Beyond the beach: unique things to do in The Whitsundays

With 74 islands in the Whitsundays archipelago, it's little wonder that a few have flown under the radar. And one of them is available to rent all to yourself.

Welcome to Camp Island, your very own private island in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. The second most northerly island in The Whitsundays, up to eight guests will have Cape Upstart National Park, abundant coral reefs, thriving marine life and secluded beaches as the backdrop to an unforgettable island getaway.

Hosts Broc and Dave will meet you on arrival at Elliot River and transfer you to the island, where you'll settle into four private bungalows – each with their own ensuite – as well as the option for catering or full chef service throughout your stay. You can do as much or as little as you like, and that's the beauty of it. 

A little closer to Airlie Beach lies 100% solar powered Elysian Retreat on Long Island - another favourite Queensland eco resort. Book a romantic getaway for two, or gather a group and rent out the entire resort: either way you'll be treated to nourishing meals, daily yoga classes, reef activities and some of the best sunsets of your life, served up poolside. 

Drink cocktails in General Douglas MacArthur’s WW2 vessel

Want to sleep on a boat, on dry land? Freedom Shores Resort offers something a little different for landlubbers, where sundowners are served atop General Douglas MacArthur’s WWII vessel, the Shangri-La.

Just 15 minutes north of Airlie Beach in Woodwark, the 10 boat rooms have been designed to replicate boats docked at the marina, made from the hulls of old ships.

The resort’s tavern, Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, is a firm favourite with the locals, offering a free shuttle service to and from Airlie Beach.

Mountain bike on South Molle Island

While the sparkling sea is hard to resist, there are plenty of unique things to do in The Whitsundays that don’t require being in the water. Gear up and head to South Molle Island where 14km of mountain bike trails provide the perfect way to discover the grasslands, eucalypt forests and rainforests covering the island.

Heart-rate goes the same way as the steep climbs: up. But you’re rewarded with epic views across the famous Whitsunday Islands and fringing reefs once you reach the summit.

Woah Adventures can help you plan your self-discovery or guided tour with island transfers, or BYO bike and head over with Whitsunday Water Taxi Transfers from $25 per bike. 

Explore the Living Reef

The centrepiece of Daydream Island Resort, the Living Reef wraps 200m around the central resort building. But it’s not just the structure that impresses. The kaleidoscopic marine beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is on full display, all without stepping foot in the ocean.

Feed baby stingrays with resident marine biologists and snorkel among 100 species of fish, coral, starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs sans boat. If you’d prefer to stay dry, signature restaurant, Graze, looks into the Living Reef, along with an underwater observatory which even hosts yoga classes.

Have a pedal-powered progressive dinner

Forget about a designated driver on your night out: join a posse of peddlers for a progressive dinner with a difference around Airlie Beach. Just Tuk’n Around will pick you up in their bright yellow pedicabs for a two-hour food tour visiting some of the best restaurants in town. 

Waterslide off your own private yacht

When you have your own yacht, you can do pretty much whatever you want. That’s the view of the owners of Alani, a luxury 82’ Sunseeker, which comes complete with a giant inflatable slide.

Up for charters from Hamilton Island, you can head out for a few days of sailing around the Whitsunday Islands, or just grab a bunch of friends for an epic day adventure on the high seas. Throw in some stand-up paddleboards, jet-skis and a private DJ and voila: a party in the middle of paradise that you'll be reminiscing over for years. 

Become an underwater art critic

Step aside, Louvre. There’s a new – underwater – art gallery in town. Divers will be awestruck swimming through otherworldly sculptures dotted along the seafloor in accessible locations throughout the islands.

Part of Reef Ecologic’s Whitsundays Reef Recovery and Public Art Project, it’s one of the most unique things to do in The Whitsundays. Designed and created by six Australian artists, the pieces celebrate the rare beauty of the surrounding marine environment.

A Maori wrasse, gliding manta rays and a giant turtle are just a few of the installations already in place.

Journey to Heart Reef

When nature creates a heart shaped reef for your viewing and snorkelling pleasure, it’s hard to argue. One of the most unique experiences in The Whitsundays – and the world – Heart Reef will woo you in an instant. 

There's a few ways to visit, but none beat splashing out on a visit to the pontoon at Heart Reef for the day. Exclusive to guests of Hamilton Island, the state-of-the-art split-level pontoon is built for day trips. Perfect for small groups up to six, you’ll heli your way Heart Reef Lagoon in true rockstar fashion. Light catering, snorkelling equipment and a glass-bottomed boat tour are all included. 

Join the Coral Sea Academy

Take the opportunity to learn about marine conservation, sustainability and better boating - while meeting other like-minded travellers and locals - at the Coral Sea Academy. 

Championing all things ocean-based sustainability, the Coral Sea Academy holds a series of events and experiences made for wildlife warriors. Hosted by, and at Coral Sea Resort, the community workshops are just some of the free things to do in Airlie Beach.

Discover ancient rock art