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

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

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

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

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

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

The Whitsundays

Welcome to

The Whitsundays

Islands and tropical coastline in the heart of the Reef

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

March
On now

Ideal snorkeling conditions

March - May

March
Avg temperatures

March - May

Min

18

°

Max

26

°

 Plan your holiday

More articles

Things to see and do in The Whitsundays 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Get to know The Whitsundays region

Visit

Airlie Beach

Visit The

Whitsunday Islands

Visit

Hamilton Island
Explore more

The Whitsundays holiday deals

How to get to The Whitsundays

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

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

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

Explore more of the Whitsunday's

Stay in touch with the Whitsundays's

From reef to resort, this slice of paradise knows how to turn on the charm. Sign up for insider deals, island secrets and a dose of travel inspo.

Bunji
Welcome to Queensland! ☀️ How can I help you?