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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

Full Day Tours

11 Cruises

From $146

Snorkel Tours

14 Cruises

From $189

Sightseeing Cruises

16 Cruises

From $60

Sunset Cruises

5 Cruises

From $69

Featured Cruises

28 Cruises

‘Lady Enid’ luxury sailing yacht cruising on the Whitsundays

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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 $259

Guests enjoying a glorious sunset aboard the Lady Enid Sunset cruise

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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 $99

Guests basking in a remarkable Whitsundays sunset aboard the ‘Sundowner’

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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

Guests enjoying an intimate encounter with the marine life of Whitsundays

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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 $279 $299

The popular ‘Camira’ adventure yacht navigating the Whitsunday Islands

QLD9089

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 $239

Guest captures a cheeky selfie with the fish life with the view of the pontoon in the backdrop

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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 $319

Family enjoying their time on one of the beaches in Hamilton Island

QLD9092

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 $146

Guests taking it slow and basking in the sun on Whitehaven Beach

QLD9094

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

Cruising or sailing is one of the best ways to explore the Whitsundays

QLD9095

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 $155

Guests having the moment of their life aboard a Jet Boat ride in the Whitsundays

QLD9102

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.

Duration 30 Min

From $95

Guests posing for a photo on the popular Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour

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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

Ocean Rafting’s ‘Northern Expsure’ is one of the best tours to explore Whitehaven Beach

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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

Cruises in Whitsundays offer unrivalled views of nature and the incredible landscapes

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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

The award-winning Wild Cat sunset cruise taking guests to the Mackay Marina

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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

The Wild Cat pauses at Paradise Islands for guests to enjoy leisure time on the shore

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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

The Thundercat vessel zipping through the Whitsundays to the Great Barrier Reef

QLD9099

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 $220 $240

Guest snorkelling in the outer Great Barrier Reef for close encounters with the underwater ecosystem

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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 $259 $279

The adventure cruise on the ‘Viper’ is one of the fastest in the Whitsundays

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9Hr Viper Adventures Great Barrier Reef & Whitsundays

Only tour to take you to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet in one day! Jet boat rides, snorkelling & bush walks. Small groups.

Duration 9hr

From $311

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1.5Hr Hamilton Island Sunset Sailing Cruise

Relaxing sail along sheltered waters offering spectacular sunset views over the Whitsunday Islands – light nibbles & free drink included.

Duration 1hr

From $105

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2Hr Hamilton Island BBQ Dinner Cruise

Relaxing cruise through the Whitsundays from Hamilton Island on a premium vessel with a stop at a secluded bay for a delectable BBQ buffet dinner.

Duration 2hr

From $150

ACGQQE1487

7.5Hr Whitehaven & Chalkies Beach Sail & Snorkel Tour

Visit two iconic Whitsundays beaches with a small group for a personalised experience – complete with snorkelling, buffet lunch & beach time.

Duration 7hr

From $215

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1.5Hr Glass-Bottom Boat Island Explorer

Perfect for all ages – take in the stunning natural bounties of Whitsundays above & below the waves on this glass-bottom semi-sub boat with commentary.

Duration 1hr

From $60

ACGHOA1489

8Hr Great Barrier Reef Full Day Snorkel Tour

Scenic cruise to Bait Reef on a luxury boat with easy water access; snorkel at 2 sites to discover the colourful corals & tropical sea life. Lunch included.

Duration 8hr

From $285

ACGBVD1490

8Hr Great Barrier Reef Full Day Dive Tour

Perfect for certified divers – join this scenic cruise from Hamilton Island to dive with experts at two prime sites in Bait Reef. Lunch & commentary included.

Duration 8hr

From $450

ACGBNU1491

11Hr Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour From Shute Harbour

Start with a transfer from Airlie Beach, cruise to Bait Reef and snorkel straight off the swim platform to see vibrant corals & marine life! Lunch included.

Duration 11hr

From $285

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11Hr Great Barrier Reef Dive Tour From Shute Harbour

Dive options for first-timers & seasoned divers - cruise from Airlie Beach to Bait Reef and dive at 2 sites to discover the vibrant coral kingdom.

Duration 11hr

From $450

ACGNSH1521

8 Hr Hill Inlet & Snorkel Twin Tour

Discover the best of both worlds with a small group on an adventure cruise in Whitsundays. Visit the Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout and snorkel.

Duration 8hr

From $300

ACGJEQ1534

4Hr Whitsundays Half Day Adventure Tour

Cruise to a tropical Whitsunday Island paradise and enjoy snorkelling, beach fun, guided bushwalk & breathtaking views. BBQ Buffet lunch included.

Duration 4hr

From $189

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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.

Bird’s-eye-view of the Heart Reef in the Whitsundays

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

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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.

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.