Whitsundays, Queensland
Guide to the Whitsundays
Sailing through blue waters, snorkelling above gardens of coral and coastal views more beautiful than a postcard – it’s all waiting for you in the Whitsundays.
A cluster of islands located 55km (34mi) off the Queensland coast, the Whitsundays offer everything you’d expect from a tropical paradise; turquoise waters that meet swirling white sands, beautiful secluded beaches and world-class luxury accommodation. It’s certainly relaxing, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find incredible adventure experiences. The proximity to the Great Barrier Reef means the Whitsundays are a mecca for sailing, diving and snorkelling, and there are plenty of opportunities to tick off some bucket-list worthy activities like swimming with turtles or flying over famous Heart Reef.
You can get to the Whitsundays via two airports; Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) is located on Hamilton Island and Whitsundays Coast Airport (PPP) is located about 25 minutes from Airlie Beach on the mainland.
- Whitsundays Coast Airport (PPP) services direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast
- Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) services direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, so it’s easy to connect your international flight with a flight to one of the Whitsunday airports
- Car hire is available at Whitsundays Coast Airport
On the mainland, hire car is the easiest way to get around, but there are a few options for moving between the mainland and islands, and between the different islands. Take a transfer, go bareboating (skippering your own boat) or join a range of single-day and multi-day cruises.
The Whitsundays boasts mild temperatures and about 300 days of sun each year.
Spring is when the Whitsundays really show off with consistently sunny weather, low humidity and perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The wet season is characterised by tropical showers, which are usually brief.
- High season: Spring (September to November)
- Low season: Wet season (January to March)
- Don’t miss: During winter (June to August) you can witness pods of humpback whales as they arrive to give birth, socialise and mate
