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Whitsundays, Queensland

Guide to the Whitsundays

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• Getting to the Whitsundays
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Sailing through blue waters, snorkelling above gardens of coral and coastal views more beautiful than a postcard – it’s all waiting for you in the Whitsundays.

A cluster of islands located 55km (34mi) off the Queensland coast, the Whitsundays offer everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise; turquoise waters that meet swirling white sands, beautiful secluded beaches and world-class luxury accommodation. It’s certainly relaxing, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find incredible adventure experiences. The proximity to the Great Barrier Reef means the Whitsundays are a mecca for sailing, diving and snorkelling, and there are plenty of opportunities to tick off some bucket-list worthy activities like swimming with turtles or flying over famous Heart Reef.

You can get to the Whitsundays via two airports; Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) is located on Hamilton Island and Whitsundays Coast Airport (PPP) is located about 25 minutes from Airlie Beach on the mainland. 

• Whitsundays Coast Airport (PPP) services direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast
• Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) services direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, so it’s easy to connect your international flight with a flight to one of the Whitsunday airports
• Car hire is available at Whitsundays Coast Airport

On the mainland, hire car is the easiest way to get around, but there are a few options for moving between the mainland and islands, and between the different islands. Take a transfer, go bareboating (skippering your own boat) or join a range of single-day and multi-day cruises.

The Whitsundays boasts mild temperatures and about 300 days of sun each year. 

Spring is when the Whitsundays really show off with consistently sunny weather, low humidity and perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The wet season is characterised by tropical showers, which are usually brief.

• High season: Spring (September to November) 
• Low season: Wet season (January to March)
• Don’t miss: During winter (June to August) you can witness pods of humpback whales as they arrive to give birth, socialise and mate

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

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Home » Things To Do

Things To Do in the Whitsundays

Explore the Whitsundays from the bow of a sailboat, cruise through the islands and drop anchor for a quick snorkel and wake up to a sunrise over world famous Whitehaven Beach. Or enjoy the spoils of a mainland resort with Coral Sea views at Airlie Beach , yet another 74 island wonder.

With its natural beauty and world-renowned icons, the Whitsundays are on many travellers' wishlists. You can knock off a few items on your bucket list right here: scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, sink your toes into the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach, take a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands, teach the kids how to fish, go snorkelling and have a family holiday or a romantic escape on an island resort.

Experience the Whitsundays

Whether you are into adrenalin and excitement or prefer some good old fashioned rest and relaxation, the Whitsundays has a wide variety of experiences to make your holiday one of the most memorable ever.

Activities & Experiences

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More things to do in the Whitsundays from WotToDo.com.au

For a complete list of things to do in the Whitsundays , visit WotToDo.com.au

Things To Do: Whitsundays

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The minimum legal 'drinking' age is 18. Young people going to bars and discos should carry photo identification to prove they are at least 18 years old. They will not be let in otherwise. No one may buy liquor from a bar or liquor store (bottle shop) unless they are at least 18 years old. Buying liquor for a 'minor' is illegal.

Credit Cards

All banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) accessible 24-hours a day, generally outside the branch or in the foyer. Check with your card issuer that your charge or account-linked credit card can be used in this way, and at which bank as none accept every brand of card. Most tour operators and dining venues now accept a contactless payment system for credit cards.

The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents. One and two cent coins are no longer in circulation, but many items in shops and supermarkets are priced in odd amounts, such as $1.97 or $9.99. The law provides that the TOTAL bill is rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents. So $19.97 becomes $19.95, $19.98 becomes $20.00. Coin denominations are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c $1 and $2. Notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100, are colour coded and made from a plastic compound that will survive a wash or a swim. Check our currency converter for today's rates.

Driving Information

Australians drive on the left, which can be disconcerting for visitors used to driving on the right side of the road. Roads are generally in good condition and major routes well signposted. Speed limits and distances are expressed in kilometres (per hour) and vary substantially from 50 km/h in residential and heavy traffic areas to 110 km/h on freeways. Police use laser guns, radar and automatic cameras to detect speeding vehicles. Drink driving is a serious offence and is heavily policed. Drivers can be stopped anywhere at random and subjected to a breath analysis test. Offenders are arrested and fingerprinted, so it can be a bad end to a fine evening or a long lunch. The legal limit of .05% is quite low - roughly equivalent to two small glasses of wine in the first hour and one an hour thereafter for men, less for women.

Getting to the Whitsundays

Air: Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate flights daily to Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine. Connections to Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie or Shute Harbour are available with Whitsunday Transit along with other transfer operators operating an airport shuttle coach service or a private car transfer. Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer daily services into Hamilton Island from airports throughout Australia. QantasLink operates from Cairns. Cruise Whitsundays also operates boat transfers to/from both Hamilton Island and Whitsundays Coast Airports, Daydream Island, Long Island, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.

