Have you heard of Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach? A paradise on the Australian east coast that shouldn't be missing from your route. Are you going to miss it?
The more than 100 islands of the Whitsunday archipelago make up one of the most beautiful natural parks on the Queensland coast. Although they are not directly immersed in the Great Barrier Reef, they feature a great variety of corals and other marine life. However, their main highlight is the stunning white sand beaches, and more specifically, the famous Whitehaven Beach.
Besides being the most photographed beach in all of Australia, it's considered one of the most beautiful in the world; and in person, it leaves no one indifferent.
When to go
This area has a very pleasant subtropical climate all year round. During the summer months (December, January, and February), the rainiest time of the year, the maximum temperature reaches 30ºC, while in winter, during the months of June, July, and August, it ranges between 18º and 24-25ºC.
The sea is always at a pleasant temperature, between 23 and 25ºC, so a thin wetsuit will be enough to endure several hours in the water, as well as serving as protection against possible jellyfish stings.
We spent two nights here in early September 2015. The water was barely cold, the outside temperature was pleasant, and a thin wetsuit was plenty.
We didn't see any jellyfish, which is normal for this time of year. If you go in summer, follow the tour guides' advice, which usually means wearing a stinger suit.
How to get there
There are two airports in this area. One of them is located on Hamilton Island. It receives direct flights from several Australian cities, such as Cairns or Brisbane, for example. It's a good option if you are going to stay overnight on the island. There is another airport in Proserpine, a 35-minute drive from Airlie Beach. You can take a shared taxi or a bus that connects you to the town for $20/person.
The most affordable option is to arrive by road, with your rental car or by bus. This last option was the one we chose. We traveled from Townsville, after our visit to Magnetic Island, with the Greyhound bus line, which connects Cairns with Brisbane.
Specifically, we caught the bus at the Townsville ferry terminal for $48/person and, in 4 hours, we arrived at the Port of Airlie, which connects the mainland to Hamilton Island. This is quite far from the town center, especially when loaded down with luggage. Unfortunately, local buses aren't very frequent, and when we arrived it was over an hour until the next one.
We took a taxi to our accommodation in Cannonvale for $11. You need to call them using the number displayed right at the taxi rank, as it's rare to find one waiting there when you arrive.
Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach with Ocean Rafting
Among all the options we found to visit Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach, we went with Ocean Rafting, mainly because of the wonderful user reviews on TripAdvisor.
When we set foot in Airlie Beach, everyone we talked to (accommodation, tourist office, restaurants...) told us we had made the right choice. And, sure enough, it didn't disappoint at all.
They offer two types of tours:
Southern lights:
The boats depart at 10:00 in the morning and spend more time at Whitehaven Beach, as they make stops both at the beach itself and at Hill Inlet, while snorkeling time is reduced to one hour.
Northern lights:
These boats leave at 8:45 in the morning and spend less time at Whitehaven Beach, as they only stop at Hill Inlet, but they make two longer snorkeling stops on another island north of Whitsunday, Hook Island, where the diving quality is better (you can see the full route on the map at the bottom of this page).
As snorkeling enthusiasts, we chose this option. However, if during your trip to Australia you visit the barrier reef from other spots, like Cairns or Lady Elliot Island, I'd recommend choosing the Southern lights option and enjoying more beach time instead, as diving in this area isn't as spectacular.
If, on the other hand, this is your only visit to the barrier reef, I'd go for Northern lights to make the most of the reef.
It costs $139 per person, plus $8 if you want to rent a wetsuit (very thin, but enough to keep you warm in the water) and $15 for lunch, 10 if you book online, with complimentary water (other drinks are extra, $3-4). For that price, it's totally worth it, since the buffet is quite good, but you can bring your own food if you prefer.
If you go in high season, book online or by phone.
I recommend wearing shoes that can get wet, and if they have good grip on your feet, even better. If you don't have any, flip-flops will do.
Keep your camera well protected, unless it's waterproof, since it will definitely have a high chance of getting wet.
