Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of oases between Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.

Find your own pocket-sized paradise among the Whitsundays’ 74 different islands. Yachties, rig your mainsails – the Whitsundays occupy the top tiers of the boating bucket list. Cruise from reef to reef and go snorkelling and diving. Drop the anchor and step onto one of the Whitsundays’ island wonders to go hiking or stretch out on the sugar-fine sands of a deserted beach. Spend the night on one of the four islands that have resort-style accommodation and wake up to a tropical dream.

Frequently Asked Questions about Whitsunday Islands

Best Whitsunday Islands for families?

Whitsunday Island is a great place for those with little ones, and Whitehaven Beach offers warm water and gentle tides for new swimmers. If your family wants kick back in paradise, look to Hamilton Island-there's no cars allowed on the island, so golf carts are a fun way to get around.

Where to go in Whitsundays by powerboat?

Experienced sailors can rent a powerboat and cruise around at will (aka bareboating). Otherwise, find a boat that comes with a captain and crew, and let someone else do most of the nautical stuff. Start with something easy and cruise between Hamilton, Cumberland and Hook Islands, then be daring and zoom your way to the Lindeman Group of islands. Anchors aweigh!

How were the Whitsunday Islands formed?

Simple answer? Volcanic action. Millions and millions of years ago (110 million, if you're counting) there were a stack of volcanic explosions in the area that later became Australia. That, plus some tectonic movement, created variations in land masses. About 10,000 years ago the Ice Age came to a close, and melting waters flooded the area, turning many of the mountains into islands. Nature is amazing!