holiday hotspots for families, honeymooners and global travellers alike. The Islands are accessible by ferry from Airlie Beach, helicopter or by plane. Hamilton Island has its own airport with direct flights from major Australian cities daily. This is the most cost efficient and quickest way to access the Whitsundays.

• Daydream island

Stepping off the ferry we were met by a staff member who greeted us and placed shell necklaces around us as we walked up to the Daydream Island neon sign. I knew I would love this place from the get go. It is one of the seven mole islands, located in the heart of the Whitsundays and also the closest island to reach by ferry from Airlie beach (just 30 mins) making it very accessible. The small island is only 1 km in length and 400 m at its widest point. The highest point on the island is 51 metres above sea level.

It is made up of one resort hotel but there is plenty to do here to entertain you and kids for a few days or also a perfect spot to lie by the pool and do nothing. The hotel has three swimming pools (one with a swim up bar), two beaches at either end, a gym open 24/7, tennis courts, outdoor cinema, aquarium and kayaking. There are several options of dining; three bars and three restaurants. Breakfast in the buffet restaurant is included in your room price and this was one of the highlights of the island! The food was incredible with unlimited amounts of every kind of breakfast food you can imagine. Kangaroos dot the island and they can be seen going at breakneck speed along the beach or just chilling on the tennis courts.

The resort run activities everyday from personal training to snorkelling and jetski outings. We stayed for 2 nights but could easily have done another to enjoy the facilities or go out on an activity. The reception here can organise pretty much any tour from here that is offered in The Whitsundays from golf, to scuba diving and helicopter rides. Two full days would be plenty of time to take advantage of the facilities, relax by the pool and try out the great restaurants. The resort was recently refurbished and is beautiful and modern. Rooms start at $360 per person sharing but the price varies throughout the year, especially during the wet season, and there are often specials on booking.com.

• Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is the largest of the Whitsunday Islands that offer accommodation and plenty of options for dining. It is more expensive than Daydream Island or Airlie Beach in general for accommodation but there is a wide range of options for most budgets (not quite backpacker budget though). Unlike many of the other islands, Hamilton Island has a population of about 1,000 permanent residents, a huge selection of activities, including the Hamilton Island Golf Club and amazing hiking. The island is well serviced with a medical centre, several boutiques, a hairdresser, post office and an IGA.

It is also the only island with its own airport and private marina, making it the most direct and easiest island to access all year round. There are daily ferries from Airlie beach and Daydream island to Hamilton Island marina and airport. The island is completely car free, the residence and visitors get around on foot or by golf buggy (the best option!). We arrived and didn’t have a golf buggy pre booked which was not a smart move as the buggys were booked out until later that day. Thankfully we managed at 12 pm to get our hands on one but I would recommend reserving one before. There is only one place on the island to reserve golf buggy through. You will need to have your drivers licence with you too. Buggies start at :$59 – 2 Hour, $69 – 4 Hour, $89 – 24 Hours. They recommend booking 72 hours in advance here .

Where to stay:

We unfortunately couldn’t get accommodation on the island even looking to book 4 months in advance so I really urge anyone hoping to stay on the island and not pay $2000 a night to have a look at Airbnb, HamiltonIsland.com and booking.com for deals 6 months or more in advance, especially during high season and with international borders being open again. The Reef View Hotel is the most reasonable accommodation starting at $390 for a double or twin room. If you are looking for something more upmarket and are willing to pay a pretty penny, Qualia is a luxury accommodation option on the other side of the island and will set you back about $1500 per night for a double room.

Things to do:

• Play a round of golf. Located on Dent Island, only a ten minute ferry ride from Hamilton island, Hamilton Island Golf Club is the only 18-hole championship golf course located on its own island in Australia. You can hire clubs ($50 pp) and shoes here too ($15). 9 holes costs $115 and 18 is $165.
• Hike to the highest point of the island. Peak passage is the highest point on Hamilton island standing at 190m. The trial is a challenging trail towards the end with plenty of steps. I did it in thongs, I do not recommend this! It is 2.7 km one way and takes about an hour to reach the top from the Scenic Trail Entrance. People love this for sunrise. The trial starts from behind the Reef View Hotel, at the start at the end of Catseye Beach.

• Explore the secluded beaches and amazing views from the walking trials. There are a number of lookouts and beaches that can only be reached by ATV or by the walking trials. Pretty much all of the walking trails are accessible from around the Reef View Hotel at the Scenic Trail entrance just off Resort Drive. You can drive here and park your buggy or walk here.
• Resort Lookout : Resort Lookout gives you fabulous views over Hamilton Island. Great spot for sunrise and sunset. The hike is 1.7 km one way.
• Hill Lookout : Located along the Saddle Trial. The view from here is lovely, between the Resort Lookout and Passage Peak. Another beautiful spot for sunset. The hike is 1.5 one way.
• Escape Beach : One of the longest hikes to reach this beach at 3.3 km one way. You must head up to the fire trail and then go down again to the beach on the other side. Best to head here at high tide, otherwise you might find a rocky, muddy beach at low tide.
• Coral Cove : A secluded, peaceful and relaxing beach with beautfiul views of of Lindeman Island. The trail starts at the Scenic Trail Entrance via Saddle Junction. The trail is 3km one way. Recently a giant swing with a crystal clear backdrop has been added for those perfect instagram shots.
• Passage Peak: Highest point of the island, amazing views of the island below and famous for watching sunrise from.

• Hire an AVT for the day . Explore the lesser-visited parts of the island on an off road adventure. Drive or be a passenger in a fully automatic, off-road vehicle. Tours leave at 8.30 am Wed-Sun and last for one hour. The vehicles are either two or four seater. The two persons vehicle cost $159 for the hour per vehicle. Remember to bring your drivers licence if you plan on driving. Drivers must be 18 year or older and passenger minimum age is 12. If you prefer to be driven you can be a passenger in the four seated vehicle and be driven by an experienced guide for $49 per person. You will climb near to the top of the island, head into the bushland to reach to pristine and secluded Coral Cove and enjoy some magnificent views out over the Whitsundays.

• Visit Hamilton Island Wildlife. Get up close to some of Australia’s iconic wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos and crocodile. Hamilton Island Wildlife is conveniently located on the resort side of the island. Guided tours are run daily at 10.00am and 3.00pm. We stopped by but didn’t head into the wildlife centre as I didn’t agree with the idea of keeping a crocodile in a tiny enclosed area for tourists to gawk at. I would not recommend supporting this! But each to their own. You can see the dingos and koala’s outside the centre. Opening hours: 8.30am – 4.00pm Thursday Tuesday. Closed Wednesdays. General admission: Adult – $30; child $20.

• Hire a golf buggy and head to One Tree Hill to watch sunset with a drink from the bar . Enjoy sunset and ocean views from One Tree Hill. This chilled, laid back outdoor bar with a wooden deck serves share plates & cocktails. They have a happy hour from 3pm onwards and a cocktail of the day.

Hayman Island . This is the most exclusive and expensive of all the islands. It is a 400 hectare pristine private island is open to the public. The only hotel on the island is the Intercontinenial resort. A night in a standard double room will set you back almost $1,000. The island recently underwent a $135 million redevelopment.

Great Barrier reef

Take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and islands . This was the most incredible and memorable experience in the Whitsundays. The views are breath taking over the Great Barrier Reef, the heart shaped reef and the island. You will see Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and all of the islands. The flight lasts one hour but allow 45 mins each way to drive from Airlie Beach to the runway. We went with GLS aviation ($259) but booked through Travel Playground and got it for a discounted price of $230.

If you have heaps of cash to burn, there is an incredible experience run from Hamilton Island. You can do a scenic helicopter ride and then land on the pontoon (see the white pontoon in the second photo below) in the reef and snorkel around the lagoon. This three hour experience starts with a 30 minute helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Heart Reef. Once you have landed on the private Heart Island pontoon helipad, you have 90 minutes to explore the lagoon, or simply relax and enjoy the sea breeze. This exclusive tour is limited to six guests at a time and includes a once in a lifetime boat ride around the famous Heart Reef.

• Return 60-minute scenic helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Whitsunday Island, Hook Island passage and Heart Reef
• Use of the Heart Island Pontoon
• 90 minutes on-board Heart Island Pontoon
• Optional glass bottom boat tour of Heart Reef Lagoon
• All snorkelling equipment

Cost: $1155 per person

Options for accessing the Whitsundays:

Over night cruises.

There are so many companies offering anything from 1 night to four sailing aorund the Whitsundays. You can charter boats fully staffed if there is a large group of you and you have some cash to spare. The most popular ones with backpackers would probably be the one or two night cruises. They offer the best value for both money and time. Sailing Whitsundays have a list and desciption with prices of all the overnight boat companies that run. We found that 2 days and 2 nights was plenty of time and if you only had one night to spare, you could see the highlights in 2 days 1 night trips. The prices vary starting from $300 to $1800 depending on type of food, group size and acommodation you are looking for.

We went with the New Horizon boat , run by True Blue Sailing . They also run The Clipper, which I probably would steer clear of if in a couple or over the age 25 as it is very much a backpackers, young party boat. If you are in that younger age group and looking for a boozy, fun filled cruise around the Whitsundays, it’s probably the boat for you.

Being a bit older and in a couple, we opted for New Horizon. The boat was very clean and kept in great shapre during the trip by the staff. The food was incredible (shout out to Tilly!) and so much of it, we had hot fresh water showers, double beds for the couples but you are in a shared bunk style accommodation. It was more on the budget side of things and the bed was a very thin matress on top of wooden bunks but fine for two nights.

We saw all the major sights: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and snorkelling with turtles, fish and mantaray. They provide stand up paddle boards, stinger suits (must wear them between Oct-Jun), snorkelling equipment and diving gear if you chose to add that on. You can do a discovery dive if you don’t have adiving licence or a dive to 15m if you have an open water licence.

It is BYO so other than some beers before, everything for the two days is included in the price of $379. This is definitley the cheapest way of seeing the Whitsundays and bets value for money. The boat has a slide off the side of it which was great fun running off the top of it into the water.

One thing I definitely want to go back to the Whitsundays to do is the Reef Sleep. It is certainly not budget friendly and the added extras if you chose to can rack up such as spirits(not BYO), snorkelling tour and scuba diving. But… you do get to sleep on a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef and I don’t think it gets much better than that. The only thing with this trip is it doesn’t include visiting Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, which for me are definitely a MUST! So you would have to do another day trip from Airlie Beach to fit this in (more time and money), but if you can afford to do another day trip to Whitsunday Island where Whitehaven Beach is, go for the reef sleep.

Cost: $610 per person sharing, $815 for a single

• Snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
• Access to underwater observatory
• Semi-submarine guided tour
• Two morning and two afternoon teas, two lunches, dinner and breakfast. All wine and beer, just not spirits
• Overnight accommodation in Reefbeds under the stars

Day trips from Airlie beach

Airlie Beach is the gate to the island and there are so many tour operators here offering day trips to the islands, to Whithaven Beach, snorkelling, scenic flights over the reef and islands. If you are really tight on time the best way to see The Whitsundays would be to stay in Airlie Beach and do a day trip to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and that includes some snorkelling.

Ocean Rafting offers a fly and raft tour. It includes:

• 60 min reef and island scenic flight
• Reef snorkelling
• Whithaven beach and Hill inlet tour
• Snorkelling equipment

GLS Marine tour is probably the cheapest way to see whitehaven Island and Hill inlet. They run a full day tour 9.00-4.30 pm for $99 which inlcudes:

• Boat transfer to Whitehaven Beach
• Use of stand up paddle boards
• Time to explore the walks and Hill Inlet yourself

Not inlcuded but can be pruchased:

• BBQ & buffet lunch $24.00 per adult*
• Snorkelling activity $29.00 per person

Day trips from the islands

If you fly directly into Hamilton Island and choose to stay on either Daydream or Hamilton Island, they’re so many day trips available to do to the reef and Whitehaven beach from here. You can chose from:

• Scenic flight over the GBR
• Watersports, kayaking, SUPPing
• Snorkelling tours
• Visit to Whitehaven beach and Hill Inlet

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The Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 3, 2023

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland, Australia . These incredibly stunning islands are one of the most popular destinations in the country.

From backpackers on sailing trips to locals on their own boats to those staying at the luxury resorts that dot the islands, anyone who goes up the east coast of Australia tends to stop here for some rest and relaxation.

Since the vast majority of these islands are designated national parks, you’ll find numerous pristine beaches and dive sites here. The coral reefs provide incredible snorkeling and diving, Whitehaven Beach is everything it’s cracked up to be, and the crystalline waters are perfect for a swim. It’s postcard-perfect here.

I loved my multi-day sailing trip around the Whitsundays and I definitely recommend seeing the islands by boat over staying at one resort.

But, no matter how you plan to visit these islands, this travel guide can help you plan your trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Whitsunday Islands

Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Whitsunday Islands

1. Attend Race Week

During August, Hamilton Island’s Race Week kicks off as hundreds of yachts — from 30-foot boats rented for the week to million-dollar super yachts — compete in some serious racing. It’s one of the biggest events of the year and attracts thousands of people. Aside from watching the various races, the festival also includes dinners presented by celebrity chefs, wine tasting, golf tournaments, and more. It’s not your typical budget backpacker event, but it makes for a fun and lively time to visit!

2. Try birdwatching

The islands here are home to many nesting sites and exotic bird species, such as the curlew and the brolga. Keep an eye out for sulfur-crested cockatoos, terns, tattlers, reef egrets, sooty oyster-catchers, and white-bellied sea eagles, one of Australia’s largest raptors, which have a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters (7.2 feet). Fruit bats (also known as flying foxes) are also common around the islands too.

3. Go diving

The islands are known for their diving. Reefs are best viewed during the summertime as the rainy season makes the water murky and visibility gets pretty bad. Here, you’ll be able to spot a wide array of vibrant fish, coral, rays, sea turtles, and more. Dives start at around 150-200 AUD for a two-tank dive.

4. Enjoy Hamilton Island

This is the largest island in the Whitsundays. Often referred to as “Hamo,” if you’re looking to spend some time at a resort, you’ll find a lot of options here. There are lots of spas, trails, and places to go ATVing. Personally, I found it too developed for me but, if you want to splash out on a resort escape, it’s a good choice. Don’t miss the nearby Heart Reef while you’re here (more on it below).

5. See the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth (it’s actually visible from space). Stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,429 miles) and composed of almost 3,000 individual reefs, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can take a cruise, swim, snorkel, dive, or book a glass-bottom boat tour to go looking for Nemo. Expect to pay between 250-300 AUD for most excursions. Common wildlife that can be seen here include sharks, manta rays, whales, clown fish, dolphins, giant clams, and more!

Other Things to See and Do in the Whitsunday Islands

1. take a resort vacation.

Most resorts offer package deals with sailing trips, spa visits, golfing, arcades, and snorkeling tours. If you aren’t interested in sailing around the island and would rather just stay in one place and take small side trips to the other islands, the resorts are your best bet. Live in luxury for a bit!

2. Fly over Heart Reef

Ever see that famous photo of a reef shaped like a heart? Well, that’s here! While definitely not a budget activity, booking a helicopter tour over the reef is something special and popular with couples visiting on a romantic getaway. An hour-long helicopter ride costs around 700 AUD. An hour-long small plane tour costs about 275 AUD. Most tours will also take you over other sections of the Great Barrier Reef as well.

