14 non-negotiable activities for your next Whitsundays family holiday
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By Sarah Bristow
Turn your tropical island fantasy into reality with an escape to The Whitsundays. The cluster of 74 islands surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef is famous for its crystalline waters and alabaster sands, not to mention the abundance of marine life that calls the district home. While long tempting for honeymooners and backpackers, the Whitsundays makes for a great family holiday.
Populated by places for every kind of budget - from some of Australia’s most exclusive resorts to all-inclusive budget-friendly offerings - the Whitsundays promises to cater to a crowd. Not to mention the array of ways to spend your time. Among all the activities to enjoy on your Whitsundays family holiday the following are non-negotiables.
Whitsunday islands for a family holiday
1. Wander Whitehaven Beach
Spend the day on one of the world’s most beautiful stretches with a day trip to Whitehaven Beach and its neighbour Hill Inlet. A day spent on the seven kilometres of pure white sand of the iconic destination belongs on any Whitsundays family holiday.
2. Sail the islands
Glide your way through the 74 islands which form the Whitsundays Group - this is one of the only places in the world where you can captain your own yacht without a licence. If bareboating with your kin doesn’t appeal, jump aboard one of the full-service tours available.
3. Explore Hamilton Island
There’s a reason that Hamilton Island is the most popular among families. Not only is it convenient (with direct flights to the capitals) but overflowing in resorts big on amenities and populated in golf buggies, which guests are encouraged to climb aboard and drive around the island.
4. Say hello to Daydream Island
Equally popular is Daydream Island, the award-winning resort reassuringly friendly of all budgets and accessible via Cruise Whitsundays ferry service. Activities are at the heart of the experience here - most famous of these is free form coral lagoon the Living Reef, home to 100 species of marine fish, and 80 species of coral in 1.5 million litres of water.
5. Spoil yourself at InterContinental Hayman Island
Having undergone a $135 million refurbishment, the InterContinental Hayman Island is today one of the Whitsundays most luxurious residents. Indulge with your family in tow at this outstanding island destination, boasting 166 suites and some seriously opulent ways to explore the neighbouring Coral Sea.
6. Cruise by kayak
Join Salty Dog Sea Kayaking for a kayak-led tour through the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Ease your way through the calm, clear waters of the region by paddle, guided by a crew of local experts.
Mainland adventures for the family
7. Venture to Cape Gloucester
Tucked north of Airlie Beach, near Hydeaway Bay, sits hidden gem Cape Gloucester. The idyllic sandy stretch has long tempted locals for its opportunities to swim and fish, as well as ‘Oh my god’ hill, home to an impressive view of the surrounding region.
8. Bushwalk Conway National Park
Immerse yourself in the rainforest with a trip to Conway National Park. Heaven for bushwalkers, there are tracks aplenty in these parts to cater to all kinds of fitness levels and ability - take the kids for a stroll along the 1.2 kilometre Circuit Track from Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour, enjoying the stunning views on the return to Coral Beach.
9. Cool off at Airlie Beach Lagoon
Photo by @happyheartland
Let the kids cool off with a dip in the Airlie Beach Lagoon right on the ocean’s doorstep. While your family splash about in the shallows of the local institution, you can enjoy the chance to relax in the shade of the accompanying green lawns, which are fringed by palm trees.
10. Take a trip to the Big Mango
Queensland's tropics isn’t short of a novelty or two. Make a visit to one of our most famous ‘big things’, the 10-metre-high Big Mango resides in one of the state’s most produce-rich regions, Bowen.
Family-friendly wildlife encounters
11. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Getting to know the region’s most famous resident is a must-do for any Whitsundays family holiday. Explore the world underwater, snorkelling the rainbow reefs of the region and greeting the marine life with a day tour- make yourself at home on a permanent pontoon, or thrill yourself with an ocean rafting adventure.
12. Take a croc-spotting tour
Glide your way along the waters of the Proserpine River where you can get up close and personal with the resident crocodile population. But it’s not just crocs that you’ll come to greet in these parts - keep an eye out for the many wallabies, birds, frogs, crabs and fish which call the district home.
13. Chase waterfalls in Cedar Creek
Venture through the rainforest to swim under the falls at Cedar Creek Falls. You’ll find them only a short 30-minute drive from Airlie Beach, and an easy hike where the kids can spot butterflies, lizards, birds, fish and turtles along the way.
14. Go whale watching
Plan your Whitsundays family holiday for between June and October when whale migration season takes place. Join one of the many tours departing for deeper waters where you’ll be able to see the passing humpbacks at play.