They have a bus service that picks you up right at the door of your accommodation or very close by to take you to the departure point. Once there, you fill in your details on a tablet, pay, and pick up your wetsuit. Depending on the number of people, they split you up across several boats.
In our case, two boats set off for the Northern lights tour to Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach. We went on the one called Thrilla, with Jen, a super enthusiastic marine biologist, and Jason, the boat skipper, who was fun and friendly.
On the ride out to Hill Inlet, we saw dolphins jumping. Once there, they dropped us off at the official jetty, where all the boats can dock, and we walked up a small dirt path guided by Jen, who shared facts about the local flora and fauna, the origin of the sand, and other fun curiosities.
In a few minutes we reached the Hill Inlet lookout. We were alone, which allowed us to enjoy the marvelous views without any crowds. The panorama offered by this lookout is breathtaking.
Green peaks of neighboring islands over a deep blue ocean that turns turquoise as it approaches the beach, just a few meters beneath your feet. A tongue of white sand making its way into the mountains, carrying with it water so crystal-clear that it reveals the stingrays inhabiting the area. And the sky dotted with cotton clouds, kissing the sea.
What more could you ask for?
After taking in this view and snapping hundreds of photos, we headed down to the sea. Taking off your shoes to walk on that sand is a true pleasure.
The Ocean Rafting boat was waiting for us with lunch ready (it's one of the few boats that can pull right up to this area). We ate sitting on the sand, taking in the scenery, and stayed a bit longer relaxing or snorkeling. Although there wasn't much to see besides white sand, two fish species that were almost invisible due to their color, and stingrays—which are actually easier to spot from the lookout than from inside the water.
While we were there, the sky shifted from sunny with a few clouds to gray and overcast. And, right as we were leaving this wonderful beach, it started to drizzle. The second Ocean Rafting boat, which took the reverse route of ours, was just arriving. Needless to say, they weren't as lucky as us, since not only did they get the same views with less light due to the gray sky, but when they arrived at Hill Inlet, they were definitely not alone.
This made me think about how much your trip can depend on external factors beyond your control or that of the tour company. That was definitely our lucky day.
Leaving Hill Inlet, Jason cruised along Whitehaven Beach for a bit so we could get a great look at it, and then headed north towards Hook Island, where we'd do our two snorkeling sessions.
The first one was at Mantaray Bay, a very popular little cove. The reef in this area isn't anything extraordinary, especially compared to the reef we've seen in Cairns or Lady Elliot Island, but the amount of fish crowding around the boat is impressive.
This is because food is tossed to them from the boat. In my opinion, it's not the best practice, but it makes swimming feel like you're inside a giant fish tank where different marine species surround you looking for food.
Some of them were pretty big, like the Maori wrasse in the photo, and stunning to observe from so close. Jen, the biologist, even hand-fed a Maori wrasse at one point. They seemed trained.
In this bay we also saw a green sea turtle. We had a great time, although it's not super exciting snorkeling for hardcore fans of the sport, but rather a good experience for beginners (as long as you aren't afraid of fish, since I repeat, they are everywhere).
After this dive, we set off again and spotted a whale, near Hayman Island, diving down. We were able to see its tail fin rise above the water about 200 meters away from us. One of those magical moments to remember; the entire boat gasped in awe when it appeared.
Near here, at Langford Reef, we did our second snorkeling session. The day had taken a bit of a turn for the worse and the wind and current were quite strong, so this dive lasted barely 30 minutes. The coral was a bit prettier than at Mantaray Bay, but it still wasn't as spectacular as other spots we had visited on the Great Barrier Reef. The variety of fish was slightly higher than at the previous stop, but their numbers were much lower.
The skipper enlivened the ride back with fast turns and jumps over the waves, both natural ones and those created by other boats. If you're scared of these things, sit at the back of the boat; you'll feel the jumps and turns much less.
In short, a great experience. We hit the jackpot with the company, as they were friendly, informative, and fun. Maybe we would have enjoyed the other tour, Southern lights, a bit more, since the snorkeling in the area wasn't as spectacular compared to our previous experience.