3. Hike to Passage Peak

There aren’t a whole lot of walking trails in the Whitsundays as it’s mostly a place for water-based activities but, if you want to get some exercise, head to the top of Passage Peak on Hamilton Island. It’s an easy 45-minute trek, and the view at the top of the island chain is perfect. It’s the best hike in the Whitsundays.

4. Sail the islands

Visiting the Whitsundays on a sailboat is one of the best ways to experience the islands. You’ll get to explore a lot of remote places, including some ideal snorkeling spots. Expect to pay between 399-499 AUD per person for a three-day/two-night sailing trip. You can book tours on the mainland from Airlie Beach. OzSail, Redcat Adventures, and The Atlantic Clipper are some of the more popular companies running tours. If you just want to do a day cruise, Cruise Whitsundays offers half-day crusies for 125 AUD.

5. Go camping

If you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, go camping. Camping permits cost as little as 7 AUD per night. You’ll need to take a water taxi to get to your island/campsite but once you’re there you can enjoy the region for cheap. Expect to pay at least 80 AUD for round-trip service to the islands.

For more information on other places in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide

Whitsunday Islands Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are no hostels on the islands since people either stay in hotels or sail around on boats. When you’re searching for hostels, you’re likely to come across some on Airlie Beach as the main launching point for visiting the Whitsundays, but it isn’t actually on the islands. Expect to pay 30-60 AUD per night for a hostel dorm in Airlie Beach. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels include self-catering facilities.

You can camp on the islands but you’ll need your own gear as well as transportation to/from the islands. It’s still a budget-friendly choice though. Basic plots cost as little as 7 AUD per night.

Budget hotel prices – Some of the larger islands have hotels. They are more like resorts and most start at 200 AUD per night on Hamilton Island. Other islands are a little cheaper, usually starting around 125 AUD per night for more mid-range hotels or eco-lodges.

Airbnb is available around the islands and is a bit more affordable. Private rooms start around 75 AUD while entire apartments start at 150 AUD. Expect to pay double that (or more) if you don’t book early.

Food – If you’re on a sailing trip, food is provided on the boat, but you’ll have to bring your own alcohol. If you go on your own, you can buy food at the resorts and hotels. Most meals start at 20-25 AUD, however, there are also a few casual and takeaway spots where you can grab a sandwich for under 20 AUD.

You generally have more limited food options around the islands, so if you’re on a budget book accommodation where you can cook your own food or where meals are included. Some hotels and resorts include meals. Make sure you know what’s included when you book.

If you cook your own meals, expect to pay 100 AUD per week for basic staples like pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foodstuffs.

Backpacking the Whitsunday Islands: Suggested Budgets

The cheapest way to see the Whitsundays is by hopping on a sailing trip, which costs around 399-499 AUD for a 3-day/2-night sailing trip. This covers your transportation from Airlie Beach, food, all sightseeing and activities (like snorkeling), and basically everything you need to have an amazing time in the Whitsunday Islands. (Remember: booze isn’t included in your sailing trip. Pick up a box of goon!)

This is how most backpackers get around and, while it’s not cheap, most travelers plan in advance and splurge on this activity. Camping is definitely possible instead, but you need to have all your own gear. If you do camp, you can lower your costs to under 50 AUD per day (assuming you’re staying on one island and not bouncing around).

On a mid-range budget of about 275 AUD per day, you can take a ferry from Airlie to Hamilton Island, stay in a cheap hotel or Airbnb, eat some takeaway food or grab meals at local cafes (combined with cooking some of your meals and having picnics), and do some water activities like kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling.

On a “luxury” budget of 590 AUD per day or more, you can take a ferry from Airlie to Hamilton Island, stay in a resort, eat out for all your meals (and have a cocktail with dinner), and hire a buggy to get around Hamilton. You can also participate in just about any tour you want: a full-day sailing trip, a flight over the Heart Reef, or even learn how to dive. At this price point, you can do what you want!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Whitsunday Islands are definitely not a budget destination. A visit here requires lots of planning and preparation. However, there are some ways to save money in the Whitsunday Islands:

• BYOB – With the exception of day trips on large boats with licensed bars, you can bring your own alcohol on board most boats. To stick to your budget, most travelers bring a box of goon (cheap wine) for the trip.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation here can be quite pricey. If you plan ahead, you might be able to find a Couchsurfing host in the Whitsunday Islands (or on the mainland near Airlie Beach before you depart). Just make sure you request a spot well in advance as there are not a lot of hosts.
• Camp – If you enjoy being outdoors, there are tons of campgrounds around the islands. It’s the cheapest way to see stay on the islands! However, you’ll need your own boat to get to these sites, and will also have to provide your own food but it will be super cheap!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. Lifestraw is my favorite as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Do a day trip – If staying on the islands is too pricey, stay on the mainland instead and just do a day trip to one of the islands. It won’t be cheap but it will be cheaper than a longer visit or sailing trip!

Where to Stay in the Whitsunday Islands

There are no hostels in the Whitsunday Islands. If you want to stay at a resort, here are a few recommendations that aren’t too expensive:

• Whitsunday Apartments
• Reef View Hotel

How to Get Around the Whitsunday Islands

Sailing – Sailing is the best way to see the Whitsunday Islands. Sailing trips leave from Airlie beach and usually include meals and activities. You can take longer or shorter tours depending on your budget too. Read about my 3-day sailing trip for more details .

Ferry – Cruise Whitsundays is the main ferry operator running transfers in the Whitsundays, providing transfers between Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, and Airlie Beach (on the mainland). The ferry between Airlie and Hamilton Island costs 60 AUD each way. Airlie to Hamilton Island Airport is the same price. The ferry between Airlie and Daydream Island is 40 AUD. For more ferry prices, see their schedule

When to Go to the Whitsunday Islands

The best time of year to visit the Whitsunday Islands is in September, when there’s near-constant sunshine, very little rainfall, and the temperature reaches highs of 29°C (84°F). The humidity isn’t too high and the water is ideal for watersports (like snorkeling and swimming). A lot of people prefer to do sailing trips during this time as well.

The winter months (from June through August) are also a good time to visit, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 22°C (71°F) each day. However, the water can be quite chilly. If you’re not too keen on spending time in the water, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Australia’s summer months are hot and humid, so most people prefer to avoid the islands during this time. Temperatures are high from December through February, and there is the possibility of cyclones. October through May is also known as “stinger season,” when the box jellyfish and the Irukandji are abundant and can give you a potentially fatal sting.

How to Stay Safe in the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are very safe The only dangers here are from the natural environment.

Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen, and stay as hydrated as possible. Bring mosquito repellant. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders, and if you’re bitten, seek immediate care. Furthermore, if you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

October through May is known as “stinger season,” when the box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish are plentiful and can deliver a seriously painful sting (or even a potentially fatal one).

The tropical climate here means unexpected storms may pop up, including cyclones. Be sure to check the weather forecast in advance before you do any activities. You do not want to be stranded in a tropical storm!

The national park services also advise against swimming in Cid Harbour as a number of shark attacks have been reported there in recent years.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

The Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• NORTHERN IRELAND
• TRAVEL TIPS

The Ultimate Whitsundays 5-day Itinerary: Exactly how to spend 5 days in the Whitsundays

Are you thinking of heading to Queensland soon and looking for the ultimate Whitsundays 5-day itinerary? You have come to the right place!

The Whitsundays is a destination that offers up a variety of experiences.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach holiday, a romantic getaway with your significant other or an adventure-packed excursion, it can all be found in the beautiful Whitsundays.

Since there are so many things to do in the Whitsundays , it can be hard to decide what to do. This is when this Whitsundays 5-day itinerary will come in handy.

It will tell you exactly how to spend 5 days in the Whitsundays and make the best of your time there.

You can use this itinerary exactly how it is or make some alterations to make me more yours.

So, are you ready to discover the ultimate 5 days itinerary for the Whitsunday Islands? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

QUICK SUMMARY – 5 DAYS IN THE WHITSUNDAYS

• BEST BOAT TOUR: Summertime overnight cruise
• MUST DO: Going to Whitehaven Beach , the most beautiful beach in Australia!
• UNIQUE THINGS TO DO: Scenic flight above the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays
• ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY: Skydiving in Airlie Beach
• WHERE TO STAY: $ Airlie Beach Hotel – $$ Reef View Hotel – $$$ Daydream Island resort

🔎 Table of Contents

How to get to the Whitsundays

The first thing you need to do is get to the Whitsundays .

There are a few different ways you can do this. You can fly into Proserpine Airport, which is located just outside of Airlie Beach, and then take a connecting shuttle bus or taxi to Airlie Beach.

PRO TIP: This itinerary is based on the fact that you will be staying in Airlie Beach. Accommodation on the mainland is cheaper and you will find so many options in terms of tours that it makes an excellent base for exploring the islands.

Another option is to fly into Hamilton Island Airport and stay in one of the wonderful resorts there. This is a better option if you want to relax and mainly spend time on Hamilton Island and less time exploring the Whitsundays as a whole.

No matter what though, you can always take a ferry over to the mainland.

There are flights available from all the main airports in Australia including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

• Click here to see the fares to Proserpine
• Click here to see the fares to Hamilton Island

PRO TIP: If you are planning to stay on Hamilton Island, make sure to fly straight there. The flights may be a tiny bit more expensive however, you will save money on transport and more importantly, it will save you time.

Where to stay in the Whitsundays

Now that you know how to get to the Whitsundays, it’s time to decide where to stay.

Again, there are a few different options. You can stay on the mainland, in Airlie Beach, or on one of the main islands such as Hamilton, Hayman or Daydream Island.

I particularly recommend staying in Airlie Beach if you want to explore the islands and the coast. Accommodation is much cheaper and you can easily access everything you need.

Here are some recommendations of places to stay in Airlie Beach:

• Airlie Beach Hotel  is ideally located in the heart of the town and only a couple of minutes’ drive from the marina. It has everything you may need including a swimming pool.
• Mirage Whitsundays is a bit further out (but still only 5 minutes from the town) and is the perfect choice for people who would rather be renting a holiday apartment with sea views.

The island resorts have everything from luxury accommodation and private beaches to activities. They are excellent options for people who want to spend more time on the islands and just chill.

They are particularly popular for honeymoons. If you opt for one of them though, make sure to remove some day trips from our itinerary since you will want to spend more time in the resort.

The best ones are:

• Reef View Hotel on Hamilton Island. This is a modern hotel with sea views and direct access to the famous Catseye beach.
• InterContinental Hayman Island Resort . This is the ultimate luxury resort in the Whitsundays.
• Daydream Island resort . Perfect for people who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday, away from the crowds.

The Ultimate 5-day Whitsundays Itinerary

Now that you know all of this, it’s time to get down to business and discover the perfect 5-day Whitsundays itinerary.

Whitsundays Itinerary Day 1: Scenic Flight and Airlie Beach

Your first day in the Whitsundays will be the one where you start soaking up the atmosphere.

No need to rush into a day tour for today, this will only create stress and chances are that you won’t be flying in early enough anyway.

Instead, we recommend booking a scenic flight of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

This will give you a good idea of what the islands are like and what you will get to explore in the next few days.

The scenic flight is operated by GSL Aviation. They provide loads of tours from Proserpine airport and are, by far, one of the best companies in the Whitsundays.

The scenic flight lasts 1 hour so it’s a good way to start easy while being mind-blown by the surroundings.

You need to book your flight in advance online . Once it’s done, you will be given all the instructions but in short, you will be starting at Proserpine airport.

As you get there, you’ll go through some security checks and will then board the aircraft.

It’s only for 6 people which means that you will all have your own window!

The pilot will act as your guide. He will tell you everything you need to know about the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef . He will also tell you where to look, which is quite handy!

It’s also the only way you can get to see the heart reef in all its beauty since you need to be high enough to see the shape (the only other option would be a helicopter ride but that’s more expensive).

READ MORE: Airlie Beach Scenic Flight Review: Flying above the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef

If you are more of a thrill-seeker and would rather opt for an adrenaline-filled activity, you can go for the skydive in Airlie Beach instead .

This is one of the best places in Australia to go skydiving and you won’t be disappointed.

READ MORE: Airlie Beach Skydive Review: Is Skydiving in Airlie Beach with Skydive Australia worth it? [Ultimate Guide + Tips]

In the afternoon, make your way to Airlie Beach. This is the main town in the Whitsundays and where you will find all the restaurants, shops and activities.

Some things you can do include:

• Airlie Beach lagoon . This is a great spot for people who want to go for a swim and relax a bit.
• Bicentennial Walkway. If you are up for a walk, make sure to head there. The views are so beautiful!
• Shopping . Airlie Beach is home to loads of local and souvenir shops.
• Restaurants . There’s no shortage of restaurants in Airlie Beach. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or something more formal, you’ll be able to find it here.
• Water Activities. From jet skiing and parasailing to sailing and swimming, there are plenty of water activities to choose from in Airlie Beach.
• Sunset cruise . In the evening, if you want to start discovering the islands and enjoy the beautiful colours of the sunset, you can opt for a sunset cruise from Airlie Beach.

READ MORE: 25 Best Things to do in Airlie Beach, Queensland

Whitsundays Itinerary Day 2: Whitehaven Beach

On your second day, you will be exploring one of the most famous beaches in the world: Whitehaven Beach.

This is a must-see for everyone who visits the Whitsundays and it’s definitely the highlight.

Whitehaven beach is the beach you see on every Australian postcard. It’s 2 kilometres long and the sand is made of 98% of silica (quartz powder) meaning it’s very white and soft.

To get there, you will need to take a boat tour from Airlie Beach. This is the only way to visit since there aren’t any ferries going to Whitsunday Island (where Whitehaven beach is).

I particularly recommend booking the overnight cruise Summertime . It’s one of the best sailing trips in the Whitsundays and very good value for money.

If you opt for this cruise, the activities on day 2 and day 3 will be included.

Also, you’ll get to spend the night on the boat which is a unique experience.

READ MORE: Summertime Whitsundays Review: the best overnight sailing trip in the Whitsundays

If you don’t want to go on an overnight trip, it’s no problem, you can simply book a day trip from Airlie Beach.

The best ones are Ocean Rafting and Thunder Cat .

They both provide a similar experience, the only main difference is the type of vessel they use.

You will be leaving in the morning from Port of Airlie and sail towards Whitsunday Island.

You will then leave the boat, join the island and start exploring the National Park.

The guide will take you on the bush walk which leads to Hill Inlet. S/he will explain everything you need to know about the island but also about the native-Australian culture here.

As you get to Hill Inlet lookout, you will uncover what is, without the shadow of a doubt, the most beautiful view in Australia!

From there you can see the beach but also the delta with the crystal clear water swirling into the sand.

It’s absolutely stunning!

After that, you will go down to the beach and enjoy some relaxing time.

This means that you can go for a swim, play with the sand, walk around or simply work on your tan!

If you’ve opted for the Summertime cruise , the crew will take with them a waterproof camera so they can take photos of you and you don’t have to risk losing your phone.

They also make sure they take some cool photos of the group.

Finally, they will provide wet suits so you can go swimming safely.

While the Whitsundays are a fairly safe place to swim, it is recommended to wear a wet suit, especially in winter!

