About Whitsundays
This picturesque destination is a paradise for sailing, diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Join one of the popular Whitsunday cruises for a guided tour of the islands and beaches. Some of these cruises include thrilling activities like snorkelling, sailing and swimming, with plenty of opportunities to encounter the native marine life.
The beaches here have a story of their own. The most famous one is Whitehaven Beach, which is regarded as one of the world's best beaches. Airlie Beach is a vibrant social hub with a lively atmosphere and a range of restaurants, bars, and shops. It is a great base for exploring the islands and experiencing the local culture. Whitsunday Island cruises to Whitehaven Beach are not to be missed! With the perfect mix of stunning nature, thrilling adventures and relaxation, these cruises offer the most complete Whitsundays experience.
A peek into the history of these islands tells us that the Ngaro and Gia people had inhabited here for thousands of years, relying on the bountiful marine resources. European exploration began in the 17th century, with Captain James Cook charting the region in 1770. In the 19th century, the islands saw timber logging and farming activities. As tourism grew in the 20th century, the Whitsundays transformed into a popular holiday destination.
Whitsundays Cruise Experiences
Featured Cruises
17 Cruises
8Hr ‘Lady Enid’ Langford Island Sail + Snorkel Cruise
Premium sail to Langford Island on the Lady Enid – for adults only. Snorkelling, illusion of ‘walking on water’, bush walks, fancy dining & service.
Duration 8hr
From $229
$259
2Hr ‘Lady Enid’ Sunset Sailing Experience
An adults-only tour from Airlie Beach on a classic yacht – barefoot luxury with 5-star service. Enjoy antipasto and watch the sunset over the hills.
Duration 2hr
From $95
2Hr Sundowner Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a sparkling sundowner on a cruise around Pioneer Bay & Turtle Bay. Take in the picture-perfect sunset and the lights of Airlie Beach on return.
Duration 2hr
From $69
10Hr ‘Lady Enid’ Whitehaven Beach Sail + Snorkel Cruise
Sailing luxury redefined with the best of Whitehaven Beach – sunbathe on the soft silica sand, walk to Hill Inlet lookout, deluxe lunch & snorkel tour.
Duration 10hr
From $269
$299
9Hr Camira Sailing Adventure Whitsundays
The Whitsundays beckon as you sail the azure waters on the stunning Camira. The complete Whitehaven Beach tour – snorkel & hike to Hill Inlet lookout.
Duration 9hr
From $230
$259
10Hr Reef World Hardy Reef Exploration
Cruise beyond Whitsundays to Reefworld – a multi-level pontoon at the spectacular Hardy Reef! Snorkel, swim & explore this heritage-listed ecosystem.
Duration 10hr
From $259
$319
10Hr Hamilton Island Freestyle Boat Tour
Explore Hamilton Island, a uniquely Australian paradise, at your own pace. Swim at Catseye Beach, hike to Passage Peak, visit galleries & go shopping.
Duration 10hr
From $145
$156
10.5Hr Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island Tour
Discover two of Australia's best-loved destinations in one day. Eat, drink, shop on Hamilton Island, later - swim, hike or relax on Whitehaven Beach.
Duration 11hr
From $205
7Hr Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Cruise
Cruise through azure waterways to Whitehaven Beach – the jewel in the Whitsundays crown! Sunbathe, swim & hike the Solway Circuit for stunning views.
Duration 7hr
From $150
$185
30Min Ultimate Airlie Beach Jet Boat Ride
Airlie’s #1 must-do jet boat ride – 360° spins, power stops, drifts, nosedives. Splendid Whitsundays views, informative commentary & free photos.
From $95
6Hr Southern Lights Whitehaven Beach Tour
Memorable beach tour in Whitsundays onboard a semi rigid inflatable vessel offering a snorkel experience at Border Island with colourful wildlife
Duration 6hr
From $199
6Hr Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Northern Exposure Cruise
Three experiences in just one day – fun boat ride to Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling at two sites & guided National Park walk to Hill Inlet lookout.
Duration 6hr
From $199
8Hr Whitehaven Beach And Hill Inlet Tour
Longest-running day tour to Hill Inlet & Whitehaven Beach with maximum time at each location. Classic Aussie Beach BBQ lunch included.
