The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays entices with 74 tropical islands, dazzling white beaches, vibrant reefs, sailing adventures, luxe resorts, and laid-back coastal towns—your dream holiday paradise awaits.

Highlights
Do & See
Stay
Guide

Accommodation

Hayman Island: a new era in luxury

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays, iconic private island experiences and sacred moments of connection with family and friends at the new InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.

Family Holidays

How to have the perfect family holiday on Hamilton Island

It’s the dream of every parent: the perfect family holiday, where tears and complaints are left at home, replaced by smiles and squeals of excitement. Well, we reckon it’s achievable; all you need is a bangin’ Hamilton Island itinerary.

Accommodation

A night in the new InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

An idyllic island bounces back to be better than ever with the resurrection of an Australian icon.

Accommodation

Hotel review: Elysian Retreat, Whitsundays

It's the first 100 per cent solar-powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef and the newest to be built in the Whitsundays for years. But does Elysian Retreat stand up to its sustainability claims?

Family Holidays

The 13 best things to do for families on Hamilton Island

There’s more to Hamilton Island than resort pools and swanky restaurants. For the ultimate family holiday, check out these top activities for young and old.

Island Holidays

Qualia reviewed: still the world’s best luxury resort?

In 2012 an elegant simplicity and a fine attention to detail turned a corner of Hamilton Island into the best resort in the world. Is that still the case? We find out.

Whitehaven Whitsunday Islands sailing bareboating

Cruising Holidays

Sailing Whitsundays by yourself: the bareboating essentials

Novice sailor Celeste Mitchell discovers sailing Whitsundays on a catamaran without a captain is the best way to explore those famous islands. Yes, you can do it yourself. Here's how to go bareboating for beginners...

Things to do

Hayman Island’s ‘other’ side: Beach-side with the birds

Hayman Island will always bring to mind images of seaside opulence, but there's more than just white sand and water. Words by Georgia Rickard

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

These new small group tours allow intimate access to Australia’s best

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Do & See

KKristie Lau-Adams

15 of the best Hamilton Island restaurants

From Asian fusion and contemporary Italian to beachside fine dining and classic fish and chips, Hamilton Island restaurants whip up feasts for any occasion.

CCarla Grossetti

The best Hamilton Island hikes and walking trails

Explore the natural beauty of this iconic island on foot with these seven Hamilton Island hikes.

A modern hotel room overlooking a tropical beach

RRachael Thompson

Hamilton Island’s new resort has Coral Sea views and free ice-cream

Evergreen editor Rachael Thompson checked into the first new hotel to open on Hamilton Island since 2007.

view of Catseye Beach from The Sundays, Hamilton Island

CCarla Grossetti

Top 10 things to know about Hamilton Island before leaving home

Slide seamlessly into your holiday happy place by ticking off the things to know about Hamilton Island before you go.

KKristie Lau-Adams

15 of the best things to do on Hamilton Island

There are plenty more things to do on Hamilton Island than sip on cocktails and catch magnificent sunsets.

an aerial view of Bougainvillea Pool on Catseye Beach

KKristie Lau-Adams

8 of the best Hamilton Island beaches and pools for island bliss

It isn’t a tropical escape until you dip your toes into a magical Hamilton Island beach, pool or secluded swimming spot.

CChloe Cann

11 of the best things to do in Airlie Beach

From the back of a jet ski to the seat of a mountain bike or aboard a catamaran, there are countless ways to explore Airlie Beach

CCraig Tansley

10 of best restaurants in Airlie Beach

Dine al fresco on fresh local seafood and drink in beautiful water views at these Airlie Beach cafes, bars and restaurants.

KKristie Lau-Adams

7 ways to spend a Hamilton Island honeymoon

Dreamy scenery to take your breath away and lavish spoils crafted just for couples make a Hamilton Island honeymoon one you’ll cherish forever.

KKristie Lau-Adams

10 of the best Hamilton Island accommodation picks

Cool hideouts, beachfront hotels, five-star resorts and grand holiday homes shine bright amongst the stellar selection of Hamilton Island accommodation options.

EEleanor Edström

Iconic Whitsundays island to reopen after a $583 million makeover

After more than a decade of closure, Lindeman Island is ready to reclaim its title as Queensland’s go-to holiday hot spot.

KKristie Lau-Adams

The best family accommodation on Hamilton Island for a perfect holiday

Lagoon-style pools and dining extravaganzas extend to visitors of all ages thanks to the wonderful assortment of Hamilton Island family accommodation options.

EEmily Murphy

This hidden Whitsundays island is getting a luxury lodge

A world-class eco-lodge is set to redefine sustainable luxury in the Whitsundays.

CChloe Cann

A guide to the best Airlie Beach accommodation

Airlie Beach accommodation for every budget: from swish hotels and resorts to well-kept family-friendly camping grounds and caravan parks, these top five picks will cover most bases.

AAustralian Traveller

Hayman Island: a new era in luxury

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays, iconic private island experiences and sacred moments of connection with family and friends at the new InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.

AAnita Jokovich

A night in the new InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef

An idyllic island bounces back to be better than ever with the resurrection of an Australian icon.

GGeorgia Rickard

Qualia reviewed: still the world’s best luxury resort?

In 2012 an elegant simplicity and a fine attention to detail turned a corner of Hamilton Island into the best resort in the world. Is that still the case? We find out.

The Whitsundays is made up of 74 magnificent islands, including the four resort islands – Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island and Long Island. The primary towns on the mainland welcoming visitors are Airlie Beach, Bowen and Proserpine.

The Whitsundays offers sun-drenched beaches, island escapes, sailing and water sports or simply the opportunity to relax and unwind at one of the island resorts.

Here’s how to make the most of your next Whitsunday getaway.

Getting to the Whitsundays

Getting to the Whitsundays is easy. Serviced by two airports, Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI) located on Hamilton Island and Whitsundays Coast Airport (PPP) located on the mainland near Proserpine, approximately 25 minutes from Airlie Beach.

Cruise Whitsundays operates ferries from Hamilton Island to transfer passengers to Airlie Beach and other island resorts. Buses and Taxis meet each flight at Whitsundays Coast Airport to transfer guests to ferry terminals or Airlie Beach. Car hire is also available at the airport.

Best things to do in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays offer some of the most unforgettable and unique experiences in Australia, making it a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. For a mix of relaxation and excitement, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Hamilton Island stands out as a top spot, where you can unwind on its stunning beaches and enjoy the array of pools. There are also a range of activities to keep you busy as well as relaxed. Those wanting to stay on the mainland should turn their attention to Airlie Beach which offers a diverse mix of things to do for both unwinding and exploring. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Whitsundays without seeing the reef from the best snorkelling and scuba diving sites.

Choosing Where to Stay on the Whitsundays

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family holiday or honeymoon you’ll find the perfect Whitsundays accommodation to suit your style and budget, from Hayman Island to Airlie Beach.

Get away from it all at qualia, considered one of the world’s best luxury resorts alongside Lizard Island. There are also host of family-friendly places to stay on Hamilton Island. Camping in the Whitsundays allows visitors to take full advantage of the natural beauty, stunning views and abundance of wildlife in the region.

Best Ways to Experience the Whitsundays

The best way to experience the Whitsundays is to choose which Whitsunday island is best for you. From here you can you also do numerous day trips to any of the other uninhabited islands. Alternatively, sailing the Whitsundays is a great way to island-hop between each of the stunning destinations.

For something truly special, the unique Reef Sleep cruise, allows you to sleep under the stars, 39 nautical miles offshore on the Great Barrier Reef.