READ MORE: 10+ Best Whitehaven Beach tours from Airlie Beach for travellers in 2023

Whitsundays Itinerary Day 3: Snorkelling, scuba diving and/or kayaking

The third day is all about activities on the water. The Whitsundays are a paradise for people who love water activities so you can be sure to be in for a treat!

There are a few different options you can choose from including snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking.

They all have their benefits and it really depends on what you want to do and see.

If you’ve opted for the Summertime cruise , you will go snorkelling in Butterfly Bay on Hook Island (one of the best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays) but will also go on a guided kayaking tour.

This is particularly cool because you get to see sea turtles and sting rays swimming underneath your kayak.

If you didn’t go for the Summertime cruise, that’s entirely fine, you can book one of the following activities.

• The Tongarra day trip . This is another famous day tour from Airlie Beach. You will be sailing all day around the Whitsundays and discover some lesser known spots. In terms of snorkelling, you will be stopping in different spots including Hook Island, Langford and the Black Islands.
• Jet ski safari tour around the South Molle Islands. Perfect for people who want to have fun.
• ReefWorld Pontoon tour . This is ideal for people who want to discover the Outer Great Barrier Reef. You will go to the Reefworld pontoon. From there, you can go snorkelling, scuba diving or simply enjoy the views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Whitsundays Itinerary Day 4: Hamilton Island

The fourth day is all about Hamilton Island .

This is the most famous island in the Whitsundays and a popular destination for honeymoons.

The setting is idyllic and you will feel relaxed as soon as you get there.

This is one of the only islands that is connected with a ferry from Airlie Beach which means that you can take it at your pace and explore Hamilton Island on your own terms.

No need to book a tour! Just take it easy.

You will need to book tickets for the ferry and take it from Port of Airlie.

Once you arrive at the marina of Hamilton Island, you can take the shuttle service or simply walk around.

The island is quite small so you can see most of it in a day.

The first place where you should go is Catseye Beach. This is one of the best beaches in the Whitsundays and it feels like you’ve just landed in the Maldives!

You can choose to just relax and enjoy a good swim but if you are up for some water activities such as kayaking or SUP, that’s also an option.

Your island hopper ticket will also give you access to the facilities of Hamilton Island resorts so don’t hesitate to go to the pool at the Reef View hotel or even get some food at the restaurant.

If you want to explore a bit more, you can hike up to Peak Passage.

For wonderful views, head to to One Tree Hill. The views from this lookout are stunning and you can also get some drinks there if you want.

READ MORE: 12 Best Things to do in Hamilton Island

Whitsundays Itinerary Day 5: Daydream Island (Option 1)

The fifth day of your Whitsunday itinerary is all about Daydream Island.

This is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Whitsundays and it only takes a 30 minutes to get there from Airlie Beach.

You can book the island hopper pass here as well. Like for Hamilton, it will give you access to the ferry as well as the facilities of Daydream Island resort.

This island is perfect for people who want a bit of luxury in their lives, relax for a bit and stay away from the crowds.

It’s a small island and a lot of visitors don’t bother to come but it’s well worth your time.

It’s a bit like a smaller and more welcoming version of Hamilton Island.

As you get to the island, head straight to the resort. You can get a nice lunch at the restaurant of the resort and enjoy the views from the pool.

If you are up for some water activities, you can opt for a guided kayak tour or a paddleboard tour.

You can also explore the island on foot and go on a walk, on your own or with a park ranger (they offer guided tours).

READ MORE: 11 Best Things to do in Daydream Island

Whitsundays Itinerary Day 5: Cedar Creek Falls and Conway National Park (Option 2)

If you had enough of the islands and are looking for a bit more of an adventure, the fifth day of your Whitsunday itinerary can also include a visit to Cedar Creek Falls and Conway National Park.

This is a great way to discover the other side of the Whitsunday Coast: the hinterland.

Conway National Park is located just south of Airlie Beach and is a great place to visit if you love nature and want to discover the rainforest.

There are different hikes that you can do in the park, depending on your level of fitness and experience. Most of the trails are also accessible for bikes so if you are into cycling, that’s a great option.

Conway National Park is also home to lookouts that boast fantastic views of the islands as well as gorgeous beaches such as Coral Bay.

You can easily get there by car and start exploring on foot.

If you want to try something a bit different, you can also book a segway tour from Airlie Beach. It’s fun and you will cover more ground which means you’ll get to see much more.

If you’re up for a longer drive (about 45 minutes), you can also head to Cedar Creek Falls.

This is a popular spot for swimming. The waterfall is simply beautiful and you can see turtles in the water!

There are a few hikes that you can do in the area but if you’re not feeling too adventurous, you can also simply relax by the waterfall or go for a swim.

It’s very easy to get there by car. There is a carpark 700 metres away from the waterfall.

Alternatively, you can also book a bus day tour from Airlie Beach.

Other Ideas of Whitsundays Itineraries

There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating a Whitsundays itinerary.

Depending on the time you have, you can make a more personalised itinerary.

For example, you could also explore more of the islands and do different hikes or water activities or discover more of the hinterland.

The options are endless but as we want to make sure you are making the most of your time in this beautiful part of Australia, here are the best itineraries for the Whitsundays for 1 to 10 days.

1-day Whitsundays Itinerary

One day is nowhere near enough to discover the Whitsundays so you will need to make choices.

Make sure to see the essentials which are Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier reef.

Here is how you can spend one day in the Whitsundays.

Option 1: Ocean Rafting or Thunder Cat day tour to Whitehaven Beach. It includes Hill Inlet and snorkelling time as well.

Option 2: Scenic flight in the morning to see the Great Barrier Reef and half day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the afternoon.

2-day Whitsundays Itinerary

Spending 2 days in the Whitsundays is short but will be enough to see the most famous bits.

Option 1: Summertime overnight cruise which includes Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Hook island snorkelling and kayaking

• Day 1: Scenic flight from Proserpine airport and Airlie Beach in the afternoon
• Day 2: Ocean Rafting or Thunder Cat day tour to Whitehaven Beach

3-day Whitsundays Itinerary

Here are two ideas of itinerary if you are spending 3 days in the Whitsundays.

• Day 1: Scenic flight and Airlie Beach
• Day 2: Summertime Cruise (Whitehaven Beach)
• Day 3: Summertime Cruise (Hook island and kayaking)
• Day 1: Airlie Beach and scenic flight
• Day 2: Whitehaven Beach with Ocean Rafting or Thunder Cat day tour
• Day 3: Hamilton Island

4-day Whitsundays Itinerary

Here is an example of itinerary for 4 days in the Whitsundays

• Day 1: Scenic Flight and Airlie Beach
• Day 2: Whitehaven Beach tour with Ocean Rafting or Thunder Cat
• Day 3: Cedar Creek Falls and Conway National Park
• Day 4: Hamilton Island

6-day Whitsundays Itinerary

Spending 6 days in the Whitsundays? Then these itineraries may help!

• Day 4: Cedar Creek Falls and Conway National Park
• Day 5: Reefworld Pontoon
• Day 6: Daydream Island

7-day Whitsundays Itinerary

Here are some ideas for a week in the Whitsundays.

• Day 7: Mackay or Bowen
• Day 5: Reefworld Pontoon and Reefsuite night
• Day 6: Reefworld Pontoon and Reefsuite night
• Day 7: Daydream Island

10-day Whitsundays Itinerary

• Day 7: Bowen
• Day 8: Hook Island
• Day 9: Proserpine and the crocodile safari
• Day 10: Mackay

No matter how long you have in the Whitsundays, there is always something new to see and do.

We hope for our suggested Whitsundays itineraries for 1-10 days will be helpful.

With so much on offer, we are sure you will love this beautiful part of Australia!

You may also be interested in:

• 10 Best resorts in the Whitsundays for the ultimate Queensland holiday
• Where to stay in the Whitsundays: the ultimate Whitsundays Accommodation Guide
• 25 Best Things to do in the Whitsundays
• 14 Best Whitsundays day trips (+ tours recommendations)

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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9 Things To Know Before Exploring The Beautiful Whitsundays

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• Australia and South Pacific
• Destinations

The Whitsunday Islands, after initially being called the Cumberland Islands by Captain Cook, were later renamed for the holiday that fell on the day he first arrived in the islands. There are 74 islands, most of them designated national parks, and only eight of them are inhabited and with resorts in place. Hamilton Island is not only the largest inhabited island but also the hub of the Whitsundays. Some 560 miles north of Brisbane and 300 miles south of Cairns, these centrally located islands are a must when visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

The Whitsundays offer anything and everything, from deserted islands reached only by boat or helicopter to celebrated luxury resorts, the world’s prettiest beach to a tiny heart-shaped reef, smart yacht clubs to nature walks, and all the water sports you can imagine.

When I first arrived on a ferry from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island, I was on a day trip. I rushed around all morning, trying to see as much as possible before slowly realizing that there is a reason islands have island time. As soon as I slowed down, sat down, and breathed deeply, I realized why these islands are so popular. The beauty combined with a calm approach to life, the beaches, the clear water, and the quirky little shops and restaurants make for a perfect vacation spot to relax.

Most people stay on Hamilton Island simply because there is a wide choice of accommodation, from private apartments to luxury resorts, and pretty much all budget levels in between, while on other islands — if there is a place to stay at all — it will be just the one choice. Plus, on Hamilton Island, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and day trip departures that will take you off to other islands.

Intrigued? Read on to find all the tips you need before booking your trip. This way, you won’t have to waste any of your precious island time.

Darren Tierney / Shutterstock

1. The Best Time To Visit The Whitsundays

The best time to visit weather-wise is during the Southern Hemisphere spring, between October and December. The wet season (December to March) has not yet started nor have the Australian summer holidays. That said, November to May is stinger season, when the tiny Irukandji jellyfish are common. The stings are not usually deadly but can be very painful. The good news is you can rent stinger suits, which are like very thin wetsuits that protect you when you go into the water.

The dry season, April to September, coincides with whale-spotting season as these creatures swim up the coast between June and September.

August is a busy time with many sports events taking place, from the Airlie Beach Race to Hamilton Island Race Week. This is a great time to watch a regatta, but it’s pricey and difficult to get a room to stay in.

The same goes for September and October, when Australians enjoy their spring holidays, many families bring their kids, and resorts are booked out well in advance.

osteosynthese / Shutterstock

2. Save Time By Flying

If you are time starved, as most people tend to be when coming to Australia, and trying to cram in a lot of this gorgeous country, then you can save time by flying to the islands from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. From Brisbane, it is an easy 90-minute flight, and from Melbourne, it is just shy of three hours, whereas from Sydney the flight takes just under two and a half hours. You can fly straight onto Hamilton Island’s Great Barrier Reef Airport, or Hamilton Island Airport, code HTI, and if you are staying at qualia, Beach Club, Reef View Hotel, or Palm Bungalows, a free transfer will be waiting. Otherwise, a shuttle bus or taxi can take you the short distance into the center.

An alternative airport is Proserpine Airport, also called Whitsunday Coast Airport, code PPP. It is on the mainland and is perfect if you are basing yourself there. It’s also a scenic ferry ride away from Hamilton.

Mark Schwettmann / Shutterstock

3. Take A Ferry Cruise

If you are based on the mainland but are keen to sample Hamilton Island and the magically named Daydream Island, you can go on a scenic but not-too-pricey cruise by booking yourself an Island Hopper Pass . It allows you to hop on and off the ferries connecting Airlie Beach on the mainland with Hamilton Island and Daydream Island while cruising past South Mole Island and some of the smaller islands as well. The pass also allows you access to the resort areas and pools on Hamilton Island and Daydream Island, the Hamilton Island scheduled Island Shuttle bus service, and a live fish-feeding show on Daydream Island that takes place every day at 10 a.m. It certainly makes for a great day out from the mainland.

Andrew Robins Photography / Shutterstock

4. Buggy Down On Hamilton Island

If you have booked the Island Hopper Pass, you can use the free shuttle bus service to get around, but if you want to drive yourself and have some island fun, rent a golf buggy on Hamilton Island. It’s the coolest way to get around. They seat up to four people, have a canopy for shade, and are easy to drive. Note that 72-hour advance booking is required, as the numbers are limited in order to avoid clogging up the few streets. You can rent them from one hour to 24 hours, with the price not being much different between the two. Just bring a valid driver’s license and credit card, and off you go.

cusycon / Shutterstock

5. Live A Sailor’s Dream

The best way to explore the Whitsundays is by boat. If you are a confident sailor yourself, you might want to try bareboating, that is, renting a yacht . Whether your vessel of choice is small or luxurious, you’ll be your own crew.

If you still would like to sail but prefer someone else to take the strain, you can hire a yacht with crew. Choices are either having a boat all to yourself, or opt for a cabin on a catamaran with a handful of other travelers and go on an overnight or longer trip. If sailing is not your thing, you can also hire motor yachts, bare or with crews. The options are nearly endless.

6. Follow An Art Trail, Under Water

There is a brand new attraction in the Whitsundays — one that you could easily miss unless you are in the know. It’s the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail. Combining art and nature to highlight the plights of the reef and the ocean, the trail is made up of six large marine fauna- and flora-inspired metal sculptures, including a turtle, a Maori wrasse, and manta. The majority were installed where the reef was destroyed by Cyclone Debbie in 2017. There are scuba-diving and snorkeling trips to the sculptures, but because they are installed in shallow water, they can also be spotted by boat. Pick up directions at your hotel reception.

James Whitlock / Shutterstock

7. Catch Sunset At One Tree Hill

This is the place to not only enjoy 360-degree views of the island and surroundings but also the best place for sunset over cocktails and dinner. You can watch the sun go down behind the mainland hilltops, with the islands in the foreground slowly becoming one with the ocean. It is quite magical and well worth the walk from the center of Hamilton — slightly uphill but certainly not a hike. Alternatively, you can take your golf buggy. Book ahead if you want to make sure you’ll get to stay for dinner.

8. Slip, Slop, Slap

Slip-Slop-Slap was an iconic Australian and New Zealand sun danger awareness campaign in the 1980s. In the Southern Hemisphere over Australia, the ozone layer is severely depleted, and the sun is quite simply dangerous. Cancer rates in Australia due to sun damage are worse than anywhere in the world, and even if you are unlikely to do that much damage during a brief vacation, a sunburn can still hamper the enjoyment of your short time down under. So slip on a shirt, slop on the sun cream, and slap on a hat. In recent years, the campaign has been extended to also include “Seek shade or shelter” and “Slide on some glasses to block out sun.” Remember the five s’s to stay safe under the Australian sun.

Tanya Puntti / Shutterstock

9. Use Airlie Beach As A Landside Base

If you decide not to base yourself on one of the islands, the closest mainland town is Airlie Beach. It’s a lovely seaside resort with a very chill feel thanks to plenty of old and young hippies, some leftover from original days, I am sure. There are plenty of restaurants, little shops, even a bookshop where you can swap your read books for ones you haven’t. It is a great base from where to explore inland and the islands. From here, as well as from Hamilton Island, you can go on any excursion you might opt for, be it flying to Whitehaven Beach, going for a sail, or spending the day on the reef swimming and snorkeling.

For a comfortable self-catering base, try the Mango House Resort — not only is it really pretty and not too pricey, but it also has parking, plenty of space, and an ideal location for accessing nearby Conway National Park, Airlie Beach, and the ferries to the islands. Enjoy your island time in the Whitsundays and consider these nine best islands of the Great Barrier Reef , too.

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

How do I get to the Whitsundays?

