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About Whitsundays
The Whitsundays is a cluster of 74 tropical islands off Queensland the gateway to the World-Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Renowned for its white sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, cruise experiences and laid-back tropical vibes, the Whitsundays is one of the go-to holiday destinations in Australia.
Cruising is synonymous with Whitsundays and is the most effective way to navigate the islands. Whitsunday cruises are popular among both locals and tourists, offering quality guided tours of the islands and their wildlife. From full-day and half-day cruises to sunset sailing and adventure tours, there is something for everyone!
The beaches here have a story of their own. The most famous one is Whitehaven, which is regarded as one of the world's best beaches. It’s where you’ll find the iconic Hill Inlet Lookout. The popular Whitsunday Island cruises to Whitehaven and Hill Inlet are not to be missed!
Airlie is also a buzzing social hub with an eclectic lineup of resorts, restaurants, bars and shops. It is a great base for exploring the islands and experiencing the local culture. Most Whitsunday Island tours depart from here. Daydream, Hamilton, Hook, Langford and Hayman Islands are other must-visit islands within the Whitsundays. You can explore them on sailing trips or during one of the Whitsundays boat tours.
Although it’s a year-round destination, the best times to visit Whitsundays are in the winter and dry seasons. The water won’t be clouded, offering excellent snorkelling, diving and even whale-watching opportunities. So, if you’re eyeing a quintessential tropical escape in the Land Down Under, then the Whitsundays is an obvious choice. Don’t think twice, plan your trip now!
Whitsundays Cruise Experiences
Featured Cruises
27 Cruises
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
Wednesday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 27 January: Australia Day holiday
Friday, 18 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 19 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 20 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 21 April: Easter Monday
Friday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day
Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 5 May: Labour Day
Monday, 6 October: King'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!)
Great Barrier Reef Festival
The Great Barrier Reef Festival celebrates the Whitsundays' coastal culture and iconic reef with fireworks, music, parades and family-friendly activities over multiple days in August.
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 2025
Queensland: 7 April to 22 April
TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025
Queensland: 30 June to 14 July
TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025
Queensland: 22 September to 7 October
TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2025- 2026
Queensland: 15 December 2025 to 27 January 2026
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
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
Airlie Beach – The Best Gateway To The Whitsundays
Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays region is a breathtaking coastal town. It is one of those places that practically begs you to kick off your shoes and unwind on its stunning beach. While its laid-back charm is enough to draw visitors from around the globe.
Posted on Apr 09, 2025
5 Top Things To Do On Hamilton Island
While lazing on a beachfront hammock might be the ideal holiday experience for some, it’s considered subpar in Hamilton Island. Located in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, just a whisker away from the coast of Queensland, Hamilton Island is the picture postcard destination for Australia’s beach getaways.
Posted on Aug 16, 2024
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
