Whitsundays

Travel Guide

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

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

Default Image

Queens Beach

Travelers enjoy Queens Beach for its beaches and restaurants. Consider checking out Bowen Golf Course while you're in the area.

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! (1,002 reviews)
"Gotta love everything about the place~The serenity, the balcony, and the food"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Airlie Beach Hotel
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is P14,787 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
P14,787
P16,265 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Rooms are very tired and need upgrading. You are close to the beach and restaurants - although the service and quality of food in most restaurants on the island is not great (not reefs fault) - book Qualia longpavillion if you can."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Reef View Hotel
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is P14,944 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P14,944
P14,944 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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! (2,471 reviews)
"Was perfect"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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! (2,471 reviews)
"Was perfect"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
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! (707 reviews)
"A great property with amazing views. Loved everything, from the expansive room to the nice restaurant. Cockatoos landed on our balcony!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Mirage Whitsundays
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! (632 reviews)
"Absolutely stunning"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do