Travellers often make the common mistake of not realising the distance between the Whitsundays and major cities around Queensland and the time it takes to get there. Australia itself is almost 8 million km², while the east coast is thousands of kilometres long. From Melbourne on the south coast to Cairns up north is almost 4,000km alone. 

The Whitsundays is a far distance from both Cairns and Brisbane , two places that are often visited in conjunction with a Whitsundays trip, both of which are often assumed to be close by. However, the Whitsundays region is located 1,000 kilometres (around a 12-hour drive) from Brisbane and is around 700 kilometres (around an 8-hour drive) south of Cairns. This means that if you are driving, you may have to factor in much more time than you anticipated, as these cities are not as close to the Whitsundays as people often assume!

There are many ways of travelling to the region, however, it is important to allow plenty of time to get to your destination before heading out on a trip!

Arriving by air

The most convenient way to travel to the region is a flight to either the Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) or the Hamilton Island Airport (HTI), where visitors will then need to ferry across to the mainland. The most convenient airport to fly into is the Whitsunday Coast Airport which is currently serviced by Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and Skytrans offering flights to and from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns. After flying into Proserpine, visitors will need to take a short  shuttle bus transfer  to reach Airlie Beach .

Cruise Whitsundays Ferries 

The ferry operator in the region is run by Cruise Whitsundays , and visitors flying into Hamilton Island can book their ferry transfers to coincide with their flight arrival in order to make it to Airlie Beach or the rest of the Whitsundays.

Another option is to drive or fly into Airlie Beach , then book a night or two over on Hamilton Island before flying out so you only have to get the ferry one way! The ferry trip takes one hour and has beautiful views along the way of the Whitsunday Islands , making it an experience in itself!

Proserpine Airport Shuttles 

Visitors arriving in Proserpine at the Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) may opt for an affordable shuttle bus transfer to Airlie Beach. The cost is around $20-25 per person, takes about 20-40 minutes, and there are several companies to choose from.

Approximate travel times by air to Airlie Beach:

• Sydney to Airlie Beach - 2 hours 15 minutes
• Brisbane to Airlie Beach - 1 hour 30 minutes
• Melbourne to Airlie Beach - 2 hours 45 minutes
• Cairns to Airlie Beach - 1 hour 30 minutes

Check out what flight sales are available through our friends at Webjet  here ! 

Arriving by car

The drive from Cairns or Brisbane to the Whitsundays via the Bruce Highway is often an enjoyable one with plenty of things to see along the way and many towns to stop in or even stay the night. There are plenty of places to park your car or campervan during the day or overnight.

Approximate travel times by car to Airlie Beach:

• Brisbane to Airlie Beach - 13 hours
• Cairns to Airlie Beach - 8 hours
• Mackay to Airlie Beach - 90 minutes
• Bowen to Airlie Beach - 50 minutes
• Proserpine to Airlie Beach - 25 minutes

Arriving by train

For those eager to see Queensland on a spacious and charming long-distance rail train, the Spirit of Queensland is a great option for getting to the Whitsundays. The Spirit of Queensland travels between Brisbane and Cairns five times a week and stops in Proserpine. Railbus Coach connections from Proserpine to Airlie Beach are available.

Approximate travel times by train to Airlie Beach:

• Brisbane to Airlie Beach - 16 hours
• Cairns to Airlie Beach - 10 hours, 30 minutes

Arriving by bus

Major coach companies including Greyhound and Premier run regular services from all major cities to the town of Airlie Beach. This is a great choice if you really want to enjoy the view of the different towns along the way and is also the most budget-friendly travel option - in addition to the most eco-friendly!

Approximate travel times by bus to Airlie Beach:

• Brisbane to Airlie Beach - 20 hours
• Noosa to Airlie Beach - 17 hours, 30 minutes
• Bundeberg to Airlie Beach - 10 hours, 30 minutes
• Rockhampton to Airlie Beach - 6 hours, 40 minutes
• Townsville to Airlie Beach - 4 hours, 15 minutes

Check out our guide on  how to do the Whitsundays  - whether you're on a budget, seeking luxury, or ready for an adventure there is an itinerary for you!

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How to get to the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is an archipelago of 74 islands located 34 miles off the coast of northwest Queensland . Most Whitsunday tours begin in Airlie Beach , but you can also depart from Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville.

The best way to get to the Whitsundays depends on your budget and where you're traveling from.

The most efficient way to get to the Whitsundays is to fly to Proserpine Airport (PPP). There are daily flights to Proserpine from several major cities in Australia, including Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane , Melbourne and Gold Coast .

Proserpine Airport is about 30 kilometres from Airlie Beach. You can take a local shuttle to the township (USD$14 one-way or $24 return), or book a ride-share or taxi.

Below are the typical flight duration times to Proserpine:

Sydney  - 2.5 hours

Melbourne  - 3 hours

Brisbane  - 1.5 hours

Cairns  - 1 hour

You could also fly into the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne with Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar. You can then take a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Airlie Beach. This option may be better if you plan on using Hamilton Island as your base to explore the Whitsunday region.

There's no public bus to the Whitsundays, but you can take a coach with Greyhound or Premier. They run southbound services along the East Coast from Cairns and northbound services from Brisbane. Direct, return and hop-on/off tickets are available.

Queensland Rail operates the Spirit of Queensland service from Brisbane to Cairns five times per week. It stops at all major towns and cities along the East Coast.

You can jump off at Proserpine and take the RailBus Coach to Airlie Beach. The journey takes about 15 hours from Brisbane and 9.5 hours from Cairns. Sitting and sleeping berths are available and there are on-board dining facilities.

You can drive to Airlie Beach via the Bruce Highway which connects the towns and cities between Brisbane and Cairns. Once you arrive in Bowen or Proserpine, follow the signs to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands via Shute Harbour Road.

Don't fancy the drive up the East Coast ? Or would you rather have an expert local leader handle the logistics? Join us on a small group adventure to discover the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef , Fraser Island , and more.

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

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 Whitsunday Islands Guide

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Activities And Tours

How To Get Here

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Great Barrier Reef

Regions History

The Whitsunday Islands are famous around the world for their breathtaking beauty and are a beloved holiday and tourism destination for both Australians and overseas travellers alike.

The Whitsunday Islands are a cluster of 74 Islands off the northern Queensland coast in Australia and are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. You’ll find everything from tranquil national parks, stunning blue waters, kilometres of undisturbed coral reefs and pristine white beaches in the Whitsundays.

Visitors have the option to sit back and relax in the tropical paradise or to get out and explore the beauty of the area with opportunities for sailing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and hiking all through the Whitsunday Islands.

Quick Access Guide For This Page

• How To Get To The Whitsunday Islands
• Accommodation Options 
• Recreational Activities
• Tours To The Islands And Whitehaven Beach

Hamilton Island

• Private Boating Guide
• History Of The Islands

Whitsunday Islands National Parks

Whitsunday islands map.

• Scenic Region Video
• Table of Island Names

Travelling To The Whitsundays? (How To)

There are two airports located within the Whitsundays, the first on the mainland at Proserpine and the other on Hamilton Island. The Whitsundays Coast Airport at Proserpine is a 30 minute drive from the centre of Airlie Beach and has a shuttle service to and from the airport. Taxis can also be booked along with many of the larger hotels offering airport transfers.

The second airport, the Great Barrier Reef Airport, located on Hamilton Island is perfect for people staying on Hamilton Island but also services the mainland with ferries to Daydream Island and the Port of Airlie Marina in Airlie Beach running several times a day.

Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands can be driven to from anywhere in Australia. Airlie Beach is a 20 minute drive from the main highway, the Bruce Highway. Airlie Beach is a 12 and a half hour drive from Brisbane, 2 hours from Mackay, 3 and a half hours from Townsville and a 7 and a half hour drive from Cairns.

The Whitsundays are accessible by train on the Brisbane to Cairns route. The Spirit of Queensland travels from Brisbane to Cairns 5 times a week, stopping in Proserpine which is a 20 minute drive from Airlie Beach. The RailBus Coach Connection runs to Airlie Beach from the train station in Proserpine.

Sailing to the Whitsundays is also a possible way to travel to the Whitsunday Islands and experience the Great Barrier Reef. There are over 100 public moorings throughout the Whitsunday Islands which are maintained by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and are free to use. For more information on the rules and regulations with public moorings see this page . There is also the option for using the marinas in the Whitsundays, with two located in the mainland, Coral Sea Marina and the Port of Airlie, with another on Hamilton Island.

Available Accommodation Types In The Whitsundays

No matter your budget, the Whitsundays have a range of accommodation to suit every guest and budget. From backpacker lodges and caravan parks to 5 star luxury resorts, you’ll never want to leave.

There are many hotels available in the Whitsunday Islands and on the mainland that range from affordable to luxury stays. Some of the main hotels  include Airlie Beach Hotel , Mantra Club Croc , Coral Sea Marina Resort and Mirage Whitsundays .

Island Resorts

If you’re looking for Island accommodation there are several popular resorts located on some of the Whitsunday Islands. 

Hamilton Island accommodation, the island has 6 different accommodation options, the Reef View Hotel , Palm Bungalows , the Beach Club , qualia which is an adult only hotel, self-catering Holiday Homes and Yacht Club Villas .

Daydream Island has a single resort, the Daydream Island Resort , with a range of room options to suit different needs and budgets.

The InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is one of the most prestigious Island Resorts in the Whitsunday Islands. 

The Palm Bay Resort on Long Island offers Balinese inspired villas and the whole resort can be booked for events like weddings and corporate functions.

Airlie Beach

The gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach accommodation has a great range of holiday overnight options for visitors. For those on a budget, there are several backpackers like Nomads and Backpackers by the Bay , and several caravan parks like the Big4 caravan park and Airlie Beach Caravan Park . There are a multitude of self-contained apartments like Whitsunday Reflections Luxury Apartments and Sea Star Apartments . There are also many Airbnb options throughout the area.

Bowen is another place you can stay within easy driving distance of Airlie Beach with the drive there taking just over an hour. With attractions like the Big Mango and a classic cinema that’s been open since 1948, the town of Bowen has a lot to offer and has a range of apartments, resort, holiday parks and backpackers for accommodation. 

If you’d like to be based in a city centre and make trips to the Whitsunday Islands, Mackay is the closest city, just under a 2 hour drive away from Airlie Beach. Mackay is a convenient place to stay with shopping centres, cinemas and more city amenities that aren’t available in Airlie Beach or the Whitsunday Islands.

Island Camping

There are 25 different camping locations in the Islands national park from the mainland to multiple island camping spots. There are several companies, like Whitsunday Camping that can organise daily transfers to the camping locations on the Islands and offer camping equipment hire as well. Camping permits must be obtained and displayed at your campsite while camping in the Whitsunday Islands. This is a true back to nature option compared to hotels Whitsunday islands stays.

Discover Recreational Activities

Whitehaven beach.

Whitehaven Beach is widely considered to be the most beautiful beach in the world for it’s crystal clear waters and white silica sand. Whitehaven beach stretches along 7km of Whitsunday Island national park and is accessible only by boat or by air. There are two lookouts over Whitehaven Beach, one located at the southern end of the beach with a short walk through the rainforest. The other, Hill Inlet, is located on the northern part of the beach and is perhaps the more well-known. Camping is also permitted on certain parts of Whitehaven Beach. For a complete guide to Whitehaven Beach see our page here .

One of the best ways to get out and explore the Whitsunday Islands is to go on one of the many day trips available leaving from Airlie Beach and several of the islands. ZigZag’s own day tour is one of the best day trips for getting to Whitehaven Beach and seeing some of the beautiful fringing reefs via snorkelling. 

Other day trips include scuba diving, sailing and fishing charters that allow you to experience the Whitsundays with local experts that know the area and can take you to the best spots.

Overnight Sailing Tours

If you’re looking to spend more time out on the beautiful waters of the Whitsundays, overnight sailing tours are the best W hitsunday island adventures and ensure you get the most out of your visit. Wakeup on the water and experience the majesty of a sunset and sunrise on the deck. With options for single night trips all the way up to week-long sailing tours with numerous companies, you can decide to join shared sailing trips or hire a private charter for a more customisable trip.

Bareboating

The Whitsundays are unique for the fact you are able to rent and sail yachts throughout the Whitsunday Islands without a licence, making it one of the best things to do while in the Whitsundays Islands. You will still need to have a basic understanding of how to operate your boat and navigate around the islands national parks and reefs. Short sailing courses and lessons are available at several locations in Airlie Beach. Once you have the knowledge and equipment you can sail all through the Whitsundays on your own schedule, setting your own route and stops.

There are lots of opportunities for fishing in the Whitsundays, from game fishing, bottom fishing, sport fishing, jigging and fly fishing with over 1,500 species of fish living on the reef. There are several spots on the mainland that are known for great fishing as well, like Shute Harbour Jetty and the Proserpine River. Check the zone areas before fishing as there are certain zones that are protected from fishing for conservation purposes.

The National Parks in the Whitsunday region are another of the fantastic ways to explore and provide lots of options for hikers. For those on the mainland you can’t walk past the Honeyeater Lookout overlooking Airlie Beach and the Coral Sea or the Mt Rooper Circuit towards Shute Harbour. For those looking to hike out in the islands, Whitsunday Cairn on Whitsunday Island offers 360-degree views out over the Great Barrier Reef, or for those that prefer an easier hike, the Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island enjoys unparalleled views over Whitehaven Beach.

Scenic Flights

The Whitsunday Islands are also stunning to explore from the air. Some attractions are best viewed from the air like the Heart Reef, and the fringing reefs which are stunning to see from above. Whether by helicopter or seaplane, a scenic flight over the Whitsundays will take you over the highlights of the Great Barrier Reef. Flights over the Whitsundays can be as short as 20 minutes up to a few hours or paired with other tours around the islands like sailing or snorkelling trips.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling will always be one of the most popular activities in the Whitsundays. With so many snorkelling locations to choose from, beginners and more experienced snorkellers alike will find exactly what they’re looking for. Some of the most popular snorkelling locations are Hardy Reef in the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Bait Reef near Hook Island, Dumbell Island near Whitsunday Island and Manta Ray Bay and Nara Inlet off Hook Island.

No matter where you’re staying, visiting some of the Island resorts is a great way to enjoy the Whitsundays. Whether it’s via a day trip or staying overnight, the resorts around the Whitsunday Islands are luxurious and have a range of activities and tours available. 

Daydream Island Resort has 3 different restaurants and 3 bars and has a living reef lagoon that holds over 100 species of fish and 80 species of coral.

Hamilton Island is home to a number of great attractions, from a bowling alley to a wildlife enclosure, it also has its own yacht club and golf course with a driving range. Choose from off road adventure tours, go-karting or sit back and relax in one of the relaxation spas.

Airlie Beach Attractions

Airlie Beach has loads of great and free attractions for visitors like visiting the beautiful lagoon, admiring the coastline from the bicentennial walkway and swimming at the netted beaches at Cannonvale and New Beach in Airlie Beach. The weekly markets held on a Saturday are a great way to see the local goods or visit the beautiful Cedar Creek Falls half an hour out of town where you can swim and enjoy the freshwater falls when they’re flowing.

Tours To The Islands

Cruise whitsundays ferries .

