The best places to check in

A night (or more) in the Whitsundays is unlike anywhere else.

Where else can you choose between the very first underwater accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef, a personally chartered yacht safely anchored among one of the region’s 74 islands, the bustling mainland town of Airlie Beach popular with everyone from backpackers through to families on budget holidays and couples on luxury escapes, or one of four resort islands?

Accommodation in the Whitsundays will have you waking to the calm, soothing sounds of the ocean, with a day of exploration and discovery only steps away. The famed silica sands of exquisite Whitehaven Beach — named the world’s best beach in 2021 — island-hopping in search of deserted beaches, and snorkelling with thousands of marine creatures on the outer Great Barrier Reef is just the beginning of the Whitsundays experience.

But if you thought Whitsundays experiences were limited to paradisiacal tropical islands with white sand beaches overlooking the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea, think again. On the mainland, the bustling strip of Airlie Beach is a haven for backpackers and the ideal base for day trips, while slightly further north lies Bowen, the historic, quaint seaside town famous for beautiful bays and the quintessential Queensland fruit, mangoes. 

Prepare to be seduced by paradise 

For dreamy accommodation set amongst sublime land and seascapes where reef-fringed beaches deliver world-class snorkelling just steps from your door and days begin with the soothing sounds of the sea, Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands have your holiday plans covered. The perfect destination for couples and families alike, there’s something for everyone here, whether swimming and snorkelling are the order of the day or it’s seclusion and privacy that you seek. Escape to your own private island with up to 13 friends by hiring Camp Island for an exclusive getaway, experience one of the world’s best resorts at qualia on Hamilton Island or get back to nature in a beachside bure on secluded Long Island, just south of Airlie Beach. 

Not looking to get your land legs back anytime soon? Embark on a bareboating adventure and brush up on your open sea sailing skills along the way by hiring a luxury yacht or catamaran for a few days and find out why the Whitsundays is known as Australia’s home of sailing. Thinking of a more active holiday? Daydream Island, with limitless watersports and activities at its premier eco-resort, could be your dream holiday, or hang out at Airlie Beach and avail yourself of its endless array of parties and outings while staying in a dorm at one of its many backpackers, or pitch a tent or park your caravan. 

Whitsundays Camping — Sleeping under a sea of stars 

For those looking to nestle with nature on their Whitsundays escape, there are plenty of opportunities to pitch a tent island-side. From the national park campgrounds at South Molle Island to the boutique campsites on Keswick Island and the simple sites on Hook Island, Whitsundays camping places you in the heart of paradise with picture-perfect backdrops for days spent exploring or relaxing. Whether you’re looking to get back to nature, soothe your soul and sleep under a sea of stars or luxurious glamping is more your thing, you’ll find your slice of paradise while camping in the Whitsundays. Did we mention you can camp on Whitehaven Beach — Australia’s best beach — and practically have it all to yourself?