However, the weather took a turn for the worse after midday, so choosing the later tour would have been a mistake at that point. Weather aside, you won't regret choosing this company for your visit to Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach.
Where to sleep
Around the Whitsundays there are several options for places to stay.
For the more adventurous on a tighter budget, there's the option of wild camping right on Whitsunday Island, where Whitehaven Beach is located. You'll need to book and bring enough food and water, as you won't find any on the island itself.
There is a maximum of 36 people allowed to stay overnight at the same time in this location, which means you're practically alone on this beach once the tourist tours have left. It must be a unique experience.
For those who can afford greater luxuries, there are options to stay in hotels or apartments on some of the other islands in the archipelago.
The most affordable accommodations of this type (less expensive would be more accurate) are the ones you'll find on Hamilton Island. It has its own airport, so you can arrive by plane or by catching a boat from the port of Airlie Beach. The lowest prices I was able to find here were around €200 per couple/night.
There are also other, more exclusive resort complexes on smaller islands in the archipelago. This is the case with the one located on Hayman Island. Just a heads-up: you're going to fall in love with the photos and reviews, but only a few can afford these luxuries, check the price first!
The most common option is to spend the night in or around Airlie Beach, on the mainland coast facing the Whitsunday Islands.
This town, packed with hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, along with dining options, revolves entirely around tourism. Just like Cairns, it has a very popular artificial lagoon, since the beaches aren't suitable for swimming.
It's crossed by a main street, Shute Harbour Road, where you'll find most of the accommodations, shops, and supermarkets, connecting it to neighboring towns like Cannonvale or Shute Harbour. There are local buses with stops all along this road, but their frequency didn't seem very high to me. So, if you don't have a rental car and prefer not to walk too much every time you want to go to the center of Airlie Beach, I recommend staying in town.
We stayed overnight in Cannonvale, in the Rainforest / Beach style Tree house room that we booked through Airbnb.
This accommodation was one of the cheapest we found in the surrounding area. It's surrounded by greenery, in a very quiet area with sea views from the terrace. The house is very pretty and, for that price, it's great. However, I wouldn't stay there again, as it has several downsides.
First of all, it's quite far from the center, more than a half-hour walk along a coastal path. It's a pretty and peaceful walk, but you'll have to do it every time you want to go to the main area with restaurants, ATMs, and supermarkets. In my opinion, it's too far.
Another issue is that the room is very small; only the bed fits, and nothing else. You won't even have a hanger to hang your jacket, and forget about a wardrobe to unpack your suitcase. The bedroom door is right next to the living room, so the sense of privacy is minimal. If you want to cook, keep in mind that there is no dining table. The only thing close to it is the breakfast bar with high stools on the front terrace—with bay views, though.
The hosts are pleasant, very relaxed and quiet, although in my opinion, they don't look after their guests much. So, if you're looking for a bed for a few days, very cheap and immersed in nature, half an hour from the center, and you're not very picky, this could be an interesting option. Personally, I don't particularly recommend it.
Where to Eat
We spent little time in this area, so the businesses I mention below are by no means representative of everything you'll find there.
On the main street of Airlie Beach, the port area where the tours depart from, and around the lagoon, you'll find hundreds of dining options.
Little Vegas Burger Bar
It's number 1 on TripAdvisor for good reason: their burgers are spectacular ($18–22). We also tried the milkshakes, only suitable for the very hungry, as they are massive! But delicious, especially the one made with peanut butter.
Whitsunday Sailing Club
As the name suggests, it's a sailing club with a restaurant, open to the public, quite far from the town center. Here, the food price is a bit above average; however, it's a great spot to have a drink or grab a bite while enjoying the sunset over the bay.
The Australia Guide in PDF
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Save it to your tablet or phone and check it out whenever, wherever, and however you like, while planning and traveling your own route along Australia's East Coast.
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Budget
- Accommodation: €87 (€22/person/day).
- Transportation: €67 (bus) + €8 (taxi) (€48.5/person).
- Tour: €214 (€107/person).