Fancy seeing some of the islands on your own schedule? The ferries have multiple day trip Whitsunday Island departures and return times to a number of different islands throughout the Whitsundays. Departing from Airlie Beach the ferry runs to Daydream Island, Hamilton Island Marina and Hamilton Island Airport. The ferry is ideal for resort transfers from the mainland or for day trips to the two islands.

ZigZag Whitsundays

An unmissable tour is Zigzag’s own highly rated day trip out to Whitehaven Beach along with a snorkelling session on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll spend the day out on the water visiting scenic lookouts over Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling along fringing reefs to see the majestic corals and marine life that live there. Included are all the snorkelling equipment you’ll need along with stinger suits and snacks and a buffet style lunch.

Flyaus offers scenic flights over the Whitsunday Islands, giving you an exciting way to view the Great Barrier Reef from above. Choose between a 20 minute express scenic flight, an hour long Whitsunday reef and islands scenic flight and a package deal that combines the reef and island scenic flight with a snorkelling day trip out with ZigZag. They also offer hotel pick up and drop off service.

Aqua5 Scuba Diving

Aqua5 diving is one of the best known scuba diving companies in the Whitsundays. They offer scuba diving day trips out to the Great Barrier Reef for both experienced and inexperienced divers along with snorkelling tours. They take visitors to the reef slope close to Black Island for divers to explore the diverse range of hard and soft reef corals. They also offer a tour that combines scuba diving and island camping on Whitehaven Beach.

Airlie Beach Skydive

Airlie Beach Skydivers offer the only skydiving beach landing experience in the Whitsundays. Choose from tandem skydiving, skydiving lessons or solo jumps for licenced skydivers. Dive from up to 14,000 feet with views over the coastline for a unique way to see the Whitsundays. Skydiving photo and video packages are available to purchase of your skydive over the Whitsundays.

Ozsail offers visitors 2 day and 2 night sailing tours with the options for learning how to sail or to sit back and relax and leave the sailing to the professionals. With an emphasis on snorkelling and sailing, these tours are all inclusive with snorkel equipment, stinger suits and all meals provided. Ozsail also provides the option for private boat charters from couples and groups looking for a more private sailing experience with a more customisable itinerary to suit your preferences.

Prosail offers a huge variety of sailing tours, from multiple day and night tours, spearfishing charters, freediving trips, yoga adventure retreats and photography workshop trips. Their 3 24 metre maxi yachts can house up to 20 people for their tours and are fully equipped with toilets, hot showers and a kitchen where the crew prepare all meals on board. Typical destinations, weather permitting, include visiting Whitehaven Beach and its two lookouts and up 6 snorkelling locations along the fringing reef around the islands.

Whisper Cruises

For those looking to spy some turtles while visiting the Whitsundays, Whisper Cruises offers two turtle spotting tours. Choose either the daytime tour or a special sunset tour to see not only turtles but potentially dugongs, fish, sting rays, sharks and even crocodiles. The quiet motor allows the boat to get close to the wildlife without scaring them away. The one hour tours leave from the Coral Sea Marina into Whisper Bay where you can enjoy some sightseeing along the way.

Whitsunday Jetski Tours

Whitsunday Jetski Tours are an exciting way to explore different parts of the Whitsundays. Choose between three different tour options, from the popular Airlie Beach tour, the two island safari tour and the ultimate island trek. Tours range from 1 and a half hours to 3 hours and visitors have the option to ride solo or twin share a jetski to split the cost. No licence is required to operate the jetski on these guided tours.

Whitsunday Fishing Charters

If you’re looking to head out to the outer islands for some sea fishing, Whitsunday Fishing Charters is one of the best options around. With quality equipment included, the team also assists with setting up lines, and cleaning catches for you to take home and also offers free pick ups and drop offs. Choose from a number of charter options from half day, full day and overnight tours. You can join an existing charter group or book a private charter with the team at Whitsunday Fishing Charters.

Keen to see one of the seven great wonders of the world and the largest living structure alive today? The Great Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef in the world, visible even from space and is composed of around 3000 individual reef systems and encompasses a total of 980 islands. The top of the reef is off the coast of the tip of Australia at Cape York and stretches all the way down the eastern coast of Queensland to Bundaberg.

The Great Barrier Reef national park is home to thousands of species of coral and aquatic life and supports up to 25% of all known marine species in the world. Nowhere else in the world will you get to experience the majesty and diversity of the beautiful reefs and wildlife the Whitsundays have to offer. 

Stretching over 344,400 square kilometres along the coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef can be enjoyed by visitors in a number of ways such as sailing, snorkelling, diving, swimming and viewing it by air. 

Perhaps one of the most widely recognised reefs in the Whitsundays and Australia, the Heart Reef is named for its unique, naturally formed heart shape and is located in Hardy Reef. Access to see this reef is limited to a scenic flight, helicopter or seaplane, no boats can go here.

Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday Islands and has its own commercial airport as it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Whitsundays.

Accessible by ferries or by private transfers from the mainland, this tropical oasis is known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque views out over the Coral Sea. Many day trips and activities out on the Great Barrier Reef can be booked from the local marina.

Hamilton Island also has a whole range of on-island attractions including a bowling alley, go-kart racing, offroad ATV tours, tennis courts, golfing, a driving range, Hamilton Island Wildlife and relaxation spas. Not to mention Catseye Beach, Hamilton Island’s loveliest beach.

Bring Your Own Boat To Explore The Islands

Have your own boat and want to take it for a spin around the Whitsunday Islands? Here’s what you’ll need to know.

There are several public boat ramps around the mainland from Shute Harbour, Abel Point,  Port of Airlie, Cannonvale, Dingo Beach, Conway Beach and Midge Point.

Having an understanding of the tides is crucial when cruising around the Whitsundays as some locations and islands will be inaccessible at certain tide heights and lows. For up to date tide times and charts see this page before planning a trip out in your boat.

Given the Whitsundays location in Tropical North Queensland, which can be subject to strong weather conditions during the wet season, it’s important to factor in how the weather will impact your day out on the water. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s Whitsunday weather page for up to date weather conditions and forecasts.

History of the Whitsunday Islands

The native Australians that originally lived in the Whitsunday region are called the Ngaro people, with their territory stretching both north and south of the Whitsunday Islands. Evidence has placed the Ngaro people as being settled in the area for at least 9,000 years. They lived mainly as maritime hunters and gatherers and were skilled navigators.

In 1770 Captain Cook and his crew first sailed through the Whitsunday Passage aboard the HMB Endeavour on a scientific expedition. He named the passage Whitsundays Passage after the Christian celebration of the Festival of Whitsun.

White settlers began to settle in the Whitsunday region in 1860 and sheep grazing businesses were established on several of the islands. The Whitsunday Islands became a popular tourism destination in the 1920’s with boats taking visitors out to some of the settled islands.

In the 1930’s the Queensland and Australian Government made several of the Whitsunday Islands national parks. Today more than 96% of the region is protected by the government in an effort to preserve the plants, animals and environment.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is the government agency responsible for the Whitsunday islands national parks in the region and jointly manages the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Both of these government agencies work together under the Whitsundays Plan Of Management   In the above map (Download a PDF Copy Here)

As always before heading into any national parks you should do your research here are a few pointers before exploring the Whitsunday Islands

• Leave no trace
• No open fires and ash-producing stoves
• No domestic animals
• Take rubbish back to the mainland
• Dump fish scraps at night
• Be pest-free!
• Allow native animals to find their own food
• Minimise damage to corals and marine animals
• Check restrictions on activities

Every visitor and commercial operator has a duty of care for this stunning national park, do the right thing and leave the beauty for the next generation.

Whitsundays Scenic Video

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best island to visit in the whitsundays.

Whitsunday Island is the most popular for day visitors. Hamilton Island is the most popular resort accommodation.

What is the best month to visit Whitsundays?

September is the best month closely followed by October, Why? light winds low humidity and warm days

How do you get to Whitsunday Islands?

The 2 Airports Include Hamilton Island Airport and Proserpine Airport. To visit the Whitsunday Islands you have options of a commercial boat, helicopter, small plane, private boat, or ferry.

How many days do you need in the Whitsundays?

We recommend 4 to 5 days, this includes your incoming day and return day. This leaves you a few good days to discover the Whitsunday Islands

How long is the drive from Brisbane to Whitsundays?

Brisbane to Whitsundays is 1113km and between 13 to 14-hour drive, (depending on rest stops).

How many islands are in the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays Group Of Islands Has 74 Islands between Bowen to Mackay.

What islands can you stay on in the Whitsundays?

Hamilton Island, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Daydream Island Resort, Elysian Retreat, Palm Bay Resort both on Long Island, Whitsunday Island (Camping), Hook Island Camping, Gloucester Island (Camping)

What Whitsunday Island Is Whitehaven Beach On?

Whitehaven Beach is located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island and is 7km long.

Can I visit the Great Barrier Reef while in the Whitsundays?

Yes there are tours to the outer Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach, Daydream Island and Hamilton Island

Can you camp in the Whitsunday Islands?

Yes. there are dedicated camping locations around some islands managed by Queensland National Parks

Where can I park my car while visiting the Islands

There are large carparks at Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie, both are paid parking where you can pay and display or use the easypark app.

Can I spearfish in the Whitsundays?

Limited spearfishing is allowed in the General Use areas (light blue), Habitat Protection areas (dark blue) and Conservation Park areas (yellow). Please see the Great Barrier Reef Marina Pak Website for the map and full details

Where can you fish in the Whitsunday Islands?

Fishing is permitted in most places but not in Marine National Park (green) zones. Be aware of annual finfish closures and bag limits. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website is a good place to learn the regulations.

Which Island is the largest?

Whitsunday Island is the largest in the group.

Table of Whitsunday Islands Names

Inbound Sales And Marketing Specialist At ZigZag Whitsundays

Nath J has lived and worked in the Whitsundays since 2001. Over these 20 years, he has spent 18 of them in the tourism industry. 

As always if you have any questions about the Whitsunday Islands or any regional information, you can head over to our FAQ page or contact us on 07 4813 9007 or [email protected]

DAY TRIP WITH ZIGZAG WHITSUNDAYS

ZigZag Whitsundays day tour checkin starts at 7.50 am and the trip returns at 4 pm, The tour visits Whitehaven Beach and the southern lookout, you will also get an opportunity to snorkel around the islands.

As we depart early and return later, you get more time on the water, and more locations visited than any other Whitehaven Beach Tours from Airlie Beach. In 2020 the boat was refitted with high back padded seats making sure our guests have a comfortable safe ride every time! 

Dynamic Pricing

The only Whitsundays Day Trip with Dynamic Pricing, Tickets Start At Only $179

Comfortable Boat Ride

Comfortable Ride With More Destinations And More Time At Them

Everything Included

Our Tour Is Fully Inclusive Of  Lunch Snacks Snorkel Equipment and Wetsuit.

The Whitsunday Islands Have Something for Everyone in The Family

Freshly caught fish and stylish restaurants highlight whitsundays food tour, don’t miss out on the best whitsundays has to offer, welcome to whitsundays best.

• Whitsunday Islands, Australia

The Whitsundays are rightfully known for their beaches and reefs as they are some of the most beautiful in the world. The collection of islands also has renowned national parks and picture-worthy landmarks you have to see on your vacation. For active travelers, hiking and […]

The Whitsundays are rightfully known for their beaches and reefs as they are some of the most beautiful in the world. The collection of islands also has renowned national parks and picture-worthy landmarks you have to see on your vacation. For active travelers, hiking and biking are great ways to see the islands from different vantage points while staying connected to the surroundings.

Aside from sunburn, there really isn’t much to take you away from the beach. But there are some activities worth escaping to for a day here and there. The weather is perfect during the summer, and you really can’t go wrong no matter what you decide to do. Check out the other attractions throughout the islands to get a full experience.

There are opportunities to get up close and personal with some wildlife at parks and trails. And with the help of blogs like this, you can find out how to live like a local during your visit and appreciate simple delights in life

The Best Things to Do When You’re Not at the Beach

Hiking and lookouts.

These two activities are done at the same. The Whitsundays are full of wonderful trails you can walk to get to a lookout point. Talk about getting a new perspective on things. Most of the trails are easy enough and you don’t have to be a world-class athlete to complete the trek. Just take your time, enjoy the trail, and be sure to marvel at what you’ve accomplished once you make it to that awesome lookout .

Molle Island National Park

This protected land is the perfect retreat to nature. No matter what you’re interested in, there is an activity for you on Molle Island. It is another great spot for trail hiking and biking. Discover amazing lookouts and take your time passing through the trail. Try to spot wildlife roaming free. Molle Island National Park is a safe place for nature and people to explore until their heart’s content.

Bicentennial Walk

If you want a break from the water, but don’t want to go too far from the beach, this activity is perfect for you. This waterfront walk is about 4 kilometres long. It showcases the gorgeous coastline of Airlie Beach. Watch the waves crash as you take in the unmatched views.

Coral Sea Marina

Enjoy the finer things in life at this scenic marina. Shops, restaurants, and bars are aplenty. Choose your favourite spot and take in the view of brilliantly blue water with a mixed drink in hand. Many Cruise and diving companies operate from this marina as well. So, if you want to get back on the water, Coral Marina is a nice place to start at. Overall, this is a beautiful spot to hang out during your stay on the Whitsundays.

BIG4 Adventure Resort

This is the ultimate place to go to find fun for the entire family. Poolside bars and lounge chairs for parents. Slides and water rides, and mini golf for kids. It is set on a huge 10-acre space that is not far from Airlie Beach Lagoon. This resort is like having a vacation within a vacation. You can stay at the hotel on the resort or camp out in smaller cabins. This place is one of the best non-beach options for a family vacation.

Proserpine Historical Museum

For history buffs, Proserpine Museum is a must-do. Learning about the local history enriches your trip in ways you don’t expect. You can start to piece together how the place you’re in got that way in the first place. Proserpine is full of interesting relics from Australia’s past. See how people farmed the land as well as classical artwork. This excursion will take you back inland, so be sure to time your day accordingly with travel to and from the museum.

All types of travelers are welcome at Whitsunday Islands. The sunbather, the hiker, biker, scuba diver, boat cruiser, foodie, you name it. Whatever you are interested in, you can come to the Whitsundays and enjoy your favourite activity even if it doesn’t involve the beach.

Here are some activities you can enjoy while at Whitsundays:

• Horse Riding
• Mountain Biking
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Rock Climbing
• Four-wheel Driving
• Historical Sites
• Bird Watching

That is just to name a few. Don’t spend all your money just to come to Whitsundays and experience one thing it has to offer. Get the full experience on and off the beach.

Let the nature and beauty of the Whitsunday Islands take over. Plan your trip around how you can most appreciate and interact with wildlife. Take time away from the beach to see sights you would otherwise miss. Do things on the islands that everyone else misses out on and give your family the best vacation ever.

Many chefs and restaurateurs are working hard to put Whitsundays on the map for high-quality culinary experiences. I can attest that they are succeeding. The islands have a strong boating and fishing culture and that often shines through in the dishes they serve. The freshest […]

Many chefs and restaurateurs are working hard to put Whitsundays on the map for high-quality culinary experiences. I can attest that they are succeeding. The islands have a strong boating and fishing culture and that often shines through in the dishes they serve. The freshest fish you’ve ever had awaits you in Whitsunday, Australia.

Unassuming snack shacks hidden off the beaten path will surprise you with simple, delicious meals. Fancy restaurants aim to impress as they transform local ingredients into tasty expressions of hospitality. Whitsundays is also full of high-class resorts and hotels that serve top-notch food and drinks.