Duration 8hr
From $205
2Hr Wildcat Sunset Cruise
Join an award-winning operator on a sunset cruise around Mackay Marina; roof-top viewing platform for 360° views. Perfect for couples & families.
Duration 2hr
From $89
7Hr Wildcat Mackay Snorkel and Islands Tour
An adventure cruise on the brand-new Wildcat to discover the Paradise islands off the Mackay coast. Snorkel and paddle-board expeditions included.
Duration 7hr
From $209
8Hr Thundercat Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise From Whitsundays
Choose this award-winning Whitsundays adventure tour on the Thundercat – visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout & snorkel at 2 unique sites.
Duration 8hr
From $210
$240
8Hr Red Cat Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure Tour
Expert-led small group adventure cruise through the Whitsundays – snorkel at multiple sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Eco-friendly tour.
Duration 8hr
From $249
$259
Know Before You Go
Best Time To Visit
With approximately 300 days of sunshine each year and mild temperatures, the Whitsundays region is a haven for pleasant weather. Spring unveils the best of the Whitsundays, offering consistently sunny days, low humidity, and ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. During the wet season, tropical showers are common but typically brief, adding a refreshing touch to the tropical ambience.
Public Holidays
Monday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Friday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 29 March: Good Friday
Saturday, 30 March: Easter Saturday
Sunday, 31 March: Easter Sunday
Monday, 1 April: Easter Monday
Thursday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Thursday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 6 May: Labour Day
Monday, 7 October: Queen’s Birthday
Events & Festivals
Airlie Beach Festival of Music
Held in November, this multi-day music festival brings together local and international artists across various genres. It's a lively celebration of music, with performances taking place in venues throughout Airlie Beach. (Some even call it Queensland’s best music festival!)
Whitsunday Reef Festival
Celebrated in August, this festival is a week-long extravaganza that highlights the Whitsundays' coastal lifestyle. It includes fireworks, live music, street parades, food stalls, and various family-friendly activities.
Hamilton Island Race Week
Taking place in August, this prestigious yachting event attracts sailors from around the world. It combines competitive sailing with social activities, including fashion shows, gourmet food, and entertainment.
School Holidays
TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Queensland: 2 April to 14 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Queensland: 22 June to 7 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Queensland: 14 September to 29 September
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024 - 2025
Queensland: 14 December 2024 to 26 January 2025
Accommodation
The larger islands like Hamilton Island have hotels and resorts which are expensive; for cheaper alternatives you find mid-range hotels or eco lodges on other smaller islands. Airbnb is also available and is a more affordable option. Expect to pay double if you don’t book early! Camping grounds are available on the island, but this requires you to have your own boat and make your own meal.
Dining
Being one of the most popular of all the islands, Hamilton is flooded with food establishments. There are numerous fine dining venues, but dig deep and you can find plenty of casual eateries as well. The coastal enclave of Airlie Beach is also mushrooming in cafes and restaurants. The menus here have a strong local influence and the views here are simply out of this world!
Transport
Car hire is easily available at the Whitsundays Coast Airport. Hiring a car is the easiest way to get around the mainland, but to navigate between the mainland and islands, there are other options. Skipper your own boat, join a range of multi-day or single-day cruises or tours, or take a transfer.
Whitsundays Tourist Information
Public Conveniences
There are open parks and gardens for recreational use. There are also RV-friendly camping grounds within the region. Public toilets and campsites are available on most beaches.
Shopping & Market Hours
Whitsundays Plaza in Cannonvale and Whitsundays Shopping centre in Airlie are the two major shopping destinations on the islands. Expect food, fashion, everyday convenience, and specialist retailers. Grab a souvenir from one of the supermarkets!
Medical Services
Find medical assistance at Affinity Family Medical on Cannonvale. Proserpine Hospital, one of the region's popular hospitals is 26 kms away from the Whitsunday region.
Blogs & Articles
View All
Island Paradise Unveiled: The Best Of Whitsundays
If you visit a new beach in Australia everyday for the rest of your life, it would take more than 32 years to see them all. The 74 stunning islands of the Whitsundays are like emeralds scattered on a sapphire-blue ocean.
Posted on Aug 04, 2023
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© 2024 Australian Cruise Group
