Postcard view of the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland

Whitsundays

Home to 74 Islands

40+ Australian Locations

Iconic cruises and water-based activities across the country

300+ Unique Cruises

Hand-picked & exceptional experiences

8+ Million Happy Customers

Who have toured on one of our listed cruises

Australian Owned

Proudly supporting the Australian cruising industry

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

Aerial view of one of the pristine Whitsunday Islands

Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island Tours

9 Cruises

From $146

Stunning contrast of the white sandy beaches, azure waters & the lush rolling hills of Whitsundays.

Full Day Tours

11 Cruises

From $146

Snorkel in Whitsundays to enjoy a close-encounter with the fish species of Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkel Tours

14 Cruises

From $189

Dramatic view of the Whitsundays landscape

Sightseeing Cruises

16 Cruises

From $60

The Whitsunday Islands during the golden hours

Sunset Cruises

5 Cruises

From $69

Featured Cruises

28 Cruises

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~~

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

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

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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.

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