The local fishermen take care to respect the waters and the life inside them. They also do their best to get the best fish on your plate every time.

Best Restaurants to Try at Whitsunday Islands

Northerlies.

This place is also connected to a lovely resort that you can stay at while on Airlie Beach. The menu has great variety but isn’t too big. Everything they do, they do it well. Everything from southern fried chicken burgers to octopus salad. And you won’t have to worry about picky eaters as their kids’ menu is available at all times. You’ll have to make a reservation to enjoy Northerlies cuisine.

Meraki Cafe

With a great view of the water from the restaurant, you can enjoy original creations at this beachfront cafe. Go for brunch and get a croissant sandwich and a blended coffee drink. For lunch try a platter of sliders and crispy spring rolls. This place is great for feeding a group of hungry beach bums.

Birds Fish Bar

While you can go out and catch your own dinner if you’d like, let the pros show you how it’s done first. Located at Bowen Fisherman Seafood company, this fish bar is a takeaway fish and chips joint you must try. All the fish they serve is local, wild-caught, and cooked fresh to order. Order online or call ahead to make sure you get some of the best fish and chips you’ve had.

Le Sorelle the Sisters Coffee House

This business is a family affair, and you can definitely taste the love and hard work that goes into the delicious food. They serve breakfast all day so you can enjoy croissants, French toast, and bacon and egg wrap any time. Don’t miss out on their burger bar for lunch where they serve fresh, local beef burgers on toasted buns. Their wide selection of fresh fruit smoothies is the perfect way to finish a meal here.

Whitsunday Gold Coffee

Coffee lovers rejoice! This cafe and restaurant is the perfect place for those of us who can’t function without a few cups of coffee in the morning. They roast and ground their coffee fresh in the store. Imagine that deep aroma filling the entire cafe as you sip away at one of the most flavourful cups of coffee in your life. Coffee isn’t the only thing they do. There is also a breakfast and lunch menu where eggs benedict, avocado toast, Thai beef salad, and reef fish and chips are the star of the show.

This restaurant is the most upscale option on the list. Get dressed to the nines and treat yourself to a luxurious experience. Qualia is located on Hamilton Island on the eastern edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The chefs take their job seriously and bring you the very best Australia has to offer. The ingredients are sourced from the best local and international ingredients. Enjoy Qualia’s offerings at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or at a tasting.

Those are just a few of the restaurants you are sure to have a good experience at. If you’re a foodie who loves to take pictures of interesting plates or just someone who loves to eat, Whitsunday Islands has you covered.

If you have a big appetite and are ready to book a trip to the Whitsundays for your next food tour, here are a few more options:

• Fat Frog Beach Cafe
• The Deck Restaurant
• Elysian Retreat
• KC’s Bar and Grill
• Fish D’vine and Rum Bar
• One Tree Hill Bar
• Bob’s Bakery
• Morano’s Italian
• Barcelona Tapas

These restaurants are all over the Whitsunday Islands, so you’ll have to scope them out to plan your eating accordingly. Check ahead to see if a reservation is needed and always show up early. Make your way through every island and beach to take in amazing views as you feast on great food.

One thing most of these restaurants have in common is a stellar drink menu. Make sure to save room for signature cocktails, quality wine, and craft beer. You deserve to have a good time so take full advantage of pubs and bars on your food tour.

Often overshadowed by the incredible nature of the Whitsundays, which includes world heritage sites and serine sand beaches, the food scene is something you must explore. The seafood is as fresh as can be, usually going from the ocean to the kitchen, and on your fork. Chefs are coming up with new creations to draw the eye and put Whitsundays on the map as a destination for great food.

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If you were looking for a little slice of heaven, look no further than our magnificent Whitsundays Tours.

Experience whitsundays tours, explore our whitsundays tours and visit paradise on earth..

Located in between the Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach in Queensland’s central coast are the Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsunday region is known for adventurous Whitsundays tours and activities such as sailing, snorkelling, jet skiing, ocean rafting, scuba diving, and skydiving.

Boasting 74 tropical islands to its name, this part of East Coast Australia will have you wanting more with each day to come. There are plenty of sailing options to keep you occupied while you tick off your bucket list highlights. Visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach, regularly voted one of the top beaches in the world for years running. See the incredible swirling sand formation, different every day as the tide changes, from Hill Inlet Lookout. Relax on the pristine white sand and soak up the sun, and keep your eye out for baby Manta Rays that love to chill out in the shallows. Some of our favourite spots for epic coral reef snorkelling are Hook Island, Langford Island, and Hayman Island – though we know your epic tour guides and sailboat captains will take you to the best hidden gems in the Whitsundays.

The most popular way to explore the islands is with a unique sailing adventure. Whether it be on a speedy and stable catamaran, an adrenaline fuelled adventure boat, a traditional tall ship, or relaxing on a premium yacht, you’ll be able to see this amazing part of the world. Enjoy an all in one day tour that highlights the must see spots in the Whitsundays, or take on an epic two or three day sailing journey to witness everything the islands have to offer. Discover the pristine islands such as Long, Hamilton, and Daydream, as well as the famous Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet.

At Happy Travels, we offer a wide range of experiences and Whitsundays Tours suited to all travel styles. Depending on if you are looking for Day tours or overnight sailing adventures we can help you find the right product.

• Snorkel & Dive
• Scenic Flight

2 Day 1 Night Habibi Whitsundays Sailing Tour

Sail in style on Habibi Whitsundays. Don't miss out on the chance to make memories for life as you snorkel stunning reefs and chill out on Whitehaven Beach.

• Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet
• Stunning Coral Reef
• Learn to Sail
• Sleep Under The Stars

3 Day 3 Night Whitsundays Sail & Dive Tour

Get the best deal and last minute spots on one of The Whitsundays most popular tours and jump on the 3 Day 3 Night Summer Jo Whitsundays sail & dive tour.

• Sail & Dive Tour
• All Meals Included
• 3 Night Experience
• Visit the Outer Reef

2 Day 1 Night British Defender Whitsundays Tour

On British Defender, learn to sail as you race through the Whitsundays or sit back, relax, and enjoy the sailing lifestyle on this epic overnight trip.

• Maxi-Yacht Sailing
• See Aquatic Life
• Snorkelling Gear Included
• Whitehaven Beach

3 Day 2 Night Apollo Whitsundays

Apollo offers an abundance of activities and sights to see, with a full 3 days of pure adventure, excitement, and amazing experiences as you cruise around the Whitsundays on a former racing maxi yacht.

• North And South Whitehaven
• Snorkelling And Paddleboarding
• Small Group Sailing

2 Day 1 Night Matador Whitsundays

Don't miss a thing with 2 Days and 1 night on board the fastest boat on the Whitsundays. Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and snorkel with aquatic life.

• Hill Inlet Lookout
• Epic Group Tour
• Multiple Snorkel Spots

2 Day 2 Night Spank Me Whitsundays

The best 2 Day 2 Night Whitsundays adventure with the epic crew at Spank Me. Explore Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkel with aquatic life.

• Overnight Whitsundays Tour
• Snorkelling with Aquatic Life

60 Minute Whitsundays Scenic Flight

The best value 60 Minute Scenic Flight the Whitsundays has to offer. Flight commentary, views of Whitehaven, Hill Inlet and the famous Heart Reef.

• See The Whitsundays
• Famous Heart Reef
• Stunning Views
• Guaranteed Window Seat

Fly Raft Northern Exposure Package

The best Fly Raft Northern Exposure Package with Ocean Rafting will see you soaring above the stunning Whitsundays and snorkelling with aquatic life.

• Two In One Day Trip
• Beautiful Snorkelling Spots
• View of Heart Reef

Fly Raft Southern Lights Package

The best package the Whitsundays has to offer. Visit Whitehaven and Hill Inlet then soar over the Whitsundays with this Fly Raft Southern Lights tour.

• Fly and Raft in One Day
• Best Views over The Whitsundays
• Whitehaven & Hill Inlet Lookout

1 Day Thundercat Whitsundays Tour

“Seeing the Whitsundays in a day is impossible”, said nobody ever after jumping on Thundercat. This Whitsundays day trip is perfect for the kind of traveller that doesn’t fancy sleeping on a boat and wants to make the most out of their one day at The Whitsundays. This trip is an all-rounder so as long as you’re into world class beaches, immaculate snorkelling, and a guided hike through a national park then look no further than this. Offering max time on the islands, the lively legends that captain the boat will get you to all the right places quicker than…

• Whitsundays Speedboat
• Visit Whitehaven Beach
• Stunning View From Hill Inlet
• Fun In The Sun

Whitsunday Getaway Premium Sailing

Get away for a weekend getaway on Explore Whitsundays Getaway with a sailing adventure that combines comfort, style, and class. Get away for a weekend getaway on either their 2 Day 2 Night or 3 day 3 night Whitsunday Getaway. If you’re chasing a primo-Whitsundays sailing adventure that combines comfort, style, and class, then this luxury vessel is sure to tick every box you can think of. You’ll visit the top spots around the Whitsundays the luxx way. The boat is a beautiful sailing catamaran, with a spacious, open foredeck, shaded back deck and plenty of indoor seating. Enjoy a…

• Premium Sailing
• Pristine Natural Sights
• Experienced & Knowledgable Guides

2 Day 2 Night Entice/O’Nice Whitsundays

Whitsunday Sailing Adventures are the operators of the ‘Entice Catamarans’, and O’Nice is one of them. Entice & O’Nice are widely renowned as some of the best sailing trips in Northern Queensland. It only takes a few seconds to read the reviews customers have left for this trip to be completely sold. Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and fringing reef snorkelling…oh the sights to behold. It just all depends on HOW you get there. If you’re chasing a premium overnight sailing tour, then this 2 day, 2 night beauty really is about as good as it gets. You can expect to…

• Luxury Sailing Adventure
• Beautiful Whitsundays Scenery
• 10 Passengers Max

2 Day 2 Night Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays

Renowned as the #1 party boat in Airlie Beach, this 34-metre mega sailing yacht is the best way to travel around the 74 Whitsundays Islands if you’ve got a taste for action and adventure. The Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays Adventure will give you the best of everything the Whitsundays has to offer. You will adventure by day, party by night. All of the epic snorkel locations you come to expect from The Whitsundays are included, as well as a visit to the famous Whitehaven Beach  so you won’t be disappointed. If kicking back and making friends is your thing then this…

• All Snorkel & Dive Equipment
• Stand Up Paddle Board
• 12-Person Heated Spa

2 Day 2 Night New Horizon Sailing Adventure

New Horizon is really the best value for money on the Whitsundays market. The New Horizon beauty is a gorgeous 21m traditional sailing vessel that has some incredible old school charm with modern luxuries, such as air conditioning and accommodation with up to 32 passengers. With 4 amazing crew that are sure to look after you, you'll get a slice of luxury on this epic trip. This boat is a classic wooden Schooner and one of the last solid timber boats built in Tasmania, made from famous Tasmanian hard wood, making her a solid, seaworthy boat. not only is it…

• Experience Aquatic Life
• Snorkel & Dive Gear Included
• Whitsundays Sailing Adventure

3 Day 2 Night Broomstick Sailing Adventure

First of all, the All-Star team aboard Broomstick is one for the books, and they will welcome you to cruise with them on a breathtaking adventure through the Whitsundays. This tour will visit the best of the best of the Whitsundays, joining a stellar crew and ripping it up with 20 - 25 other guests. You’ll be able to engage in some amazing activities from snorkelling, bushwalking, sailing, and socialising the nights away. You will also have the chance to visit the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout for some fun in the sun, marvellous viewpoints, and great photo…

• Experience Aquatic
• Snorkel & Dive Gear
• Experienced Crew

4 Day 3 Night Blizzard Whitsundays

Spend 4 days and 3 nights cruising around the tropical islands in the spacious, bright, and sophisticated Blizzard. Originally designed and built in France, this single hull sailing vessel boasts modern luxury inside and out. If you’re chasing a premium hands on sailing experience then Blizzard is perfect for you. This boat will set sail and guide through the Whitsundays passage to world class beaches, immaculate reefs and to secluded islands. There are tonnes of on board toys to keep you busy during your trip so feel free to make use of the snorkelling equipment, Sea Scooters, and Multi Person…

• Luxurious Sailing Vessel
• All Snorkeling Gear Included

2 Day 1 Night Siska Whitsundays Sailing Tour

Siska Whitsundays tour gets it done. This is a full on adventure sailing boat. It’s a ‘Maxi Racer’, so if speed and adrenaline are your kinda thing then this could be for you. Getting from A to B won’t be done any quicker than aboard the Siska Whitsundays Maxi Racer, known for competing in races across the planet so it won’t disappoint. Set sail, hold on, and aim for the islands. Upon arrival at the islands, you’ll click into cruise mode and power from inlet to bay, exploring land and sea. Snorkel the tropical fringing reefs around the islands and…

• Comfortable Onboard
• All Snorkel Equipment

Airlie Beach Skydive 15,000ft

In case you’re wondering, Airlie Beach isn’t just about snorkeling tours and boat trips. Some say the best way to see it is when you’re hurtling through the sky at 220kms per hour. As arguably one of the most popular drop zones in Australia, Airlie is a well sought after ‘tick in the box’ location to pick to do your Skydive. The Whitsundays’ 74 tropical Islands and the Conway National Park are on the menu as far as views are concerned, and like a wine, you can pair this jump with adrenaline, fear, or excitement. Jumping out of a plane…

• 15,000ft Skydive
• Experienced Instructor
• Float Above Breathtaking Scenery
• Latest Modern Parachutes

Whitsundays Jetski Safari

Whitsundays Jet Ski Tours in Airlie Beach offer an experience like no other. There’s a reason they’re number #1 on Tripadvisor. Until you’ve been flying along at 50Kms per hour on a top of the range Sea-Doo Jet ski, you won’t know just how good it is. You’ll travel in a convoy led by your ski guide. They will cut out the best lines, suss out the best spots, and keep everyone safe. You just have to try and keep up. Expect to reach exhilarating speeds, tuck into tight turns, and enjoy the incredible scenery. Sea turtles, dugongs, and dolphins…

• Experienced Tour Guides
• Whitsundays Sightseeing
• Transportation To Accomodation

1 Day Ocean Rafting Southern Lights Tour

If a day trip out to the secluded parts of Whitehaven Beach is what you’re chasing, then it doesn’t get much better than this. Forget spending your day snorkelling and catch some rays on this Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour. This award winning company has some of the fastest boats on the coast, giving you maximum time at each location and a fun ride along the way through the 74 tropical islands. The knowledgeable onboard crew are there to show you a good time and keep you safe. All the main highlights such as Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet are…

• Visit North & South Whitehaven Beach
• Snorkel With Aquatic Life
• Thrilling Ocean Ride

1 Day Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure

For those wanting to quench that need for speed, look no further than Ocean Rafting. We assume that most of you reading this probably don’t already have your own speed boat or jetski so booking a tour is the likely option. If you’ve already checked out our Whitsundays blog, then you will have already heard about Ocean Rafting. If you haven’t, you know what to do. Ocean Rafting does the Whitsundays like no other. This award winning company has some of the fastest boats on the coast, giving you maximum time at each location and a fun ride along the…

