From whizzing around remote islands on a sailing boat to snorkelling colourful coral reefs, here are some of our favourite activities to do in the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays is an archipelago of 74 islands off the coast of Queensland. As well as being one of the most popular launching pads for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the islands also boast some of Australia‘s most stunning beaches, tropical rainforests, and plenty of land and water-based adventures.
Here are nine sun-filled ways to explore the Whitsundays.
1. Go sailing
Pack your bathers, slather on the sunscreen and get ready to experience life on the water. Sailing is a great way to explore the Whitsundays’ many palm-fringed islands, drop anchor at hidden coves away from the crowds, and discover the best snorkelling spots. After a jam-packed day of exploring, sit on the deck with a cool drink where you’ll have front-row seats to a Queensland sunset. If you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at sailing, you could muck in and help the crew hoist the sails and steer the boat.
2. Visit world-class beaches
The Whitsunday is packed with gorgeous beaches… the kind you’d imagine if a meditation teacher asked you to picture yourself in a tropical paradise. Whitehaven Beach is one of its most famous, and regularly tops the ‘World’s Best Beaches’ lists. Other favourites include Betty’s Beach, Chalkie’s Bay, Blue Pearl Bay and Catseye Beach.
3. Go camping
You’ll find many luxurious resorts in the Whitsundays, but if you’re more of an outdoorsy type, camping is the way to go. Wave the day-trippers goodbye as they sail off into the sunset and allow you to enjoy the scenery in solitude. Nothing beats falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, or starting your day with a refreshing sea swim.
4. Experience a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony
The traditional owners of the Whitsundays and the surrounding coastal fringe are the Ngaro People, also known as the Canoe People. They have a deep and continuing connection to the land and waters with tens of thousands of years of history and culture. Experience a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony and a short talk about the history of the Whitsundays with a local Ngaro guide. The Nara Inlet on Hook Island is one of the oldest Aboriginal sites on the East Coast.
Related: Enrich your Queensland holiday with these First Nations experiences
5. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It has been around for about 20 million years and is so large that it can be seen from space. Discover this epic reef on a snorkelling day tour from Airlie Beach. Look out for the ‘Great Eight’: turtles, giant clams, clownfish, manta rays, whales, Maori wrasse, sharks and potato cod.
6. Go whale watching
If you visit the Whitsundays during the Aussie winter (June to October), you might see majestic whales along the coast. Every year, humpbacks migrate from Antarctica to birth and nurse their calves in the warm waters along the East Coast. Humpbacks are inquisitive and playful, so you may be lucky to see them breaching and slapping their tales on the water.
7. Explore bushwalking trails
As well as pristine beaches, the Whitsundays are home to dense rainforests filled with lush native flora. The 11.5km Ngaro Sea Trail is one of the region’s best hikes. Covering diverse terrain — from grasslands to rainforest and beaches — and providing insight into Ngaro history and culture, you’ll gain an understanding of what makes this region so special. Look out for the Aboriginal cave paintings near Nara Inlet.
8. Swim in Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls is a stunning waterhole nestled in the coastal hinterland between Airlie Beach and Proserpine. You could easily spend a whole day here so bring a picnic, cool drinks and a good book to read in between swims. If you get bored of lounging around by a tropical waterfall (oh, what a hard life it is), you could explore the trail that goes up to and around the falls.
9. Relax and recharge
The Whitsundays tick all the boxes if you’re in need of some R&R. If you’re feeling lavish, why not treat yourself to a stay in one of the resorts on Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Whitsunday Island and Daydream Island. Spend your days sipping cocktails on a sun lounger, eating fresh seafood and soaking up the tropical vibes. Bliss.
Keen for a tropical adventure? Check out Intrepd’s range of Whitsunday tours.
