Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Hamilton Island Marina featuring a bay or harbour, boating and landscape views
Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Islands
Hamilton Island featuring night scenes, dining out and outdoor eating

The Australian Tourism Board were right to choose this cluster of tropical islands as the face of Australian tourism, as they are as idyllic as they come.

When people dream of the white-sand beaches of northern Australia, it’s probably this group of islands that have inspired them. Rising from the turquoise waters just off the coast of Queensland’s central coast, the Whitsunday Islands are an idyllic tropical escape. They are considered one of the best destinations in the world for sailing holidays, and are located in the Coral Seabetween the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's tropical north coast. 

The Whitsundays is comprised of 74 separate islands. A handful of these have townships and resorts while many are completely unspoiled. Take the family to Hamilton Island which has a major resort and plenty of activities, while nearby Hayman is perfect if you are looking for a more exclusive experience. If you are the adventurous type, consider chartering a yacht for a few days and explore the islands at your leisure.

Bring your snorkel to come face to face with the tropical fish and colourful coral beneath the surface of the Coral Sea. Dive operators are based out of Hamilton Island and offer experiences tailored to all experience levels. While boating is a great way to reach the more remote parts of the island group, swimming straight off the shore is one of the most popular activities in the region.

Take a day trip to Whitehaven Beach to witness the bright, white sand that stretches for nearly 7 kilometres (4 miles). The rainforest that runs almost to the shore of most islands offers excellent hikes, and the view from Whitsunday Peak on the main island is breathtaking.

The Whitsunday Islands remain warm year round, making it a popular destination in winter for visitors from the south of Australia. Airports on Hamilton Island and at Proserpine on the mainland service the islands. Regular charter boats and ferries run between Airlie Beach – the gateway to the islands – and Hamilton Island. Once on the islands boats can be hired or chartered to move amongst them.

Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is AU$425 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
AU$425
25 Sept - 26 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,480 reviews)
"Whilst the strong wind prevented us going out to the Barrier Reef. The hotel & facilities were excellent, from collection from/to airport, towels to use while at either pool or beach to the spacious & well thoughtout accommodation. Plus not forgetting the excellent & friendly staff. Thank you."

Reviewed on 26 Aug. 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is AU$480 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$480
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"We had an absolutely wonderful time at the Reef View Hotel. The views were nothing short of spectacular, the location is perfect for getting around easily and the staff were all so lovely and helpful."

Reviewed on 27 Aug. 2025

Reef View Hotel
Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island Resort

4.5 out of 5
Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is AU$267 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$267
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Whitsundays. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (816 reviews)
"The whole island is gorgeous, lots to do and easy to do day trips. All staff were wonderful and the food at the restaurants was incredible!"

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2025

Daydream Island Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,480 reviews)
"Whilst the strong wind prevented us going out to the Barrier Reef. The hotel & facilities were excellent, from collection from/to airport, towels to use while at either pool or beach to the spacious & well thoughtout accommodation. Plus not forgetting the excellent & friendly staff. Thank you."

Reviewed on 26 Aug. 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Hamilton Island Holiday Homes

Hamilton Island Holiday Homes

4 out of 5
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, QLD
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free parking, a free area shuttle, and a garden. Popular attractions Spa Wumurdaylin and WILD LIFE ...
"Oasis 11 is on the Marina side and you can walk to the Marina to all the eateries. The apartment is spacious and has a lovely view but does need updating as the decor is tired and some of the cupboards/chairs were loose or broken. It comes with a buggy which is handy and kids U12 eat free at some ..."

Reviewed on 6 Dec. 2024

Hamilton Island Holiday Homes
Beach Lodges

Beach Lodges

3.5 out of 5
Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Popular attractions Catseye Beach and Hamilton Island ...
Beach Lodges
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Activities

Cities near Whitsunday Islands