Whitsundays Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Catseye Beach showing a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool
Hamilton Island showing tropical scenes, general coastal views and landscape views
Hamilton Island showing landscape views, general coastal views and a beach
Whitsunday Islands showing landscape views and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Airlie Beach showing landscape views, general coastal views and a pool

The Great Barrier Reef is the big star, but the region also delights with its many islands and national parks.

Reefs, beaches, tropical forests and an archipelago of 74 islands are among the best known of the Whitsunday Coast’s natural attractions. The scenic coastline and its surroundings provide the backdrop to a variety of outdoor escapades and aquatic pursuits. Dive on the world's largest coral reef system, swim under a waterfall and trek through forests of eucalypt trees.

The focus of a lot of attention is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living structure on Earth. Dive, swim or snorkel to see thousands of fish, corals and other types of marine life. One of the main gateways to the reef is Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Coast's largest town. This coastal destination is a magnet for watersports enthusiasts. Choose between such activities as kayaking, jetboating, sailing and bareboating.

Another great place to get active on the water is Peter Faust Dam. The large body of fresh water is also known as a good fishing spot, and is a short drive from the town of Prosperine. Experience more of the diversity of Whitsunday Coast’s subaquatic world from the underwater observatory onboard the Reefworld pontoon anchored above the Hardy Reef.

Take a boat ride out to some of the Whitsunday Islands. If you are in Airlie Beach, the closest island to the shore is Daydream Island. Relax on its beaches, scuba dive and go on rainforest walks. Head to Brampton Island, much of which is covered by Brampton Islands National Park. Hike along trails that pass through eucalypt forests, grasslands, mangroves and rainforests.

Go back to the mainland for more outdoor activities at Conway National Park. Enjoy long walks on rainforest-clad hills and picnic at one of the coastal park's secluded beaches. Nearby is Cedar Creek Falls, a waterfall set in a natural rock amphitheater. Swim in the plunge pools beneath the falls and try and spot fish, lizards and other local wildlife.

To get to the Whitsunday Coast fly into international airports at Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne or Sydney. Then reach the area by car, train or internal flight and stay for spectacular natural wonders, island hopping and outdoor adventures.

Where to stay in Whitsundays

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Queens Beach

Visitors to Queens Beach like its beaches and restaurants, and Bowen Golf Course is a sight worth a stop.

Queens Beach
Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove, Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is AU$180 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$180
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Gotta love everything about the place~The serenity, the balcony, and the food"

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Airlie Beach Hotel
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is AU$397 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
AU$397
29 Aug - 30 Aug
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Lovely friendly staff and the room was spacious, clean, comfortable and close to the beach. Live music in the hotel lounge was good. Pool and gym were great additions. The only downside was the pool closing at sunet and the gym/spa/tennis courts closing very early (4pm on weekends and 6pm weekdays), ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Reef View Hotel
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is AU$397 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$397
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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! (2,471 reviews)
"Was perfect"

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
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! (2,471 reviews)
"Was perfect"

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays

4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (708 reviews)
"Beautiful accommodation with an amazing view. We would happily book again."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
Pinnacles

Pinnacles

5 out of 5
16 Golden Orchid Drive, Po Box 1322, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (632 reviews)
"Absolutely stunning"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Pinnacles
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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