Incredible Whitsundays experiences for the holiday of a lifetime

There's a whole world of activity happening below the surface, but one of the most incredible Whitsundays experiences is to soar above it all. From up here, you can really witness the contrast of ocean blues, coral reef, and island paradise. 

Hop on a chopper or scenic flight with GSL Aviation or Air Whitsundays Seaplanes, who fly over all of the Whitsundays’ best sights. It’s an unforgettable experience to see Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and the channel at Hardy Reef from the air. 

Or, really splash out on the Journey to the Heart experience which combines air time with relaxing on a luxury pontoon, boat trip to Heart Reef, and time to snorkel too. 

Seaplane in for a beach picnic

If there's one thing you simply must do on your Whitsundays holiday, it's sinking your toes into the pure-white, silica sands of Whitehaven Beach - known as one of the world's most spectacualar beaches.

And what better way to arrive than by seaplane or helicopter?

Touch down, then throw out a picnic blanket and soak it all in. There’s a reason why so many marriage proposals happen on this stretch of sand.

Check out Hamilton Island Air which offers daily tours, including a 75-minute stop at Whitehaven. 

Set sail through the islands

The Whitsundays is one of the best sailing destinations on earth. Whether you take the reins and skipper your own yacht - this is one of the few places in the world you can do so without a license) - or head out with the professionals, there's nothing quite like spending a few days in nature's most spectacular playground, and waking up to paradise each morning. 

Want something with a little more rev in it? Zip through the Whitsundays' wild side with Ocean Rafting or private charter a powerboat from Hamilton Island's Palm Beach Luxury Charters, just in time to watch the sun set over the islands. 

Check into the world's best island resort

There are island resorts, and then there's qualia. 

Nestled at the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island, qualia redefines luxury - and its rap sheet of awards from around the world is as long as its finely curated wine list. Every last detail is taken care of here, from private beach dinners to private infinity pools with the best island views, and a long list of luxury experiences to keep you exploring. 

Tempted? Here's what 48 hours of total luxury looks like. 

Not quite in your budget? Find more places to stay in The Whitsundays here. 

Get beached

It’s hard to stay off the beach when the sand - and surrounds - looks this good.

With landscapes so pristine they seem peeled from a postcard, clocking up serious beach time while in The Whitsundays is effortless.

While Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet attract lots of attention, it’s well worth checking out Catseye Beach, Honeymoon Bay, Langford Island, Betty’s Beach, Blue Pearl Bay and Chance Bay. 

Tee off on a private island

This isn't your standard round of golf. Here at Hamilton Island Golf Club, your game begins with a helicopter ride or ferry transfer to private Dent Island, where you'll tee off on Australia's only championship island golf course.

Designed by legendary Australian golfer, Peter Thomson, the 18-hole, Par-71 golf course is strung along the ridges and steep valleys of the island, so you can take in the views over Dent Passage and the Whitsundays as you go. It's a challenging course, but keen amateurs and professionals will find a lot to love. 

Go skydiving

If you’re going to throw yourself out of a plane and freefall some 15,000 ft, then you ought to do it in a destination as stunning as The Whitsundays.

Whether its the stomach-flip or the island views, you're sure to lose your breath on this adventure - but it's one you'll never forget. Plus, you can choose to skydive over Whitehaven Beach or from the heart of Airlie Beach. 

Indulge in a spa experience

Everything's about balance, and when it's time to truly unwind, The Whitsundays boasts some luxury day spas to indulge yourself. Take your pick from the spas at Daydream Island, Hayman Island Resort, or Hamilton Island's Spa qualia and Spa Wumurdaylin.