- Food: €67.2 (€16.8/person/day).
In total, we spent €443, which means €111 per person per day.
Want to know all the steps we took on our road trip through Australia? Check out the post and get inspired for your own adventure:
- The Great Barrier Reef off Cairns.
- Wild koalas on Magnetic Island.
- The natural oasis of Lady Elliot Island.
- 2 days soaking up Sydney.
And if you're still planning your trip, don't miss our practical guide to organizing your trip to Australia.
If you have any doubts or questions about Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach, or if you need any further details that I haven't mentioned, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. I'll gladly help you with whatever I can.
Useful links
- Booking a spot to stay overnight at Whitehaven Beach.
- Booking deals.
- Flights to Australia: Trabber, eDreams, and Momondo.
- 5% discount on your IATI travel insurance.
Hi!! I thought your post was wonderful!! I'm planning my trip to Whitehaven in September.
I'd like to do the day tour with Ocean Rafting but then stay to camp at Whitehaven. Do you know how I can book the tour and have them drop me off at the campsite once it's over?
Or do you have any idea where I could find out?
Also, I haven't bought my tickets yet. Is it better to fly from Sydney to Airlie Beach or to Hamilton?
Thanks!
Hi, Antonella.
I'm not sure if they can drop you off at the beach. That would probably mean missing part of the tour (in our case it was the first place we visited, and I doubt they can turn back since the itinerary is set). In any case, check with them.
And remember to book your wild camping permit well in advance. 🙂
Best regards and safe travels!
Hi Celi,
In 7 days we fly to Australia, we can't wait, and during our route we have a 4-day stay in Cairns and then we're in Hamilton for 5 days!
Where do you recommend we go to the Whitsundays from? The company will be the same, Ocean Rafting.
And one last question to see if you can help me out... Do you know if we can bring a small drone to Whitehaven Beach? Thanks so much for everything
Hi, Pau
To visit the Whitsundays, I definitely recommend going from Hamilton, without a doubt! Keep in mind that Hamilton is right within that island archipelago. Other tours besides Ocean Rafting probably depart from that island, which might be more worthwhile than having to travel to Airlie Beach.
Regarding the drone, I have no idea, sorry. I recommend checking specialized drone blogs and the regulations for use in different countries.
Best regards and safe travels!
Hi Celi. Very impressed with the account of your travels in those latitudes. I'd love your help clarifying some doubts about where to set up camp with my wife that would give us easy access to do two tours, Southern and Northern, in 2 days
Cheers
Hi, Rolando.
Thank you very much for your comment.
If you want to do the 2 tours on 2 consecutive days, your best bet is to stay in Airlie Beach, as they depart from this town.
Here you'll find plenty of accommodation options at good prices, but if what you want is to camp with a tent, campervan, or caravan, you also have that option at Seabreeze Tourist Park. On booking the camping option doesn't show up, only bungalows. But if you visit their official website, you can see that they also offer camping powered and unpowered sites.
If you're looking for free camping, I wouldn't know which place to recommend. I found this search engine (although not all results are free) and I've read some recommendations regarding Wikicamps Australia and CamperMate (apps), but I don't have experience with them.
I hope this helps. Big hug and safe travels. 🙂
Hi Celi!!! I'm planning my trip to Sydney and I need your pdf!!!!
Hi Laura! Sign up for the mailing list (newsletter) and I'll send it to you very soon. It's almost out of the oven! 🙂
Hi Celi! Loved your post… we are traveling to Australia this summer and we're starting to put the trip together with lots of excitement… but also with lots of doubts, so if you could send me the pdf that would be great! Either way, I'll keep checking your blog, it's being a huge help!
Hi Sandra!
I'm so glad the blog is helping you organize your own adventure across Australia. It makes me want to go back so badly when you tell me these things! Don't worry about the guide, I'll send it to you in a newsletter as soon as it's ready, which will definitely be before summer (there's really not long to go now). A huge hug. 🙂
Helloooo, we're leaving for Australia on March 9 for 25 days. We'll travel along the Australian East Coast from Cairns to Melbourne, you'd do me a huge favor if you could send me the pdf since we're a bit lost and AU is sooooo big haha.
