Whitsundays

Travel Guide

Catseye Beach which includes a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming
Hamilton Island which includes general coastal views, tropical scenes and landscape views
Hamilton Island which includes a sandy beach, landscape views and general coastal views
Whitsunday Islands featuring a sandy beach and landscape views as well as a small group of people
Airlie Beach showing landscape views, swimming and a pool

The Great Barrier Reef is the big star, but the region also delights with its many islands and national parks.

Reefs, beaches, tropical forests and an archipelago of 74 islands are among the best known of the Whitsunday Coast’s natural attractions. The scenic coastline and its surroundings provide the backdrop to a variety of outdoor escapades and aquatic pursuits. Dive on the world's largest coral reef system, swim under a waterfall and trek through forests of eucalypt trees.

The focus of a lot of attention is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living structure on Earth. Dive, swim or snorkel to see thousands of fish, corals and other types of marine life. One of the main gateways to the reef is Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Coast's largest town. This coastal destination is a magnet for watersports enthusiasts. Choose between such activities as kayaking, jetboating, sailing and bareboating.

Another great place to get active on the water is Peter Faust Dam. The large body of fresh water is also known as a good fishing spot, and is a short drive from the town of Prosperine. Experience more of the diversity of Whitsunday Coast’s subaquatic world from the underwater observatory onboard the Reefworld pontoon anchored above the Hardy Reef.

Take a boat ride out to some of the Whitsunday Islands. If you are in Airlie Beach, the closest island to the shore is Daydream Island. Relax on its beaches, scuba dive and go on rainforest walks. Head to Brampton Island, much of which is covered by Brampton Islands National Park. Hike along trails that pass through eucalypt forests, grasslands, mangroves and rainforests.

Go back to the mainland for more outdoor activities at Conway National Park. Enjoy long walks on rainforest-clad hills and picnic at one of the coastal park's secluded beaches. Nearby is Cedar Creek Falls, a waterfall set in a natural rock amphitheater. Swim in the plunge pools beneath the falls and try and spot fish, lizards and other local wildlife.

To get to the Whitsunday Coast fly into international airports at Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne or Sydney. Then reach the area by car, train or internal flight and stay for spectacular natural wonders, island hopping and outdoor adventures.

Where to stay in Whitsundays

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Queens Beach

Visitors to Queens Beach like its beaches and restaurants, and Bowen Golf Course is a sight worth a stop.

Queens Beach
Airlie Beach Hotel
Airlie Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Wonderful Location
"Booked on our travels, so glad we choose to stay at Airlie Beach Hotel. Everything in short walking distance. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Airlie Beach Hotel
Reef View Hotel
Reef View Hotel
4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
Fully refundable
The price is S$347 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
S$347
30 Jul - 31 Jul
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Reef View Hotel
Daydream Island Resort
Daydream Island Resort
4.5 out of 5
Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is S$231 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$231
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (796 reviews)
"I loved the vibe of the small island, you can walk everywhere and you feel like you are miles away from everything. There is room for improvement for the cleanliness of the bathrooms, especially the tabs on the sinc, need some good scrubbing. Apart from that, we had a magical week, blessed with the ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Daydream Island Resort
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.
Mirage Whitsundays
Mirage Whitsundays
4 out of 5
11 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Cannonvale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (697 reviews)
"This property is sheer perfection. Beautifully appointed apartments with high end appliances. Its opulence! Loved it here its my second visit."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
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! (2,463 reviews)
"Stunning views to the reef"

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
Pinnacles
Pinnacles
5 out of 5
16 Golden Orchid Drive, Po Box 1322, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (627 reviews)
"Helpful staff plus fantastic views and facilities. The only disadvantage is a bit of walk up the steep hill from reception and as well from the streets. However, a cab helps and the view defly worths the effort"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Pinnacles
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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