• Speedy Ocean Rafting
• Lunch Included
• 2x Snorkel Spots

3 Day 2 Night Condor Whitsundays

When you think of a ‘Maxi Racing’ yacht, you may think of expensive champagne, luxury cars, and Rolex Yacht Week… Most people associate racing yachts with big pay checks and deep pockets but in this case, but you may be pleasantly surprised to know that this 3 day, 2 night sailing adventure won’t bust your budget. You’ll get more time to relax with your group and explore the best spots, all whilst sailing aboard a true Australian sailing icon. Condor has a true racing pedigree. This vessel has competed in every major race across the world and won pretty much…

• Views From Hill Inlet
• Tasty Meals Included
• Legendary Sailing Yacht

3D2N Hammer Whitsundays

This 3 day, 2 night sailing adventure is for the adventure seeker who is not afraid to get stuck in with everything from a sailing excursion to coral reef snorkelling. This ‘Maxi Racer’ offers 3 full days on the water, so if you’re looking for something a little longer than most and you froth at the idea of sailing through the beautiful Whitsundays Islands, this is definitely what you are looking for. Turtles and exotic marine life, beaches, and out-of-this-World sunsets. Sailing, friends for life, and memories to last forever. ‘Prosail’, the guys behind this tour, have been voted as…

• Scenic Bushwalking Hikes
• Enjoy Drinks At Night
• Visit Whitsundays Top Spots

2D2N Avatar Whitsundays

This 2 day, 2 night ‘trimaran’ is recommended for a social adventurous traveller looking for speed, stability, and tons of deck space to sunbathe and relax. It’s a recommended 18-35’s trip, so expect to have the odd drink or two. It’s known to get lively, so if you’re planning a romantic couples getaway, this might not be for you. Avatar is one of the most popular boats on The Whitsundays. It’s known for being the only Trimaran on The Whitsundays (this means it has 3 hulls in parallel). As far as how it looks, it’s definitely one of the stylish…

• Stylish Sailboat
• Daily Sunset Socials
• World Class Snorkelling
• See The Beautiful Whitsundays

Tongarra Whitsundays One Day Sailing Tour

If you’re looking to explore the Whitsunday Islands without breaking your travel budget, one day sailing adventure aboard the Tongarra offers incredible value for money. With only 24 people capacity, it’s one of the friendliest and most social boats on the Whitsundays. From checking in, to anchoring up, each step of the way is carefully thought out to give you the best experience possible. The crew are sure to help you see the best Whitsundays has to offer. You'll also have the opportunity to take part in a thrilling Banana Boat ride. En route, you’ll also have plenty of time…

• Whitsundays Sailing Catamaran
• Buffet Lunch Included
• Banana Boat Ride

Frequently asked questions

How do we get to the whitsundays.

There are a few different options that you can choose to get you to the Whitsundays and our Whitsundays tours. Taking a bus or self-driving is an option if land based travel is your preference. Airlie Beach is either a 13 hour drive north of Brisbane or an 8 hour drive south of Cairns.

Another option is to fly into Proserpine, which is about 25mins from Airlie Beach, which is the main access point to the Whitsundays. Shuttle buses, taxi’s & Ubers operate daily from the airport.

Some people choose to fly into Hamilton Island and book a luxury hotel however you may need to then take a ferry across to Airlie Beach as that is where most sailing tours depart from.

If I get seasick, can I still see the Whitsundays?

Yes you can still see the Whitsundays.

Whilst the waters around the Whitsundays are generally very calm we definitely recommend buying some motion sickness tablets in advance.

We would also recommend a stable catamaran tour as these make the trip and time on the water a bit smoother.

There are plenty of other ways to see the Whitsundays such as a popular scenic flight over the reef and islands.

Is there anywhere I can leave my bags while I am taking my tour on the Whitsundays?

Yes, of course. There is usually luggage storage facilities at your accommodation or at the check in office for your Whitsundays trip.

Can I bring my own alcohol on the Whitsundays tours?

For most overnight trips, you can, however you cannot bring any glass or red wine. Day boats usually have their own license unless specified otherwise.

Is the Whitsundays on the Outer Great Barrier Reef?

No. The Whitsundays are located in between the mainland and the Great Barrier Reef and are home to fringing coral reefs, which is perfect for snorkelling.

When is the best time of year to travel to the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays are a great place to visit all year round. The high season is considered to be the wet season, but is the warmest time of year to visit.

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The minimum legal 'drinking' age is 18. Young people going to bars and discos should carry photo identification to prove they are at least 18 years old. They will not be let in otherwise. No one may buy liquor from a bar or liquor store (bottle shop) unless they are at least 18 years old. Buying liquor for a 'minor' is illegal.

Credit Cards

All banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) accessible 24-hours a day, generally outside the branch or in the foyer. Check with your card issuer that your charge or account-linked credit card can be used in this way, and at which bank as none accept every brand of card. Most tour operators and dining venues now accept a contactless payment system for credit cards.

The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents. One and two cent coins are no longer in circulation, but many items in shops and supermarkets are priced in odd amounts, such as $1.97 or $9.99. The law provides that the TOTAL bill is rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents. So $19.97 becomes $19.95, $19.98 becomes $20.00. Coin denominations are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c $1 and $2. Notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100, are colour coded and made from a plastic compound that will survive a wash or a swim. Check our currency converter for today's rates.

Driving Information

Australians drive on the left, which can be disconcerting for visitors used to driving on the right side of the road. Roads are generally in good condition and major routes well signposted. Speed limits and distances are expressed in kilometres (per hour) and vary substantially from 50 km/h in residential and heavy traffic areas to 110 km/h on freeways. Police use laser guns, radar and automatic cameras to detect speeding vehicles. Drink driving is a serious offence and is heavily policed. Drivers can be stopped anywhere at random and subjected to a breath analysis test. Offenders are arrested and fingerprinted, so it can be a bad end to a fine evening or a long lunch. The legal limit of .05% is quite low - roughly equivalent to two small glasses of wine in the first hour and one an hour thereafter for men, less for women.

Getting to the Whitsundays

Air: Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate flights daily to Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine. Connections to Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie or Shute Harbour are available with Whitsunday Transit along with other transfer operators operating an airport shuttle coach service or a private car transfer. Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer daily services into Hamilton Island from airports throughout Australia. QantasLink operates from Cairns. Cruise Whitsundays also operates boat transfers to/from both Hamilton Island and Whitsundays Coast Airports, Daydream Island, Long Island, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.

Road: The highway to Proserpine and the road into Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are suitable for all vehicles. Brisbane to Airlie Beach: 1100km, 12 - 14 hours Townsville to Airlie Beach: 275km, 3 - 4 hours Cairns to Airlie Beach: 620km, 7 - 8 hours

Rail: is a great option for travel to the Whitsunday region. Tilt Train services, which offer a modern, comfortable travel experience, arrive and depart from Proserpine Station twice a week (north and south) with coach connections to major resorts and harbours.

Medical Services

Australian health care professionals are highly trained and medical services are among the best in the world. Visitors from the UK, New Zealand and Finland are entitled to free or heavily subsidised medical and hospital care under reciprocal national health care agreements with the taxpayer funded Medicare organisation. All other visitors should take out travel insurance when visiting Australia. Several Australian-based travel insurers have special cover for visitors which are very much less expensive than travel cover sold in the US, for instance. Major hotels have doctors on-call.

Prescription Drugs

Visitors who have a medical condition requiring treatment should ensure they carry a letter from their doctor outlining their condition and the medication required. This is also important if the drug is uncommon or contains narcotics, which may be a restricted import. Most medication is available in Australia, but only on a doctor's prescription. Prescription drugs are dispensed by qualified pharmacist at 'pharmacies' or 'chemist' shops.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques, especially in foreign currencies, are generally NOT accepted EXCEPT by hotels and big stores and tourist shops. These display a 'travellers cheques welcome' sign. Cash your cheques at a bank or Bureau de Change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not generally accepted by Australian businesses and shops.

No service charge applies in Australia. Tipping is not mandatory but a 10% tip in restaurants and hotel bars is normal for good service.

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What Whitsundays Tours Can I Find Here?

Habibi Whitsundays – 2 Day 1 Night Sailing Tour

After 3 years, Habibi has returned to the Whitsundays!

Tours Starting 12 April 2024

Ticket Price From $459

• Hill Inlet Lookout (swirling sands)
• Snorkel Locations
• Includes meals and snacks
• 3 Private rooms and dorm share accommodation options
• Sleep on the boat in dorm accommodation
• 67-foot-sailing ketch

From $179 Per Person 

Zigzag Whitsundays Day Tour

This Full Day Tour Departing Airlie Beach Includes 2 Beaches 2 Lookouts 1 Snorkel Location

• South Whitehaven Lookout
• Chalkies Beach
• Haslewood Island Lookout
• 1 Hour Snorkel Location
• Maximum 30 Guests
• Lunch, snacks, and diet requirements are catered to.
• Marine-grade jacket for spray or wind
• Free Tour Pictures Taken On Latest Gropro 

$289 Per Person

Heart Reef and Whitsundays Scenic Flight

• 70 Minute Scenic Flight flying over
• Hill Inlet (swirling sands)

Great Barrier Reef

• Whitsundays Islands and Resorts
• Departs 5 minutes from Airlie Beach

25% Off Per Person

2 Day 1 Night Sailing Tour (Ex Racing Yacht)

Sale  25% off per person with promo code tourswhit25   at checkout..

• 2 Snorkel Locations
• Includes 2 Lunches 1 Dinner 1 Breakfast and snacks
• Caters for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose intolerant.
• 80-foot-long racing yacht
• To Many Whitsunday Islands To Name!

Whitsundays Day Tours

ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour

From $179 – $229.

2 Beaches – 2 Lookouts – 1 Snorkel Location Full-Day Tour With 30 Guests 3 Crew, Visits South Whitehaven Beach, New South Whitehaven Lookout, Chalkies Beach, Haslewood Island Lookout, Snorkel location Included – Lunch, Snacks, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit. Fast boat, Low seasickness probability Dynamic Pricing, Family-Friendly Pricing

1 Hour Scenic Flight

60 – 70 Minute Flight Time, With Small Numbers Of 5 people Max

Fly Over  The Great Barrier Reef, Famous Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Swirling Sands, Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach

Modern Comfortable Plane With Guaranteed Window Seat

Whitsundays Sea And Sky Combo

Full-Day Tour With ZigZag Whitsundays 30 Guests 3 Crew, Visits South Whitehaven Beach, New South Whitehaven Lookout,  Snorkel locations.

70 Minute Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach And Great Barrier Reef

Thundercat Whitsundays

$210 adult  $170 child.

Full-Day Tour With 38 Guests 2 Crew Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2 Snorkel locations Includes Lunch, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Fast boat, Courtesy Pickup

Ocean Rafting

From $199 adult  .

Two Different Tour Options Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2 Snorkel locations Includes Snorkel Equipment Fast boat, Courtesy Pickup

Red Cat Great Barrier Reef Tour

Small group Great Barrier Reef Tour operated by Red Cat Adventures from Airlie Beach.

Multiple snorkel locations on a stable catamaran custom-built specifically for the Whitsundays. All-inclusive package with lycra suit, snorkelling equipment, fins and lunch.

Fury Whitsundays

Full-Day Tour 35 Guests 2 Crew Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, Snorkel Location Includes Snorkel Gear Included Fast boat Low seasickness probability

Whitehaven Xpress

Full-Day Tour Including Hill Inlet Lookout South End Lookout, North and South Whitehaven Beach Beach BBQ And Guided Walk All Ages Welcome, Courtesy Pickup

Whitehaven Beach Full-Day Tour

North Whitehaven Beach Hill Inlet Lookout South Whitehaven Beach South Whitehaven Lookout  Includes Lunch and Shuttle Transfers

Whitsundays Snorkelling And Sailing Tour

10am to 6pm Finish the day with a colourful sunset as you come back to Airlie Beach. Lunch and refreshments will be provided Snorkelling gear and stinger suits is included A pleasant and relaxing alternative to experience the Whitsunday Islands.

Full Or Half Day Private Charters

Whitsundays Private Charters On A Fast Luxury Boat.

Full Day Options Half Day Options Sunset Cruise Options Maximum 8 Guests

Airlie Beach Scuba Diving Day Tour

From $330 including 2 dives and equipment .

Aqua 5 is a devoted diving day trip running out of the Port Of Airlie.

Their Airlie Beach Scuba diving tour provides Island diving at its greatest! Experience pleasant drift dives along the reef shelf close to Black island next to Hayman Island

Snorkelling options are available to friends or family not wishing to dive

Camira Sailing Tour

Full-Day Tour Including Hill Inlet Lookout, and  Whitehaven Beach 1 Snorkel location Lunch Snorkel Mask and Wetsuit Included

Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour

Departs From Airlie Beach, Day Dream and Hamilton Island Ferry Transfers To Reef World Snorkelling plus all equipment Scuba Diving optional extra  Buffet Lunch Included

Crocodile Safari

6 hour day includes Saltwater crocodiles Proserpine River cruise plus Open-air wagon for unique wildlife Experience traditional Australian “bush tucker”, damper and billy tea plus delicious Aussie BBQ lunch A small group of 30 guests with an Informative and friendly guide.

Whitehaven Beach Plus Hamilton Island

Self-guided tour of Whitehaven Beach and Hamiton Island Cruise in style and comfort on a ferry Admire the turquoise water and white sand of Whitehaven Beach,  Explore Hamilton Island Free time included in Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven beach half day

Half-Day Tour To Whitehaven Beach Scenic return cruise In A Air-conditioned Ferry Morning and Afternoon Tour Up to 2 hours on the beach Guided bushwalk optional

Purely Whitehaven Half-Day Tour

Whitehaven Beach Air-conditioned Ferry Rooftop 360° views on boat Full bar service onboard Complimentary bus transfers

AQUA 5 Day Tour To Whitehaven

Small group Whitehaven Beach and Snorkelling Tour

Visits Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, 1 Snorkel Location.

All-inclusive package with lycra suit, snorkelling equipment, fins and lunch.

Falls To Paradise

Visit Cedar Creek Waterfall Lunch at Coral Sea Resort  Morning Tea 10 seater bus with tour guide Multi-Award winning Tour Operator All-inclusive price

Fishing Charters

Available Fishing Charters  Half Day  3/4 Day Full Day Includes all equipment plus fish cleaning and filleting.

Whitsundays Activities from Airlie Beach

Best Of Airlie 2 Hour Tour

• 2-hour bus tour of the Airlie Beach area
• Small group maximum of 10 people
• Experienced local guide
• Air-conditioned bus
• Visit Shute Harbour and Mandalay Bay plus lookout locations

Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise

From $69 for 2 hours.

2 Hour Sunset Cruise

• Fully covered, purpose built catamaran 
• Onboard Bar (No BYO)
• A glass of sparkling or soft drink is included in your sunset cruise ticket price. 
• Pioneer Bay and  Turtle Bay.
• After the sunsets, enjoy the lights of Airlie Beach at night.

Part Day Activity, From 8500– 14000 Feet 14000 ft is a 1-minute freefall AT 220km/hr Picture and video add-on available The flight climbs over islands

Jet-Ski Tours

From $250 per ski (2 people max).