By the way, any budget car rental agency? We plan on renting in different areas of the country, but we don't know if the area north of Cairns, Cape Tribulation and so on, is better to do on our own by car or take a tour….
Thanksssss
Hi Arantxa, thanks for your comment!
To be honest, I don't think I'll have time to get the PDF ready by March 9, but if you sign up for the newsletter, you'll be the first to know (I saw you took the first step, but you still need to confirm the link I sent you by email). If you don't click on it, I won't be able to add you to the list. Check your spam folder, Hotmail has it out for me… Ouch!
Regarding car rental in Cairns, Cape Tribulation and the surrounding areas, I'm sure a rental vehicle will turn out cheaper than organized tours, and it'll give you more freedom of movement. Rather than a budget rental company, I suggest you take a stroll through several of the many travel agencies you'll find in Cairns. There's something for everyone (vehicle rentals, land tours, diving and snorkeling trips…). Ask for quotes at several of them, and keep your eyes open. You'll see that the tourist options are huge. Plus, they sometimes have last-minute deals.
I hope that helped a bit. And I'm sorry I can't speed up the PDF, it just takes me a lot of time to put together.
Either way, enjoy Australia to the fullest! A hug.
I want the pdf please! any recommendations for traveling with Kids?
Hi Mey, thanks for your comment!
I don't have experience traveling with kids, but I don't think you'll have any problems. Your kids will surely enjoy the Airlie Beach lagoon a lot and, if you're booking a tour with Ocean Rafting, I recommend the Southern Lights one, which is more suitable for families (less snorkeling and easier, more time on the beach…). Have a great trip! 🙂
Thanks for the info!!!
Thank you for your comment, Mey! Safe travels. 🙂
Hi Celi, how are you? I need your recommendation! We are two 32-year-old Argentinians who will be in Auckland and the plan is to travel from Auckland to the Whitsunday Islands area. What do you recommend? Getting the flight to Hamilton Island or to Proserpine? We'd only be there for 3 days. So time is my priority. Where should we stay and spend the night? In Whitsunday, from what I read on your blog, there are no hotels, right? Can you guide me a bit? Is it worth going to the islands area? From there we would wrap up the trip in Sydney. A thousand thanks!!!!! Carla.
Hi Carla! Let's see if I can guide you a bit:
In my case, what tipped the scales was the budget. 🙂
I hope that helped a bit. A huge hug and happy travels!
Carla! I asked celi that exact same thing a while ago! I'm traveling this Saturday and going from Auckland to Proserpine (layover in Brisbane) and staying in Airlie beach, and I booked the ocean rafting tour to go to whitehaven beach!
Hi Noe! Thanks for your reply (looks like we're in sync). 😉
Have a blast in Whitehaven! A hug and safe travels.
Hi Celi!!!
Thank you so much for your post!! Honestly, it was super helpful to plan my trip along the entire Australian coast!!
Could you send me the pdf? Since I'm traveling only with my cell phone and it would be super helpful to check things as I travel!!
Here's my email.
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Anabella! So happy the blog is helping you out. I won't have the PDF ready until February, I'm so sorry. I wish I could send it to you sooner. As soon as it's done, I'll let you know by email (I deleted the address so nobody spams you, okay?). A hug, and keep enjoying your trip!
Hi Celi, thanks for so much info! I tried to read everything before asking, but I still have some questions
I'm Argentinean, my trip is only for a few days, but there's no way I want to miss these wonderful islands. I'm arriving in Auckland and due to specific dates (I have to be in Sydney by a certain date to meet a friend), I want to fly directly to the islands area to enjoy that first.
My question is, from Auckland, do you recommend going to Airlie Beach or Hamilton? From what I saw in the posts, it's easier or cheaper to go from Airlie to Whitsunday and Whitehaven with Ocean Rafting. From Auckland, I saw I can fly into Proserpine, which is close to Airlie.
