The Whitsundays are 74 rainforest clad islands with sheltered inlets, fringing coral reefs and sandy beaches. They are located midway between Brisbane and Cairns, within the Great Barrier Reef National Park. The Whitsundays provide the perfect setting for sailing, diving, snorkelling or just relaxing with crystal clear warm waters, a constant 20 to 25 degrees throughout the year and pristine beaches.

Although many of the islands remain uninhabited, there are some that have been transformed into internationally renowned island resorts. Staying in the Whitsundays reduces the time it takes to access the Great Barrier Reef, and the waters around the islands remain a stinger free zone all year round.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is the largest of the island resorts and is the perfect choice for an island holiday. Accessible by boats from Shute Harbour or by direct flight from many Australian cities, the resort and harbour cover just 20% of this three mile long island, the remainder being bushland, beach or rainforest.

Accommodation on the island includes hotels, apartment and villa options, the most luxurious being the five-star Beach Club. If you want an action-packed holiday, then there are over 40 activities to choose from, including sea-kayaking, game fishing, scenic flights, or even having breakfast with the resident koalas at the Koala Gallery! Alternatively, if you want a relaxing holiday, then Hamilton Island is perfect too! The resort has a massive array of restaurants, bars, swimming pools and children’s activities.

Top Attractions in the Whitsundays

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef – even better, do a Reefsleep and spend the night under the stars on the reef

Charter a yacht, catamaran or launch and set sail!

Learn to dive, or at least snorkel and marvel at the array of underwater life on the reef – an amazing 1500 species of fish and 400 types of coral!

Walk along Whitehaven Beach – take a private seaplane first and enjoy a luxury picnic too of course!

Take a scenic flight over Heart Reef

To get the adrenalin pumping, try the Awesome Foursome – a 15 minute helicopter ride, tandem jetski, tandem parasail and quad bike ride

Island stays – to get a true feel of the Whitsundays, you should stay on an island; the range is huge, from backpacker and family-friendly to near deserted away from it all luxury, the choice is yours!

Spas– many of the luxury island resorts offer world-class spa treatments – pamper yourself.

Sailing in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is one of the most beautiful sailing destinations in the world, with its coral reefs, rainforests, spotless beaches and crystal clear waters. The Great Barrier Reef provides protection on sheltered coves and safe anchorages, and ensure idyllic calm water sailing. Choose from a fully crewed vessel, or learn to sail yourself!

The Coral Trekker offers and experience in the true spirit of tall ship sailing. Built in 1939 this lovingly restored traditional sailing ship has plenty of old world charm! The Coral Trekker is suitable for all ages and experience, and offers elements of adventure, participation and lots of activities. Windjammer is a spectacular 72foot schooner offering guests an intimate sailing holiday with the emphasis firmly on relaxation, good food and great service

Daydream Island

Daydream Island is the closest of all the resort islands to the mainland shore at Airlie Beach, and there are many activities to keep guests entertained. The resort has recently been upgraded and now boasts one of Australia’s most advanced rejuvenation spas, as well as a golf course and a 44 foot outdoor cinema.

Long Island

Long Island has three separate island resorts and again is primarily National Park, with eight miles of walking tracks. The three very different styles of accommodation on the island are:

Club Crocodiles Long Island Resort, catering for couples and families, with a wide range of activities and entertainment; Peppers Palm Bay, a luxurious retreat with no telephones or televisions, but an excellent restaurant and spa; and South Long Island Nature Lodge, which offers a relaxing exclusive experience, enabling guests (maximum of 12 at a time) to get “closer to nature” whilst not compromising on luxury – true secluded island paradise.

Lindeman Island

One of the most southerly islands and another that is predominantly National Park, Lindeman Island is home to the International Club Med resort, perfect for couples and families alike. The island has lots of small beaches and secluded bays, with 12 miles of walking tracks.

Brampton Island

Located 20 miles north east of Mackay at the entrance to the Whitsunday Passage and the southern end of the Whitsundays, Brampton Island consists almost entirely of National Park, with white sand beaches and fringing coral. The island is a mix of subtropical rainforest and grasslands, and there are some great walking trails to explore as well as the seven beaches. Small, relaxed and intimate, Brampton Island caters mainly for couples.

Hayman

A secluded island of natural beauty, internationally-acclaimed Hayman is the most northerly of the Whitsundays, accessible by luxury champagne cruise from Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island). This resort is one of the most prestigious in the world, with rooms of impeccable quality all offering fantastic views. The cuisine is second to none, and you can even tour one of the world’s largest kitchens and see the chefs hard at work preparing your meals!

South Molle Island

South Molle Island is right at the heart of the Whitsundays, and, at 2½ sq miles is the biggest of the North, Mid and South Molle Island group, and the only one to boast a resort. It is joined by a natural causeway to Mid Molle and North Molle. The majority of the island is National Park, and there are numerous walking trails to explore – a trip up to the top of Mount Jeffreys affords some spectacular views. There is a range of accommodation on offer, including backpacker. Golf and watersports are also available.

Getting to the Whitsundays and Getting around

By Air: The Whitsundays are served by two airports, the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island, and the Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine. Both airports have daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne, some via Brisbane. The flight from Sydney is approximately 2½ hours, 3 hours from Melbourne and 1¼ hours from Brisbane, and flights are available on Jetstar and Virgin Blue Airlines. Contact your travel agent for further information on flights to the Whitsundays. Flights arriving at Hamilton Island are met by ferries running services to Daydream Island, Lindeman Island, Long Island, South Molle Island and Shute Harbour. Air transfers by helicopter, seaplane or light aircraft are also available.

By Rail: Travel on Queensland Rail’s Tilt or Sunlander Train, which links Proserpine with the coastal centres between Brisbane and Cairns – it is then possible to take a connecting coach for the onward journey to Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour.

By Coach: Most major Australian coach operators have services to the Whitsundays – ask your travel agent for more information.

By Road: The area is served by the Bruce Highway which links most of Queensland’s main coastal towns, including Proserpine.