Part Day Tour 90 mins Two people per ski Qualified guide Plus All safety equipment Pick up and drop off Free pictures, Power snacks and bottled water

Whitsundays Sunset Cruise

2 Hour Sunset Tour Instant Bookings Maximum of 24 Guests Sailing Cruise Departs 5 pm Glass of Champagne and some snacks included

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Jetboat Rides

Jet Boat 30 Minute Thrill Ride 380-hp Adrenaline Ride Perform 360s, 180s, Power stops/nosedives Spot wildlife And See million dollar mansions

Private Tuk Tuk Tours

From $30 per person.

5 different Tuk Tuk Tours. Multiple departure times each day. An exciting and fun way to explore Airlie Beach. Local guides

Segway Rainforest Discovery Tour

From $148.27.

3.5 to 4 hours approx Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off,  A small group of 7  Conway National Park, and Whitsundays Great Walk.

Scooter Hire

Electric Scooter Hire Located In The Main Street 2 Hour to Multiple  Day Hire Available Suited Adults And Children

Whitsundays Overnight Tours

FROM $680 – 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

3 Day 2 Night Tour – 18 Guests 3 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Look Out Multiple Snorkel locations Meals Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Racing maxi yacht with Small Group Numbers Operated by Prosail

FROM $529 2 DAYS 2 NIGHTS.

SALE   15% Off Per Person with Promo Code TOURSWHIT15   at checkout.

Looking for a famous race boat? it doesn’t get more Famous than this bad boy.

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout Multiple Snorkel Locations All Meals included Sailing vessel Opportunity to camp on an island

Matador Whitsundays

2 days 1 night from $450.

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout Multiple Snorkel Locations All Meals included Sailing vessel Backpacker youth market 

3 Day 2 Night Tour – 19 Guests 3 Crew Adrenaline Sailing Shared Accommodation Own Bed Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkel Locations Meals, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Operated By ProSail

Broomstick 3 Day 2 Night

Avatar whitsundays, from $589 for 2 days and 2 nights.

SALE   10% Off Per Person with Promo Code TOURSWHIT10   at checkout.

This is the one and only commercial trimaran in the Whitsundays. Famous for its students and backpacker tours with a fun social atmosphere with large nets to sunbake on Included – basic dorm accommodation, meals, wetsuit, snorkel gear Visits Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2-3 snorkel locations. If you want to experience the Whitsundays in a social way and are not worried about private rooms, this is the tour for you! Operated By OzSail

Sleep On The Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation Options ”Reefsleep” Weatherproof swag under the stars ”Reefsuites” special room 4 metres underwater Includes transfer meals drinks and snorkelling Optional scuba dive packages available at extra cost First underwater hotel in Australia

Spearfishing Charter 

From $2000 for 5 days 4 nights.

5 Day 4 Night Charter –19 Guests 5 Crew Outer Great Barrier Reef  30+ Targeted Species Of Fish Meals Included, Shared Accommodation Operated by Prosail

FROM $742 – 3 NIGHTS

3 Night Tour –10 Guests 2 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout 2 Snorkel locations Meals Included Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Private and Shared Rooms Operated By iSail

Enitice and O’nice

From $1200 private cabin 2 days 2 nights.

2 Day 2 Night Tour –10 Guests 2 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout 2 Snorkel locations Meals Included Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Private and Shared Rooms Operated by iSail

FROM $320 2 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

2 Day 2 Night Tour – 14 Guests 2 Crew Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout 2-3 Snorkel locations Meals Included Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included Operated By OzSail

About This Website And Listed Tours

Above you can book your Whitsundays tours with the Whitsundays Operators. Our Website has the best tours the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach has to offer in Australia. Use our unique tour directory to find the Whitsundays Tour you want without searching all over the internet. From Backpacker packages to Couples Island stays and Family Day Tour packages, we have what you are looking for.

The Deals Button And Website

All tours in our “Latest Deals Button” at the top of each page are provided by Book Me Australia (One of Australia’s Largest Tour and Activity Websites) and have the latest Whitsundays deals available. All Deals on Book Me are managed directly by the Whitsunday Activity Operators. The Operators load the deals and how many tickets they want to sell on each day. Once again we are proud to support these Whitsundays Businesses.

Why Choose A Whitsundays Cruise?

The Whitsundays is recognised as one of the world’s iconic sailing destinations, and for an excellent reason, which you are about to find out.

This is one inspiring adventure you have to partake in while on holiday in Australia. We include a full day and even overnight sailing adventures to the islands and Whitehaven Beach, the iconic white sand beach you will never forget. Take our well-organised trips for the best experience, our relaxing cruises around the magnificent Great Barrier Reef marine park and islands is something you must experience at least once in your lifetime.

Our Trips are available in many different lengths and packages, on each tour page you will find the contact and booking details for each tour provider. If you are on your honeymoon or with your partner we can tell you, it does not get any more relaxing and romantic than a sailing cruise in the area. You can get this by selecting one of our overnight sailing tours with private rooms above. We do offer the best spread of packages right across the board. Let’s give you some details about what you are going to see on your adventure here.

For backpackers in Airlie Beach and the islands, our overnight sailing adventures are by far the best option; these packages are hot right now. Our tours depart from Airlie Beach and visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, providing guests with the opportunity to take in the stunning beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is well known to the locals as the gateway to the area. The region includes Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and of course the 74 tropical islands that the Whitsundays are well known for.

You’ll get great value for money backpacking in this area with the range of budget trips and accommodation on offer. We do have more expensive packages; however, if you are travelling on a strict budget and want to experience what the area has to offer, our backpacker adventures are for you. This way you have more freedom and can experience Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef for very little money at all.

The area has direct flights daily into Proserpine and Hamilton Island, a wide range of restaurants, activities, and trips to The Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach.

To see our Whitsundays map with tour and activity providers see here 

About Whitehaven Beach

Like we say, this is without a doubt, the most picturesque pure white beach in the world. If you only ever visit one more beach for the rest of your life, then this has to be your choice. You will not regret choosing this beach, it is absolutely stunning in every way possible, in day or night.

The beach is a whopping 7 km long and is located opposite Chalkie’s Beach on Haslewood Island. When you get to the beach you will want to go for a swim or go for a walk across the powder-like sand that is pure 98% silica white. It is one landscape that everyone should see in their lifetime. The beach is one of the cleanest in the world, it really has to be seen to be believed, it is absolutely stunning.

Even if you are not a beach person, this is still something you have to see, you will love it. It is one experience you are never ever going to forget. The sand on the beach does not get hot, so you can walk barefoot without any problems at a

If there is one thing you should experience in your life it is the Great Barrier Reef.

It is the largest coral reef system in the entire world, it is one amazing site that words can’t explain until you see it for yourself. The reef is huge at 2,300 km long and will absolutely blow your mind when you see it. The reef is so big that you can actually see it from space, it is amazing and is really breathe taking when viewed from the air, which you can do so when you buy one of our plane or helicopter packages. It is a natural wonder of the world, and when you go there you can tell all your friends you have been and viewed this amazing structure made by living organisms.

The Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach really do make our tours the best tourist experience the world has to offer, not just Australia. Some trips are especially aimed at scuba diving off the Great Barrier Reef, there is so much available that we offer to amaze you. The area has so many wonderful places to see & exciting things to do. You can explore yourself or take one or all of our many amazing trips or cruises. You can enjoy a day out sailing the Islands or enjoy many of the overnight sailing adventures, they will lead you through to a number of other islands within the Islands Group.

When you travel around Australia and in Airlie Beach, sailing the Whitsundays is an absolute must thing to do. You will not regret booking one of our visits to the area, they are the best and our many satisfied customers go to prove that.

Whitsunday Islands

The Coast & Islands are renowned for their picturesque scenery & spectacular blue sea. The Sailing Trips depart from Airlie Beach which is a tiny, tropical party town located about 9 hours drive north of Fraser Island.

From half-day journeys to full-day adventures, this is one of the most exciting ways to explore the stunning Islands. The area offers the perfect setting for adventuring and one of the best places to explore by sea and air. Daydream Island is one of 74 islands of the area; it is just minutes away from the Great Barrier Reef. No visit to the region is complete without a Great Barrier Reef Trip, Choose from our packages that offer day sailing, overnight fully crewed charters, or a self-catering bareboat experience.

The magical views from the lookout at Hill Inlet have stunned many travellers and are the highlight of many trips in this part of the world. The beauty of this area is not just all about beaches, fish and coral. It’s adventures like ours that create memories that will last with you a lifetime. Our cruises consist of so much more than sailing and boat charter. A holiday in the islands is a wish come true. With us, you can experience the best of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach on one unforgettable day.

We also offer ways to explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands on some of Australia’s most impressive overnight sailing boats. This will give you an entirely new experience of the area, if you have done it by day, now do it by night. We also have quick trips that allow you to see all the picturesque regions of the islands in just a few hours. The range of sailing journeys in our Whitsundays Tours bears testament to the beauty of the area. It really is something that has to be seen to be believed, that’s the truth of it. Relax, swim and enjoy the breathtaking ocean and island views. You can take advantage of the vast array of activities and trips to Airlie Beach has to offer on the land, sea and in the air with us.

Spoil Yourself See It By Air

Whitsunday Seaplane experiences are a great way to see the islands. You can experience the Great Barrier Reef in a way that most people just dream about, with this great fly and cruise journey. You can see all 74 magnificent Islands easily by air, the incredible Great Barrier Reef and Airlie Beach look magnificent from above. If you’re staying on one of the islands, you can book to see the Islands by air with us for the easiest and fastest connection.

Indulge in the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience with return helicopter flights around this beautiful area. We are more than just a seller; we offer information on the area too, we will help you find the best experience the Whitsundays region has to offer for you and your family. You can find out more about the best diving spots and other trips on our website, or just give us a call or pop and see us, we are only too happy to help. You can talk to one of our friendly team for more information on accommodation, trips and great holiday packages in this area. So go ahead and experience all of the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Islands from the air, with a scenic flight by seaplane.

You will be stunned at the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Islands from above, including the iconic Heart Reef. Remember we offer a scenic flight by seaplane. Experience the best views of the area on a 1 hour scenic including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands. It is absolutely epic, you will not believe your eyes, the worlds best sights all in one fantastic adventure.

Here we stick to bringing you quality, safety and of course fun on our tours. We also offer you a wealth of other information about the Whitsundays right here on our website to help you select the perfect package for you. Our tour packages are recognized Australia-wide for the utmost quality and customer satisfaction. We offer great flexibility too, We aim to please you every step of the way and to make your holiday the most memorable it can be. We want you to experience as much of the Whitsundays as possible in your time here and will make that happen for you. So what are you waiting for, book one of our Whitsundays tours right now and let’s get you excited to get here and see the area with our Whitsundays Tours the best way possible.

A millennial Lyft driver who used the gig to explore all 50 states explains his strategies for maximizing earnings and tips

• Kreskin J. Torres, a Lyft driver, has traveled across all 50 states, documenting his dining experiences.
• Torres is working on a book, an app called Rideshare Foodies, and is organizing a national potluck.
• He said gig driving is just temporary and has helped him achieve his larger goals.

Kreskin J. Torres, 35, has eaten his way through all 50 states — including Alaska and Hawaii. His ticket to doing so? Driving for Uber and Lyft .

The Army veteran and Baltimore native has documented his dining on his blog Rideshare Foodie . After seven years, he's learned the most profitable times of day to drive, the best locations to find riders in each city and the optimal strategies for maximizing tips .

"You just got to work smarter, not harder," Torres said. "From my experience, I've been in every state, so I know how every city works now."

At the same time, he's been able to pursue his foodie passions. Torres is now working on a book called "Taste of the States," his recommendations app called Rideshare Foodies, and planning a series of events to honor dishes from various states and their history.

While driving for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money for people like Torres who have more than one hustle, it can also be a recipe for burnout. Among the dozens of drivers Business Insider has spoken with over the past few months, many are already dreaming of what's next — starting a business or finding new modes of employment .

And that's Torres' main career advice for those considering it. After all, he's not planning to do the job forever, as he hopes to transition away, though it helped him jump-start new paths for his future.

"Do not make this the end all be all," Torres said, noting how Uber and Lyft have threatened to pull out of Minneapolis. "When it started, it was advertised as a gig, a side hustle."

Traveling the country as a gig driver

As a veteran, he said this job has been relatively stress-free and helpful for not feeling lonely, a similar sentiment he's heard from veterans with PTSD.

"I enjoy meeting and connecting with different people and getting to see different places," Torres said.

He decided to spend his next few years on the road using driving to fund his adventures and to meet locals who could point him to the best restaurants and experiences.

"The great thing is you get to learn about different cities and how everything operates," Torres said.

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He moved to San Antonio , though he works mainly around the more-profitable Austin area, and has explored the South and Southeast.

While he doesn't make much money from his blog, he said driving has allowed him to try everything from Navajo tacos in Arizona to biscuits in chocolate gravy in Arkansas to huckleberry swirls in Montana. Driving has led him to some of his favorite restaurants like I693 Red Zone Grill in Jackson, Mississippi; Strawberry's BBQ in Holcomb, Missouri; and Rice & Roll by Xing Xing in Wichita.

Learning the most profitable places and times to drive

Torres noticed he would get more profitable rides driving around suburbs, airports, and sports stadiums, locations coveted by drivers as they get more tips and sometimes elevated fares.

He learned New Year's will always be profitable , though rides slow down around February before picking up in mid-March. It's led him to be more methodical about the types of rides to take, as well as planning when to save more of his earnings and when to splurge a little on food and travel.

"After seven years, I'm a lot more experienced. It depends on the time of the season, so I usually can do a lot more business in college towns," Torres said. "I would visit a city, see what they're known for, a little history behind it."

Torres was making enough to comfortably travel the country, though he's always been careful since he said passengers are sometimes confused by his out-of-state license plate. He also faced a permanent deactivation from Uber last year over a dispute over the color of his car.

He doesn't have a wife or kids, nor does he have an apartment, as he mainly lives out of his car to save money. He acknowledges that growing competition on the road and lower earnings could put a greater dent in savings for people with families or permanent residences.

Torres has transitioned to driving full-time for Lyft , and he typically is online for 12 hours a day but only actively drives five to six hours in between waiting around airports.

He said he's increasingly put himself in his passengers' shoes to determine the best places and times to drive — he likely won't put in the effort to drive during rain, and he's more likely to do later trips around concert venues or bars.

To continue supporting his travels, he said he sometimes does airport rides at 3 or 4 a.m., as well as rides between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. during the morning rush. He also said being online around noon is fruitful for corporate workers, while 3 p.m. is right when schools let out. He usually tries not to drive around evening rush hours but sometimes resumes later at night.

He also devotes more time to driving between Wednesday and Sunday, when rides are more frequent, whether for "whiskey Wednesdays" or Friday afternoon happy hours. This is also when he can best network with passengers and hear their stories, as he said he occasionally gets to drive famous people.

Torres said drivers should consider this a short-term opportunity while working toward long-term goals. As he eases off the app, he has his eyes set on more international travel in the coming months. He's also investing more time in his food app, a local recommendation tool that functions like a Facebook group in which people ask questions about, for example, the best bartender in the area or where to go for particular dishes. It has launched on Android and set to be released on Apple by the summer.

"The most positivity that you can get out of it, do whatever you can and get the most out of it," Torres said. "The next few months will probably be my last time doing this because I'm focusing on other things, so I always had a plan for the things I was going to do."

Are you a ride-hailing driver who's struggling to pay bills or has had recent success? Have you recently pivoted to a new career from driving? Reach out to  [email protected] .

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