Australia · Queensland
The Whitsundays travel guide
Whitehaven Beach, sailing and island resorts
Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Photo: Slug69, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Whitsundays are 74 islands in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach has dazzling white silica sand, and Hill Inlet's swirling sands are one of Australia's best views.
Sail between the islands for a few days, stay in an island resort on Hamilton Island, or base yourself in lively Airlie Beach.
What The Whitsundays is known for
- Whitehaven Beach
Pure white sand.
- Sailing trips
Two or three nights on a yacht.
- Heart Reef
Seen from a scenic flight.
- Whales
Humpbacks from July.
Top things to do in The Whitsundays
Where to stay in The Whitsundays
Best time to visit The Whitsundays
Best value: Apr, Oct–Nov. June to October: dry and calm, with humpback whales in winter.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 19h 30m from London to PPP, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Fly to Proserpine or Hamilton Island. Boats link the islands.
Good to know
- Wear a stinger suit from November to May.
- Book sailing trips with good reviews.
- Bring reef-safe sun cream.
The Whitsundays FAQ
How many days in the Whitsundays?
Three or four days.
Is Whitehaven worth it?
Yes, it's one of the world's best beaches.
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Back to the Australia travel guide + Add The Whitsundays to your bucket list