A must-do guide to The Whitsundays for first-timers

A treasure chest brimming with adventures awaits you in The Whitsundays. The cluster of 74 islands on the Great Barrier Reef are beloved by locals and visitors both, and not just for the natural wonders but the bevy of activities at every guest’s disposal. New to these parts? No matter, when you have this guide to the Whitsundays for first-timers at your fingertips, a gathering of must-do activities and landmarks that will give you a taste of the breadth of options the Sunshine State favourite has to offer.

Soak in the beauty of Whitehaven Beach

One non-negotiable when it comes to experiencing the Whitsundays as a first-timer is a visit to Whitehaven Beach. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it lures crowds with alabaster sands and crystalline waters. Fly, sail, or paddle your way to the Queensland icon - there are a bevy of different tours to choose from solely dedicated to the sandy strip. Here's how to do it.

Set sail with on own yacht

The Whitsundays is one of the only places in the world where you can captain your own ship without a licence. If you have the time (and the inclination) why not make the most of your new-found freedom and go bareboating with friends? Set sail on a multi-day catamaran adventure with your own band of trusted companions, or leave your journey in the capable hands of Sail Whitsundays.

Explore by kayak

Work up a sweat with Salty Dog Tours on a kayak-led cruise through these sparkling waters. This is an easy way to explore the Whitsundays for first-timers and get up close and personal with the abundance of natural beauty in these parts, as well as the bounty of wildlife in its accompanying reefs. Choose from half-day and full-day tours, or realy commit to the adventure - Salty Dog can guide you on a six-day tour of the larger Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, travelling from Airlie Beach around Whitehaven Beach, where you’ll spend the night.

Stop in at local landmarks

Australia has quite the reputation when it comes to oversized landmarks. Tick off one of the nation’s more tropical offerings on your bucket list while you’re here with a visit to the Big Mango in Bowen, a neighbouring district heaving with producers. While you’re in town, make sure you stop off for a splash in the rather popular cove of Horseshoe Bay.

Lap up luxury

The Whitsundays is no stranger to a luxury establishment, as you’ll find when perusing accommodation. Scattered across the islands is a gathering of some of Australia’s most opulent resorts - splurge on a stay at the likes of the exclusive qualia on Hamilton Island, the rather opulent InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, or eco-conscious Elysian Retreat. 

Spend the night on the reef

Spend a night atop the coral courtesy of ReefSleep. This experience from Cruise Whitsundays is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime offering and a memorable way to enjoy the Whitsundays for first-timers. You’ll find this waterborne accommodation option on Hardy Reef, a permanently moored pontoon equipped with glamping options on the roof, and the fancier ReefSuites below deck.

Rent your own island

Call yourself a resident (albeit a temporary one) by hiring your own Whitsundays island for your stay. Just north of Bowen sits Camp Island, a sandy stretch well-equipped to host you and seven friends (maximum) in its four rather stylish bungalows on the beachfront. With easy access to the reef, quiet beauty all around and the best sunsets you're likely to witness, you’ll want for nothing here.

Get to know Airlie Beach

Dubbed the gateway town to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is well-worth a visit - you could even make it your base and take day trips from here. Take in the views as you wander your way along the Bicentennial Walk Airlie Beach, stopping in for dinner at nearby seafood hub and rum bar combination Fish D’Vine.

Chase waterfalls in Conway National Park

There's plenty of beauty on the mainland too. Make way for Conway National Park, home to an impressive population of waterfalls. Take your time to follow the web of walking tracks found here, taking a swim break at the likes of natural rock amphitheatre Cedar Creek Falls.

Make memories with Journey to the Heart

Arguably the most memorable way to experience the Whitsundays for first-timers is with Journey to the Heart. Your chopper-led three-hour foray will see you glide over the coral to the heart-shaped Heart Reef. It’s here you’ll make yourself at home on the permanently moored pontoon for the next hour, which houses just 5 guests at a time. There's plenty of time to snorkel the surrounding coral, before taking a private boat trip to the Heart.

Take a jetski tour

Adrenaline-junkies can’t afford to miss out on a chance to join in on one of the region’s high-speed adventures. Explore the islands of the world-heritage-listed marine park with the award-winning Whitsundays Jetski Tours, which offers a trio of tours daily.

See the region from top to toe with Ocean Rafting

Spend the day enjoying a true taste of the Whitsundays with Ocean Rafting, the specialty tour with a duo of trips showcasing the region’s stand-outs. Ride on semi-rigid inflatable vessels to Whitehaven Beach, making a visit to Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout, before spending the afternoon snorkelling the reef.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view

Take in unforgettable views of the iconic reef from above with a leisurely cruise among the clouds. Air Whitsundays Seaplanes and GSL Aviation are the two leading options when it comes to flying by helicopter or seaplane over the region’s collection of islands. You can even book a tour that'll see you touch down beside Whitehaven Beach with time for a swim too.