Road: The highway to Proserpine and the road into Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are suitable for all vehicles. Brisbane to Airlie Beach: 1100km, 12 - 14 hours Townsville to Airlie Beach: 275km, 3 - 4 hours Cairns to Airlie Beach: 620km, 7 - 8 hours

Rail: is a great option for travel to the Whitsunday region. Tilt Train services, which offer a modern, comfortable travel experience, arrive and depart from Proserpine Station twice a week (north and south) with coach connections to major resorts and harbours.

Medical Services

Australian health care professionals are highly trained and medical services are among the best in the world. Visitors from the UK, New Zealand and Finland are entitled to free or heavily subsidised medical and hospital care under reciprocal national health care agreements with the taxpayer funded Medicare organisation. All other visitors should take out travel insurance when visiting Australia. Several Australian-based travel insurers have special cover for visitors which are very much less expensive than travel cover sold in the US, for instance. Major hotels have doctors on-call.

Prescription Drugs

Visitors who have a medical condition requiring treatment should ensure they carry a letter from their doctor outlining their condition and the medication required. This is also important if the drug is uncommon or contains narcotics, which may be a restricted import. Most medication is available in Australia, but only on a doctor's prescription. Prescription drugs are dispensed by qualified pharmacist at 'pharmacies' or 'chemist' shops.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques, especially in foreign currencies, are generally NOT accepted EXCEPT by hotels and big stores and tourist shops. These display a 'travellers cheques welcome' sign. Cash your cheques at a bank or Bureau de Change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not generally accepted by Australian businesses and shops.

No service charge applies in Australia. Tipping is not mandatory but a 10% tip in restaurants and hotel bars is normal for good service.

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Holiday in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays, an archipelago of natural wonder, invite you to discover the epitome of tropical luxury and adventure in Queensland, Australia. Here, the azure waters of the Coral Sea meet white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, creating a haven for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're sailing the calm waters, exploring the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, or lounging on the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsundays offer an unparalleled holiday experience.

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For the international visitor.

Embark on a journey to the Whitsundays, where the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is at your fingertips. Dive or snorkel among the colorful coral gardens, teeming with marine life, or take a scenic flight for a bird's-eye view of Heart Reef. Enjoy the luxury of island resorts on Hamilton, Hayman, and Daydream Islands, where exquisite dining, spa treatments, and water sports await. Discover the charm of Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, with its vibrant nightlife, waterfront dining, and access to rainforest treks.

For the Domestic Explorer

Rediscover the magic of the Whitsundays, a treasure trove of natural beauty and serene escapades. Sail through the islands, dropping anchor in secluded bays for private picnics on untouched beaches. Take the family to explore the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park, or engage in water sports that cater to all ages and skill levels. Experience the unique sensation of walking on the ocean floor at low tide at Hill Inlet, where the shifting sands create breathtaking patterns of blue and white.

Embrace the Adventure

The Whitsundays are not just a destination; they're an invitation to adventure in one of the world's most exquisite natural settings. Whether it's kayaking around the islands, stand-up paddleboarding in crystal-clear waters, or hiking to panoramic lookouts on Whitsunday Island, the region offers endless opportunities for exploration and excitement. The commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the reef and islands ensures a sustainable and responsible way to enjoy and appreciate this remarkable destination.

Holiday in the Whitsundays , where every moment is a glimpse of paradise, every breath is fresh with the scent of the sea, and every day ends with a spectacular sunset over the Coral Sea. Whether you're seeking the thrill of adventure, the peace of secluded beaches, or the indulgence of luxury accommodation, the Whitsundays' welcoming embrace is ready to offer you a holiday filled with joy, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

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Mature Australians Tourism Career Seminar Series

Are you considering a change of career pace or returning to the workforce? The tourism industry is looking for you!

Offering some of the country’s most flexible and social working conditions, and directly and indirectly employing 206,000 Queenslanders, the tourism industry has identified mature-aged workers as a target group for new employees.

Join us at a Mature Australians Tourism Career Seminar Series near you to hear from industry employers and employees on the benefits of working in the tourism industry, learn the new conditions that allow you to work without impacting your pension and for the opportunity to network with tourism businesses looking to employ mature-aged Australians.

With roles from tour guides, drivers and receptionists to caravan park maintenance, hotel housekeeping and restaurant servers; there is something for everyone.

Monday 27 May 2024, 9 am to 12 pm, HOTA 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Whitsundays

Friday 31 May 2024, 9 am to 12 pm, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 16 Main Street, Proserpine

Tuesday 4 June 2024, 2 pm to 4:30 pm, Cazalys, 344 Mulgrave Road, Westcourt

Thursday 6 June 2024, 9 am to 12 pm, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane

Sunshine Coast

Tuesday 11 June 2024, 9 am to 12 pm, The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast, 15 Freshwater Street, Mountain Creek

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Destroyed by cyclones, impacted by climate change and neglected by foreign owners – these abandoned island resorts are now an eyesore

A pool lined with green sludge, rotting roofs and termite infested buildings – this derelict island resort has become a sad tourist attraction for all the wrong reasons, and it's not an isolated case.

