Your go-to guide for a Whitsundays family holiday

What better way to kick off your time in the tropics by visiting the region’s impressive coastal enclave. Airlie Beach is the vibrant hub of the Whitsundays and a popular stopover for travellers. Wade in crystal-clear waters at one of the beaches dotting the coastline (Cannonvale, Shingley, Airlie or Boathaven), then dry off with a walk on the Bicentennial Walkway. This four-kilometre boardwalk has stunning waterfront views and takes around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. Finish off the morning with a stroll through main street, popping into the quaint cafes and boutiques scattered throughout.

Airlie Beach is the perfect base for exploring the Whitsundays, so check into your accommodation before your next adventure. Island Gateway Holiday Park, Big4 Whitsunday Adventure Resort and Mirage Whitsundays are a few great family-friendly places to bunker down at. Want more accommodation options? Check out this extended list.

PM: Enjoy a slice of serenity

Just 30 minutes from Airlie Beach is a natural waterhole perfect for a bit of R&R. Located on Saltwater Creek Road, Cedar Creek Falls is surrounded by a stunning rock wall, cascading waterfall, and cedar trees. An easy walk from the car park will take you to this hidden gem, where you can swim in the tranquil waters and watch birds and butterflies fly by. If you’re lucky, you might meet the fish, turtles and lizards that also call this slice of paradise home.

When you want to swap wading for walking, make your way to the nearby Conway National Park and stroll through its lush greenery. Expect to be impressed; this park protects the largest area of lowland tropical rainforest in Queensland outside of Tropical North Queensland.

Day 2

AM: Waltz over to Whitehaven Beach

Visiting one of the world’s most pristine beaches will definitely be a highlight of your Whitsundays family holiday. Stretching over seven kilometres, Whitehaven Beach is covered with the purest white silica sand and you can sink your toes into it on Cruise Whitsundays’ half-day tour. From 7:15am to 2.30pm, you’ll embark on a wonderful journey that will leave your family with lifelong memories. Get picked up from the Port of Airlie (having breakfast at the cafe beforehand) and travel in air-conditioned comfort to the island on a ferry-style catamaran. When you arrive, discover what makes this beach so special (sunbathe, swim or simply take it in) and visit Solway Lookout for impeccable views.

This tour is from $140 for adults and $55 for children (4-14 years). If your kids are under 3, they travel free! Morning tea is also provided.

PM: Go bushwalking

Swap the seas for leaves with an afternoon bushwalk. Slip on a hat and sunscreen, pack some water and snacks, then head to Kara Crescent for an unforgettable journey filled with trees and scenic views. Follow the Conway Circuit (2.3 kilometres) before turning right toward Honeyeater Lookout. When you reach the lookout, sit down for a while and take in the stunning surroundings and refuel for the journey back. Enjoy the descending walk back to base.

Day 3

AM & PM: Island adventure

Your Whitsundays family holiday wouldn't be complete without a day-trip to one of the 74 islands that make up the region. Not only will an island visit keep the kids entertained all day long, but it will have you seeing natural wonders that will leave you utterly awestruck.

Two great family-friendly islands include Hamilton and Daydream, but whichever you choose will be a winner. If you opt for Hamilton, Cruise Whitsundays has a stellar family tour that departs from the Port of Airlie at 8am and returns at 6:10pm. Spend your morning visiting island hotspots via shuttle buses, meeting Aussie animals at Wild Life (think koalas, kangaroos and dingoes), bowling at the island alley, and digging into a hearty fish-and-chips lunch. Slow things down in the afternoon at Catseye Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, ride quad bikes and go-kart.

Want to discover Daydream? Hop on Cruise Whitsundays’ all-day Daydream Island Escape to experience it in the most epic way. From the Port of Airlie, you’ll be transferred to the island’s private marina, where you can hop off and explore to your heart’s content. Do what you want at your own leisure; some ideas to get you started include visiting the Living Reef (a 1.5 million litre coral lagoon with marine line) and watching the fish-feeding show at 10am, getting your learning on at the Living Reef Centre, relaxing by the resort pool, and devouring a scrumptious two-course lunch at the Inkstone Kitchen & Bar.

Your boat transfer departs at 8:30am and returns at 4:30pm.

Day 4

AM: Explore a seaside town

Hop in the car and head off to Bowen; it’s just an hour’s drive north of Airlie Beach. This laid back town has eight award-winning beaches (all within ten minutes drive of each other) and a fringing coral reef you can dive into from the mainland shore, perfect for enjoying a simple morning of H20 and sun. While you’re here, be sure to visit Jocheim's Pies for a taste of pastry heaven and Bird’s Fish Bar for fresh, locally caught seafood.

PM: Get close to crocodiles

End your Whitsunday family holiday with a bang, by going on a Crocodile Safari. Located in Proserpine, just 30 minutes from Airlie Beach, this experience is one of animal lovers' dreams.

Cruise the Proserpine River (on the only crocodile tour in the Whitsundays) and enjoy winding through estuaries and wetlands, spotting the giant reptiles and other wildlife. Follow this with a wagon train ride through unique Aussie habitats including melaleuca forests, pastures, marine mangroves and saltpans.

Plus, this safari also teaches you about the origins of damper and billy-tea as guides make them fresh for guests.

When you’re out and about on your Whitsundays family holiday, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite. Pull up this list when the crew is hungry to find must-visit eateries nearby. If you’re craving some stellar seafood, take a seat at one of the best seafood spots in Airlie Beach.