Things to Do in the Whitsundays—Your Ultimate Island Adventure

About things to do in Whitsundays

  • Sail Through the Whitsundays ⛵ – Explore the stunning islands on a sailing tour or charter a yacht for the ultimate island-hopping adventure.
  • Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet 🏝️ – Walk on the world-famous silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and take in breathtaking views from Hill Inlet Lookout.
  • Snorkel & Dive the Great Barrier Reef 🐠 – Discover vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and sea turtles at some of the best reef sites, including Knuckle Reef and Hardy Reef.
  • Take a Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef 🚁 – See the stunning coral formations of Heart Reef and the Whitsundays from above on a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight.
  • Stay at a Luxury Island Resort 🌴 – Relax at world-class resorts like Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, or Elysian Retreat for the ultimate tropical getaway.
  • Try Water Sports and adventure Activities 🚤—Go jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or even skydiving over the Whitsundays for an adrenaline-filled experience.
  • Explore Whitsunday National Parks 🌿 – Hike through lush trails in Conway National Park or explore the natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands’ walking tracks.

Book an Adventure and Explore the Beautiful Whitsundays today.

Discover The Whitsundays find your inspiration

The Whitsundays are a slice of tropical paradise, boasting 74 stunning islands, pristine beaches, and world-class reef adventures. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adrenaline-fueled fun, this breathtaking region offers something for every traveller. From sailing through turquoise waters to snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and exploring lush national parks. Here is our list of the best things to do in the Whitsundays.

1. Sail Through the Whitsundays ⛵

One of the best ways to experience the Whitsundays is by sailing through its crystal-clear waters. Join a crewed sailing tour, charter a yacht, or hop on a catamaran for a day of island-hopping. Many tours visit iconic spots like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and Hook Island, with opportunities to snorkel, paddleboard, or soak up the sun on deck.

2. Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout 🏝️

No trip to the Whitsundays is complete without stepping on the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. With its pure silica sand and dazzling blue waters, this pristine stretch of beach is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Take the short walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views, where you can watch the swirling sands create mesmerizing patterns in the tide.

3. Snorkel and Dive the Great Barrier Reef 🐠

The Whitsundays are the perfect gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offering some of Australia’s best snorkelling and diving experiences. Discover Knuckle Reef, Hardy Reef, and Bait Reef, where you’ll swim among colourful corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Many reef tours include pontoon experiences, making it easy for all skill levels to enjoy the underwater magic.

4. Take a Scenic Helicopter or Seaplane Flight 🚁

For a once-in-a-lifetime view, take to the skies on a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Fly over Heart Reef, an incredible coral formation naturally shaped like a heart, or enjoy a spectacular aerial perspective of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of this world-famous region.

5. Explore Whitsunday Island National Parks 🌿

Beyond the beaches, the Whitsundays are home to stunning national parks and hiking trails. Trek through Conway National Park for breathtaking coastal views, or explore the trails of South Molle Island and Whitsunday Island. Look out for native wildlife, including goannas, cockatoos, and even rock wallabies along the way.

6. Stay at a Luxury Resort or Island Retreat 🌴

For the ultimate tropical escape, unwind at one of the luxury resorts dotted across the Whitsunday Islands. Choose from the exclusive qualia on Hamilton Island, the family-friendly Daydream Island Resort, or the secluded beauty of Elysian Retreat on Long Island. Many resorts offer direct access to beaches, pools, and incredible dining experiences with ocean views.

7. Try Water Sports & Adventure Activities 🚤

The Whitsundays are a playground for adventure lovers. Hop on a jet ski tour, kayak through hidden coves, or try stand-up paddleboarding in calm island waters. For the ultimate thrill, skydiving over the Whitsundays will give you heart-racing excitement with unbeatable views.

8. Go Whale Watching (Seasonal) 🐋

From June to September, the Whitsundays become a humpback whale nursery as these gentle giants migrate to warm waters to give birth. Join a whale-watching tour or watch from the shore—you might just spot a mother and calf playing in the waves!

9. Discover Local Culture & History 🏛️

The Whitsundays are rich in history, from Indigenous cultural heritage to early European exploration. Visit the Proserpine Historical Museum to learn about the region’s past, or take a guided tour to hear the Dreamtime stories of the Ngaro people, the traditional custodians of the Whitsundays.

10. Experience the Whitsunday Mainland 🌊

Don’t forget to explore the mainland gems of the Whitsundays! Base yourself in Airlie Beach, a vibrant coastal town with lively markets, beachfront dining, and the beautiful Airlie Beach Lagoon—perfect for a refreshing swim. From here, you can also venture to Cedar Creek Falls for a stunning rainforest waterfall experience.

Plan Your Whitsunday Adventure Today!

Whether sailing, snorkelling, hiking or simply relaxing on a pristine beach, the Whitsundays promise an unforgettable experience. With so many incredible things to see and do, this tropical paradise awaits exploration. Start planning your Whitsundays adventure today! 🌴✨

Things to do in Whitsundays Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to explore the Whitsunday Islands?
One of the best ways to experience the Whitsundays is by sailing or taking a boat tour. Whether you join a day trip, a multi-day sailing adventure, or charter your yacht, you’ll visit iconic spots like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Can I visit the Great Barrier Reef from the Whitsundays?
Absolutely! The Whitsundays are a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with day trips departing from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island..

What are the must-see attractions in the Whitsundays?
Some top must-see places include Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, famous for their swirling silica sands and crystal-clear waters. Airlie Beach and Lagoon – A vibrant coastal town with a stunning lagoon, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Heart Reef – Best seen from a scenic flight. . Hardy Reef – A fantastic dive and snorkel site teeming with marine life.

Are there things to do in the Whitsundays besides water activities?
Yes! While the Whitsundays are famous for their beaches and reefs, plenty of land-based activities exist. You can explore Airlie Beach’s markets, take a scenic hike to Honeyeater Lookout, visit Cedar Creek Falls, or unwind at a luxury island resort.

What is the best time of year to visit the Whitsundays?
The Whitsundays are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October), when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is clear for snorkelling and diving. You can also spot humpback whales from June to September as they migrate through the area! If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, visiting in the shoulder seasons (April or November) can be a great option.

Discover Your Whitsundays Adventure 🌴✨

No matter what kind of traveller you are, the Whitsundays offer an unforgettable mix of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether sailing through turquoise waters, snorkelling vibrant reefs, exploring lush hiking trails, or simply unwinding on Whitehaven Beach, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. With so many incredible things to see and do, it’s easy to see why the Whitsundays are one of Australia’s most loved destinations. Start planning your Whitsundays escape today and get ready to experience one of the most spectacular places on Earth! ⛵🐠🌞

Explore Whitsunday Islands