At least half a dozen resorts along the Queensland coast have fallen to a similar fate.

In the heart of tropical Far North Queensland, the picturesque Double Island was once a thriving hub for holiday-makers including former Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

The island resort, 30 minutes north of Cairns, even built a gym for actor Keanu Reeves, so frequent were his stays.

But the resort has long been in a state of disrepair, with rotting roofs punctured by falling coconuts and green sludge lining the bottom of the once sparkling pool.

Brad Madgwick offers guided kayaking tours to the island, and recently incorporated the island's decay into his regular marine-life spotting adventures.

"We've always walked the shorelines looking for wildlife, but in the last few years, we have been given permission to go through the resort," Mr Madgwick said.

"The coconuts have taken a toll and the termites are having a good feed, it's sad really because it used to be a very glamorous resort back in the day."

The derelict state of the resort — safari-style tents covered in mould are dotted throughout — is shaping up to be one of the biggest legal battles ever held over an island in Australia.

The Queensland Government's Department of Resources will attempt to strip Hong Kong based billionaire Benny Wu of the island's lease in the Land Court in Cairns within weeks.

Mr Wu's Fortune Island Holding's is accused of non-compliance for failing to bring the facilities up to scratch and open the island to the public.

The day can't come soon enough for some local Palm Cove business owners, although opinions vary about what should happen with the island, if the state government is successful in its proceedings.

"When it was taken over in 2012, it was a thriving business," said local businessman Tony Richards, who would like to see a resort rebuilt.

"Nothing has been done to it since then. It's a complete bulldoze job."

The ABC has contacted Mr Wu for comment.

Paradise lost

Across the Great Barrier Reef, cyclones and neglect have left half a dozen island resorts shuttered and abandoned, with ruined infrastructure and damaged environments.

Brampton Island Resort, off Mackay, was a jewel in Queensland's tourism crown until it was bought by United Petroleum in 2010 for $5.9 million, its ocean side pool now filled with sand.

Lindeman Island in the Whitsundays, once famed for being the first Club Med in Australia, has sat in ruins since it was pummelled by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

The Singaporean company, Well Start, has since bought the island and pledged to restore it.

Resorts on South Molle and Hook Island have also been closed for years.

The 1980s party paradise, Great Keppel (Woppa) Island off the central Queensland coast, has been laying in ruin for 15 years, with the Queensland government recently announcing a $30 million master plan including provisions for an eco-resort , new sewage system and conservation areas. 

Meanwhile, the beleaguered Dunk Island resort off the coast of Far North Queensland, was also destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

There are plans to open "glamping" style accommodation on the island within months, following billionaire Annie Cannon-Brook's purchase in 2022.

Professor Daniel Gschwind, from Griffith University's Institute for Tourism, said abandoned and closed resorts not only had an impact on the Great Barrier Reef's reputation, but Australia's broader tourism brand.

"Globally, the Great Barrier Reef is recognised as an outstanding asset, it's World Heritage listed, which in itself draws a lot of attention," Professor Gshwind said.

"The way Australia manages that asset and presents the asset to visitors is absolutely, critically important for our global reputation."

He said island resorts helped to bring in billions of tourism dollars each year and there needed to be an "expectation that lease holders fulfil their obligations".

However, he said the high cost of maintaining as well as accessing the resorts by plane or barge was impacting on owners to turn a profit, as well as skyrocketing insurance premiums.

"So there are great obstacles to overcome, but the benefit and the value of those islands as a tourism destination really can't be overstated."

Parliamentary inquiry into Queensland islands

Queensland's Transport and Resources Committee held a parliamentary inquiry examining the economic and regulatory frameworks for Queensland's island resorts, tabling a report just over a year ago.

Eighteen recommendations were made to the state government, including cancelling the leases of developers who let the resorts fall to rack and ruin.

Several of the submissions raised concerns about foreign ownership, as well as the impact of climate change, including intense cyclones, on resort infrastructure.

Professor Tim Harcourt, chief economist at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney said buying up tropical islands could be seen by some international companies as an attractive proposition.

"They've got to get their money out and they're going to put it somewhere, and buying land is the easiest thing to do," Professor Harcourt said.

He also noted the longevity and success stories of the Hamilton and Hayman Island resorts in the Whitsundays.

The Andrew Forrest-owned Lizard Island, off Cooktown in Far North Queensland has been rebuilt twice due to successive cyclones, and is enjoying strong occupancy numbers.

Orpheus Island and Pelorus Island north of Townsville have also undergone extensive renovations.

Back on Double Island, Mr Madgwick said he would like to see the island returned to its natural splendour.

"I would love to see the island turned into a national park, with a communal kitchen, maybe a caretaker on the island, and to open it up to camping," Mr Madgwick said.

"It's a beautiful island and it should belong to the people."

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