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In Australia, it is respectful to always acknowledge the Traditional Owners of our Beautiful Country. By visiting the Whitsundays, you are staying on land traditionally owned and inhabited by the Gia, Giru and Ngaro People.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We encourage our guests to learn more about Australia's Indigenous People. Their journey is long and interesting and deserves to be shared and respected.
Guide to the Whitsundays
If you're looking for paradise on Earth, your search stops with the Whitsundays. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an active holiday with lots of hiking and bushwalking, the Whitsundays won't disappoint.
Whitsundays FAQs
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 tropical islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia, right beside the Great Barrier Reef
They’re famous for:
Whitehaven Beach
Often named one of the world’s best beaches. Its sand is 98% pure silica, making it bright white and cool underfoot.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Whitsundays sit inside the reef’s protected waters, so snorkelling and diving offer a glimpse into a world of colourful coral, turtles, rays and tropical fish.
Island Day Trips
SeaLink provides an eco-certified, full-day, scenic cruise through the breath-taking Whitsunday Islands stopping at the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
Nature & Walks
You’ll find rainforests, lookouts like Hill Inlet, short island hikes, secluded coves, and lots of marine life.
Getting to the Whitsundays by air
Whitsundays in Northeast Queensland is made up of 74 islands and sits along one of the most beautiful natural wonders – The World-Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Be prepared to be greeted by some of the most pristine beaches, tropical islands, best diving spots, and once-in-lifetime, bucket list-worthy experiences.
The fastest way to get to the Whitsundays is to fly to either Whitsundays Coast Airport, which is located 25 minutes from Airlie Beach, or the Hamilton Island Airport, which is located on Hamilton Island.
Getting to the Whitsundays by road
A popular option among travellers – you can drive to Airlie Beach via the coastal Bruce Highway. Once you’re at Prosperine, just follow the signs to Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
From marvelling at the colourful reefs of the Great Barrier Reef to being charmed by the swirling waters, you'll never run out of things to do on your holiday to the Whitsundays.
Water-based activities on Whitsundays
From jet-ski to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to fishing, there are so many water-based adventure activities to get your heart pumping. Head down to Airlie Beach and take your pick.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway for two, a family holiday, or a memorable trip with your friends, Whitsundays is your perfect bucket-list destination in Australia. And the best way to explore the top attractions in the Whitsundays is with SeaLink's Purely Whitehaven Day Tour. It's one of the top-rated experiences in the Whitsundays - don't take it from us, here's what our guests had to say.
Hiking in the Whitsundays
Take in the never-ending views of the Whitsundays on one of the many hikes across the region
There is a lot of unspoiled nature to see and experience in Whitsundays. You can take in the never-ending views on many of the hikes across the region.
As part of the Purely Whitehaven Day Tour, you have the option of including two easy walks to bucket-list viewing platforms at The Hill Inlet and the Whitehaven Beach Lookout. The Hill Inlet lookout is an easy 15-minute walk to the viewing platform where you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Whitsundays. And the Whitehaven Beach Lookout is slightly longer and steeper but with stairs. Both are suitable for people across age groups and fitness levels.
The Whitsundays Great Walk starts from Brandy Creek and goes all the way to Airlie Beach – it covers around 28km. There are 3 camping grounds, toilets, and water tanks along the way. For a shorter distance, you could opt for the Honeyeater lookout walk, which is around 8km but has a few steep and challenging terrains along the way. If you are looking for a hike that your family can enjoy, check out the Airlie Creek Walk, which is less than a kilometer and promises lush green tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and creeks during the rainy season.
Scenic flight over the Whitsundays
Enjoy a bird's eye view of the Whitsundays' 74 islands and one of the most photographed spots on the Great Barrier Reef – the Heart Reef.
The Whitsundays are a great destination all year round. They boast sunny weather and a temperate climate throughout the year. If you're looking to escape the harsh winters on Australia's east and southern coasts, the Whitsundays are a great option for a winter break. The average high during winter months is around 23-24 degree Celsius.
Whitsundays during spring
Spring is a popular time to visit the Whitsundays. It can be windy during October, offering perfect conditions for windsurfing. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, come down during November when it's relatively quiet.
