Top 5 Things to do in the Whitsundays

Are you daydreaming of an otherworldly island holiday? You don’t have to traverse across the globe to find it! Your picture-perfect getaway is waiting for you right here in Queensland. Just off Queensland’s coast sits the idyllic Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 islands set like gemstones in the azure Coral Sea. Paired with sugary white beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush emerald rainforest, experience a tropical paradise. Offering a blend of relaxation and adventure, keep reading for our insider scoop on the top five things to do in the Whitsundays.

Exploring Whitehaven Beach is one of our top things to do in the Whitsundays

Visitors from around the world venture to the Whitsundays to catch a glimpse of the mesmerising Whitehaven Beach. Regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia (and, in our opinion, the world), Whitehaven Beach fringes Whitsunday Island, the largest of the archipelago. Sprawling seven kilometres, Whitehaven Beach is famous for its luminescent white sand. In fact, at 98 percent silica, the sand is so pure that it doesn’t retain heat – you can walk across on the hottest of days without burning your feet. Make the most of your visit to Whitehaven Beach and walk the stunning trails. Discover Hill Inlet at the northern end of the beach, where shifting tides turn the sea into a swirling palette of blues and greens, nature’s watercolour painting. Head upwards to Tongue Point’s lookout for panoramic views of the inlet.

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Take a scenic flight over Heart Reef 

If Whitehaven Beach is the Whitsundays’ most iconic landmark, it’s closely followed by Heart Reef, the most romantic. As the name suggests, Heart Reef is a cluster of coral in the Great Barrier Reef, naturally formed in the shape of a heart. Discovered in 1975 by an Air Whitsunday pilot, Heart Reef has become one of Australia’s most recognised attractions. Visitors are not permitted to dive or snorkel in the Heart Reef due to its protected status, so the best way to witness this natural wonder is from the sky. Marvel at the sweeping views from a breathtaking vantage point. Many tour companies combine a scenic flight over Heart Reef with other iconic attractions, like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when you climb into a small plane or helicopter and ascend high above sea level for expansive views of the sparkling water and iconic Heart Reef.

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Witness endless horizons and effortless days in the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach, the perfect family destination 

Visiting the seaside resort town of Airlie Beach is a must-do while on your Whitsundays holiday. With a range of accommodation, from inexpensive hostels to five-star luxury resorts, Airlie Beach is the ideal place to base yourself for easy access to popular Whitsundays sights, like Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef. Home to waterfront parks, al fresco restaurants and lively local markets, there’s plenty to explore in this laidback town. Discover Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made paradise, complete with a kids’ pool and barbecue facilities. If you’re looking for things to do in the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is the perfect destination for families, solo travellers and couples alike.

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Dive, snorkel and kayak the Great Barrier Reef

Stretching over 2,300 kilometres across Queensland’s Coast, the Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage-listed natural wonder. Home to a kaleidoscopic range of marine life, you simply must dive or snorkel the reef while on your Whitsundays holiday. With easy access from the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach, hop on a snorkelling tour and discover the world underwater. Most tour companies provide all the necessary snorkelling gear, so all you have to think about is jumping in and starting your adventure. Make sure you spot the Great Eight, a checklist of must-see marine animals that includes clownfish, giant clams, manta rays, Maori wrasse, potato cod, sharks, turtles and whales, harmoniously coexisting. For those wanting to enjoy the magic of the reef without getting wet, hop aboard a glass-bottom boat and watch the underwater fun at leisure.

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Hop aboard and sail the Whitsundays

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Whitsundays from the water. The best way to enjoy this stunning archipelago is by booking a sailing trip or high-speed cruise to take you through secluded coves and islands, dive and snorkel spots and hiking trails in Whitsundays National Park. After a day of exploration, there’s nothing more relaxing than fabulously laying on the sundeck of your sailing vessel with a cool drink in hand, soaking in the salty sea breeze, turquoise views and a dazzling sunset – enjoying nature’s show. If you’ve dreamt of living like a sailor, help the crew hoist the sails and steer the boat in a truly memorable moment.



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With a variety of magical things to do in the Whitsundays, book your dream getaway today. 

Dreaming of an indulgent Whitsundays escape? My Queensland offers a range of perfectly packaged holidays, complete with exclusive bonus extras, like room upgrades, resort credits, included dining, local experiences and so much more. It’s all part of the My Queensland difference, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Discover My Queensland’s range of idyllic Whitsunday getaways here. 

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