About Whitsundays
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 $239
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 $64
$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
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 $229
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 $299
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 $136
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 $191
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 $140
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 Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise
Whitehaven Beach sailing and snorkeling experience on board a classic yacht to explore the beautiful Whitsunday region. Lunch & tea 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 $199
6Hr Thundercat Whitsundays Eco Adventure Tour
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
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
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
Sunday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 2 January: Additional public holiday for New Year's Day
Thursday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 7 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 8 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 9 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 10 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Monday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December: Boxing Day
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 2023
Queensland: 1 April to 16 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 24 June to 9 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 16 September to 2 October
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023 - 2024
Queensland: 9 December 2023 to 21 January 2024
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
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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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© 2023 Australian Cruise Group