Whitsundays during summer
December to March is the summer season with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. You can expect some rain, especially during the afternoons. But don’t be put off by a little rain or overcast because rain or shine, the tropical Whitsundays are always beautiful.
Whitsundays in autumn
Though there is technically no autumn season in tropical Whitsundays, it may seem like summer with temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius.
Whitsundays in winter
Winter season is popular with tourists looking to escape the chilly winters in other parts of Australia. It is also a great time to see the humpback whales making their journey to warmer waters.
The SeaLink Purely Whitehaven Day Tour is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you to places that no other Whitsundays Island tour does. You will cruise in air-conditioned comfort on a catamaran complete with modern facilities, gourmet lunch, and morning and afternoon tea with a side of unparalleled views of the beautiful islands. You will see popular spots like the Hill Inlet, South Molle Island, and Hook Island.
The best way to explore the Whitsundays is with SeaLink's Purely Whitehaven Day Tour.
While there are many things to see and experience on the Whitsundays islands, these are just some of the most iconic attractions covered by the Purely Whitehaven Day Tour:
View from Hill Inlet
Hill Inlet
This beautiful lookout is one of the jewels of the Whitsundays. And the best part? No two visits are the same as the tide flows and swirling sand keeps shifting shape. The lookout is situated on a short uphill bush walk, which is easy for all ages. If you’re in the Whitsundays, you’d not want to give this one a miss. It’s one of the most ‘Instagrammed’ locations in the region and for good reason.
Whitehaven Beach
This beach is a personification of heaven on earth. Named aptly, the beach covers 7km in length and is composed of 98% silica sand, which makes it one of the purest sands on Earth. Pack in your bathers and enjoy a day swimming in the clear waters for an unforgettable experience. You can even hike to the Southern Lookout and take in the views of Whitehaven Beach and the surrounding islands. The day tour provides stunning views of the many picturesque islands that make up the Whitsunday region. Make sure to get your cameras ready and click away. There’s a lot of beauty to take in a single day.
Daydream Island
Daydream Island is one of the seven islands that make up the Molle Group of Islands. It is also one of the few inhabited islands in the Whitsundays. Known for its sparkling bays, secluded beaches, and rainforests, the island’s natural beauty is unparalleled.
South Molle Island
This hilly island is home to many bays and inlets. The island is popular for its hiking and cycling trails.
Hook Island
This is the second-largest island in the Whitsundays. It is quite rugged and features inlets and fjord-like recesses.
Absolutely. SeaLink Whitsundays is committed to sustainable tourism practices that protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. Read more
Yes! the Purely Whitehaven Day Tour is ideal for families with children. The tours are designed to be enjoyable and safe for all ages, and our staff ensures a family-friendly experience.
The Purely Whitehaven Day Tour and Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure depart from Shute Harbour Marine Terminal. Approximately 10kms south of Airlie Beach
Yes, there is parking in the Lower and Upper car parks. Fees differ between the two car parks. Parking machines are located throughout the upper and lower car parks. The parking machines are ticketless and will accept cards and the one inside the terminal also accepts coins.
Yes! Our Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure offers prime snorkelling opportunities, and many of our other tours include snorkelling stops at Langford Reef and other locations. Find out more
Whitehaven Beach is a stunning 7 km stretch of pure silica sand, but we understand that shade is important for many of our guests. At SeaLink Whitsundays, we provide multiple options for comfort:
Marquees: We offer two marquees for guests to relax in the shade while enjoying the beach.
Air-conditioned Vessel Access: Our vessel’s tender allows you to easily access the air-conditioned interiors throughout the day.
Shade Cabanas for Hire: For a more private experience, we offer shade cabanas for hire, providing a cool, shaded space with beautiful beach views.
Enjoy your day at Whitehaven Beach with the perfect balance of comfort and natural beauty.
Yes, you can have multiple pick-ups. We pick guests up at the bus stops along Shute Harbour Road throughout Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Jubilee Pocket. There is a bus stop near you. Callour team and we can add in the stops best suitable for your group. It's part of the SeaLink service.
