Whitsundays

Travel Guide

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

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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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great vibe. Super comfy beds, clean and excellent location. Staff very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 2025/7/21

Airlie Beach Hotel
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is NT$7,593 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$7,593
NT$8,352 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,007 reviews)
"We stayed several 1night stay during our 3 weeks in Australia. It was very convenient for catching our next flight to different destinations. It’s walking distance from the Domestic terminal and since my daughter is a power wheelchair user, it made our otherwise complex planning for accessible transportation ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/25

Reef View Hotel
Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island Resort

4.5 out of 5
Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is NT$5,745 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$5,745
NT$6,319 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (805 reviews)
"Positives- Staff worked really hard and were helpful. Bingo and trivia were fun. Negatives- Unheated pool in winter. Wind cancelled activities leaving nothing to do. Dirty chair and curtains in our room. Staying for a week but didn't top up bathroom supplies. Shutters moudly in dining area. Terrible ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/20

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! (706 reviews)
"Exactly what we expected"

Reviewed on 2025/7/22

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! (2,469 reviews)
"Great location, access to beautiful pools and beach. Good for family stay"

Reviewed on 2025/7/25

Whitsunday Apartments
at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments

at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments

4 out of 5
440 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (639 reviews)
"2 bdrm unit was a very generous size. Clean and well set out. The spa on the balcony was fantastic."

Reviewed on 2025/7/13

at Boathaven Bay Holiday 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.

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