Whitsunday Islands

Travel Guide

Hamilton Island Marina showing landscape views, boating and a bay or harbour
Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Islands
Whitsunday Islands
Hamilton Island which includes outdoor eating, dining out and night scenes

The Australian Tourism Board were right to choose this cluster of tropical islands as the face of Australian tourism, as they are as idyllic as they come.

When people dream of the white-sand beaches of northern Australia, it’s probably this group of islands that have inspired them. Rising from the turquoise waters just off the coast of Queensland’s central coast, the Whitsunday Islands are an idyllic tropical escape. They are considered one of the best destinations in the world for sailing holidays, and are located in the Coral Sea between the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's tropical north coast. 

The Whitsundays is comprised of 74 separate islands. A handful of these have townships and resorts while many are completely unspoiled. Take the family to Hamilton Island which has a major resort and plenty of activities, while nearby Hayman is perfect if you are looking for a more exclusive experience. If you are the adventurous type, consider chartering a yacht for a few days and explore the islands at your leisure.

Bring your snorkel to come face to face with the tropical fish and colorful coral beneath the surface of the Coral Sea. Dive operators are based out of Hamilton Island and offer experiences tailored to all experience levels. While boating is a great way to reach the more remote parts of the island group, swimming straight off the shore is one of the most popular activities in the region.

Take a day trip to Whitehaven Beach to witness the bright, white sand that stretches for nearly 4 miles (7 kilometers). The rainforest that runs almost to the shore of most islands offers excellent hikes, and the view from Whitsunday Peak on the main island is breathtaking.

The Whitsunday Islands remain warm year round, making it a popular destination in winter for visitors from the south of Australia. Airports on Hamilton Island and at Proserpine on the mainland service the islands. Regular charter boats and ferries run between Airlie Beach – the gateway to the islands – and Hamilton Island. Once on the islands boats can be hired or chartered to move amongst them.

Reef View Hotel
Reef View Hotel
4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is CA $351 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
CA $351
CA $386 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"House cleaning was great, good location, room facilities are great"

Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2025

Reef View Hotel
Daydream Island Resort
Daydream Island Resort
4.5 out of 5
Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is CA $220 per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
CA $220
CA $242 total
Jun 18 - Jun 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Whitsundays. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (786 reviews)
"Lovely resort. Some nice features in particular the Living Reef and underwater observatory, both free. Rooms are large clean and well appointed. Still a few naintenance issues, eg, mould on outside of windows and on verandah walls. Inside generally maintained well. Lovers Cove a great place to sunbakw, ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 3, 2025

Daydream Island Resort
Whitsunday Apartments
Whitsunday Apartments
4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is CA $358 per night from Jun 25 to Jun 26
CA $358
CA $358 total
Jun 25 - Jun 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,459 reviews)
"The view from the apartment was amazing but the apartment itself was dated and in need of refurbishment. The apartment was clean but showing signs of wear and tear. Bed was average in terms of comfort. The pool at the resort centre was lovely and well kept. Facilities were excellent throughout the ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Whitsunday Apartments
Whitsunday Apartments
4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,459 reviews)
"The view from the apartment was amazing but the apartment itself was dated and in need of refurbishment. The apartment was clean but showing signs of wear and tear. Bed was average in terms of comfort. The pool at the resort centre was lovely and well kept. Facilities were excellent throughout the ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 1, 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
The Boathouse - Luxury Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
The Boathouse - Luxury Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
3 out of 5
5 Marina Terrace, Whitsundays, QLD
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly vacation home in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions WILD LIFE Hamilton ...
The Boathouse - Luxury Holiday Home with Jacuzzi
Hamilton Island Holiday Homes
Hamilton Island Holiday Homes
4 out of 5
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, QLD
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free parking, a free area shuttle, and a garden. Popular attractions Spa Wumurdaylin and WILD LIFE ...
"Oasis 11 is on the Marina side and you can walk to the Marina to all the eateries. The apartment is spacious and has a lovely view but does need updating as the decor is tired and some of the cupboards/chairs were loose or broken. It comes with a buggy which is handy and kids U12 eat free at some ..."

Reviewed on Dec. 6, 2024

Hamilton Island Holiday Homes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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