Top 5 Things to do in the Whitsundays

Visitors from across the globe flock to the Whitsundays to catch a glimpse of the mesmerising Whitehaven Beach. One of the most beautiful beaches in Australia (and, in our opinion, the world), Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest in the archipelago. Stretching seven kilometres, Whitehaven Beach is famous for its luminescent white sand. In fact, at 98 percent silica, the sand here is so pure that it doesn’t retain any heat – you can walk across on the hottest of days without burning your feet!

If you want to make the most of your visit to Whitehaven Beach, don’t skip the walking trails! At the northern end of the beach, you’ll find Hill Inlet, a sublime cove where shifting tides turn the sea into a swirling palette of blues and greens, similar to a watercolour painting. For the best views of Hill Inlet, head to the lookout at Tongue Point.

If Whitehaven Beach is the Whitsundays’ most iconic landmark, it’s closely followed by the romantic Heart Reef. As the name suggests, Heart Reef is a composition of coral in the Great Barrier Reef, naturally formed in the shape of a heart. First discovered in 1975 by an Air Whitsunday pilot, Heart Reef has become one of Australia’s most recognised attractions.

 Due to its protected status, visitors cannot snorkel or dive in the Heart Reef. As such, the best way to witness this natural wonder is from the air, via helicopter or seaplane. Most tour companies will combine a scenic flight over Heart Reef with other iconic attractions, like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Climbing into a small plane or helicopter and ascending into the air is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience and the views from above are guaranteed to take your breath away. If you’re lucky, you may even get to sit in the cockpit with the pilot!

If you’re planning a trip to the Whitsundays, don’t skip the mainland – the seaside resort town of Airlie Beach is your gateway to all the region has to offer. Here you’ll find a range of accommodation options, from inexpensive hostels to five-star luxury resorts, making it the perfect base for any budget. From Airlie Beach, you can easily reach all of the Whitsundays’ most popular sights, including Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.

You’re likely to spend most of your time in this laidback town at Airlie Beach Esplanade, home to waterfront parks, al fresco restaurants, and lively local markets. Between the palm-fringed beach and the bustling main street, you’ll also find Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made paradise complete with a kids’ pool and barbeque facilities. There’s no better spot for a family day out.

With a prime position in the very centre of the Great Barrier Reef, every Whitsundays itinerary should include a day exploring this World Heritage-listed natural wonder. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres across the Queensland Coast, the Great Barrier Reef is home to an astounding diversity of marine life and is best appreciated via snorkelling or diving.

 Whether you’re based on one of the Whitsunday Islands or in Airlie Beach, there are so many snorkelling tours to choose from. These companies usually provide all the necessary snorkelling gear, so you can simply dive right in and explore. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Great Eight, a checklist of must-see marine life that includes clownfish, giant clams, manta rays, Maori wrasse, potato cod, sharks, turtles and whales. For those who prefer to witness the reef without getting wet, we recommend a glass-bottom boat tour.

As an island archipelago, the best way to appreciate the beauty of the Whitsundays is on the water. By booking a sailing trip or high-speed cruise, you will get the opportunity to snorkel on the reef, visit secluded coves and islands, hike the trails in Whitsunday National Park, and even enjoy luxe resort facilities.

After a busy day of exploration, there’s nothing better than relaxing on the top deck of your sailing vessel with a cool drink in hand, while enjoying sublime ocean views as the sun sets over the islands. Plus, if you’ve ever thought to try your hand at sailing, you can pitch in and help the crew hoist the sails and steer the boat. This is simply the best way to experience the magic of the Whitsundays.