Plan your ultimate Whitsundays adventure

Tropical islands and picture perfect beaches await

There’s something for everyone in the Whitsundays

It doesn’t get much more perfect than the Whitsundays. Just 55 kilometres off the Queensland coast, nestled next to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays is an archipelago of 74 pristine tropical islands. Visitors from Australia and beyond flock to the idyllic islands of the Whitsundays year-round, being drawn to the crystalline turquoise waters to swim, snorkel, dive and sail. There is an island for everyone, with options for families, and those looking for seclusion, adventure, wilderness, festivities or rejuvenation. Popular islands for extended stays are Daydream Island and Hamilton Island. Day trippers seek out the endless expanse of sun-kissed silica sand on Whitehaven Beach or fly over the romantic Heart Reef. Make sure you add a Whitsunday tour to your wanderlust list; it’s an undeniably special corner of the world.

Book your Whitsundays tour package

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
8
days

We begin our journey with a three-night stay inTownsville, experiencing all the region has to offer. Get up close to thespectacular Texas Longhorns, a bovine experience like no other. Next we travelto Magnetic Island to explore the wonders and history of the island. Biddingfarewell to Townsville, we journey to Airlie Beach for a two-night stay. Enjoya scenic cruise to the famous Whitehaven Beach and an extraordinary adventureon a Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. Our final nights are spent in Mackay, touringFinch Hatton Gorge with a local nature guide and lunch at One Hungry Mumma.Finally, we enjoy a guided tour of Sarina Sugar Shed.

Discover a tropical paradise in the Whitsundays

You can reach the Whitsundays by plane, boat, car or train. Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns can take you to Hamilton Island or Proserpine. From Proserpine, it’s a short 30-minute drive to Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday Coast. Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and attracts a steady stream of visitors heading off-shore and backpackers looking for some fun in the summer sun. Travelling by car, Airlie Beach is an 1100km (12 plus hour) journey north of Brisbane. Another option is to catch The Spirit of Queensland rail journey from Brisbane to Proserpine.

There are plenty of ways to see the Whitsundays with Fun Over 50 Holidays. You’ll find all of the details in our list of holiday packages.

Tropical islands and picture perfect beaches await
Tropical islands and picture perfect beaches await

Make time to see everything on offer

From Airlie Beach, ferries can whisk you to your island of choice. Hamilton Island and Daydream Island are popular choices. With world-class resorts and facilities, they offer a plethora of activities onshore and off. More off-the-grid accommodations include uninhabited Hook Island, overnight reef stays, and Whitsunday sailing holidays.

When planning your Whitsunday holiday package, be sure to include a tour to the outer Great Barrier Reef to encounter an extraordinary array of marine life, factor in a day relaxing on Whitehaven Beach, and take to the skies in a seaplane to get a bird’s eye view of the tropical paradise that is the Whitsundays and her neighbour, the breath-taking Great Barrier Reef.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Whitsundays?

You can visit the Whitsundays at any time of year, the temperate sub-tropical climate makes for balmy winter days, and cool ocean breezes take the sting out of the hot Queensland summer. School holidays tend to be busy, so planning around them can help you avoid the crowds.

Are there accommodation options in the Whitsundays?

Yes, various accommodation options in the Whitsundays suit different budgets and preferences. These include luxury resorts, boutique hotels, holiday apartments, and camping facilities on some of the islands. Accommodations are available on Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, and the mainland town of Airlie Beach. More off-the-grid accommodations include uninhabited Hook Island, overnight reef stays, and Whitsunday sailing holidays.

What wildlife might I spot in the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays boast diverse wildlife both in the surrounding waters and on land. Marine life includes colourful coral reefs, fish species like clownfish and turtles, and occasional sightings of whales and dolphins. On the islands, you'll find a variety of birds, reptiles, marsupials, and intriguing insects. Responsible tourism practices are vital to preserve this rich ecosystem.

How many islands in the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays is an archipelago comprising 74 islands. Each island has its unique charm, ranging from uninhabited national park islands to resorts with luxurious accommodations. Perhaps Hamilton Island is the most famous among them, known for its amenities and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Other popular islands include Whitsunday Island, which is home to the iconic Whitehaven Beach, and Hayman Island, known for its upscale resorts.

Are there crocodiles in the Whitsundays?

While crocodiles are known to inhabit certain waterways in northern Australia, including parts of Queensland, they are not commonly found in the central areas of the Whitsundays. The Whitsunday Islands themselves are generally considered safe from saltwater crocodiles. 

When is stinger season in the Whitsundays?

Stinger season in the Whitsundays typically runs from November to May. During this period, there is an increased risk of encountering marine stingers, such as box jellyfish and Irukandji jellyfish, in the waters around the Whitsunday Islands. It's important for visitors to be aware of the stinger season and take necessary precautions, such as wearing protective clothing or using stinger suits when swimming in the ocean during this time. Many popular beaches provide stinger nets for added safety.

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