I'm traveling solo, so I need to look for fairly budget-friendly accommodations and the most practical way to reach the islands.
I'm planning to spend almost 4 days there… then head to Sydney from there…
I hope you can help me with my question so I can start booking everything!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Hi Noe!
Thanks for your comment. I doubt there are direct flights from Auckland to Proserpine or Hamilton Island; you'll probably have to make a layover, most likely in Brisbane.
If what you need is something budget-friendly, the answer is clear: Airlie Beach is your destination. Fly to Proserpine, and there at the airport, take a bus or shared shuttle to Airlie (20€, a 35-minute ride).
Another option would be to catch a direct flight to Brisbane and take a bus from there to Airlie Beach with Greyhound.
The most affordable option for sleeping will be a hostel. I think there are a few. However, if sharing a room isn't your thing, the next best way to stay on a budget is finding an Airbnb at a good price.
If you don't have an account yet, I recommend signing up via this link, you'll get 25€ off your first booking. If that's your case, take a close look at the reviews for each place and choose one with great feedback that fits your usual needs. That way you'll ensure a good first experience. Also, I recommend reaching out to the host before booking directly. It's always nicer when you ask first.
With 4 days, you'll have plenty of time to explore the Whitsundays area. Let me know if I can help you with anything else.
Have a fantastic trip! Big hug.
Thank you so much Celi! I'm already getting organized! I'll let you know how it all turned out later!
Thanks for all the info!
Awesome, Noe! Keep me posted. I'm sure you'll love it. Big hug!
Hi Celi! Writing here from Airlie! I arrived yesterday, and today I did the Southern Lights tour to Whitehaven with Ocean Rafting. First of all, I recommend it to everyone like me who has never snorkeled before. Second, THANK YOU for all your info, I followed it and I'm thrilled with everything I saw!! Whitehaven is gorgeous and Airlie is a lovely town to spend a few days in. The day after tomorrow I'm already on my way to Sydney. I'm staying here at the YHA hostel, which is really great. A tip: bring Australian currency with you because here they only exchange at the bank and it closes early, after that nobody exchanges money. Thanks again for helping me visit this place with your info!
Hi Noe! So great to hear from you! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm sure many readers will appreciate it, myself included. 🙂
So glad you're liking the YHA hostel! Leaving the link here in case anyone wants to follow your lead when planning their trip.
I didn't run into the currency exchange issue because, instead of exchanging, I paid for almost everything by card and only withdrew cash from the ATM a couple of times (my debit card charges a low % compared to others). So thank you so much for sharing that tip with us! With readers like you, it's a real pleasure writing this blog.
A huge hug and keep enjoying Australia.
Thank you so much for your info. I wanted to ask you about another option within the Whitsundays, which is sleeping on a boat; they told me it's a 2-day excursion. Do you know anything about that??
Cheers from Buenos Aires, Lucas.
Hi Lucas, thanks to you for the comment. You're right, there are tons of options for a 2- or 3-day sailing excursion around the Whitsundays. However, before choosing a boat, keep in mind the kind of vibe you'd like to have during those nights:
– Are you in the mood to party and meet young people?
– Do you want to go snorkeling or scuba diving?
– Do you prefer a boat with fewer people on board or a more family-friendly atmosphere?
I've read many reviews highlighting that a big part of them—the most budget-friendly ones—are aimed at a younger crowd (backpackers) looking for music and partying. But there's an option for everyone (paying the corresponding difference if the vibe is more exclusive, of course).
From what I've seen, it looks like many agencies handle bookings for the same boats (I guessed this from the boat names, though I could be wrong). In any case, this website does a pretty good job explaining who each boat is geared toward, what it includes, how many nights, and, above all, how many people are on each boat. If you hover over 'overnight tours', you'll see there are options for backpackers, families, scuba diving, etc… And then, if you click on them, you'll see there's a wide variety of sizes or capacities. The fewer people, the more expensive, and the less 'party-oriented'.
If I were you, I'd pick the boats that look good to you on this site, and do a Google search to find the best deal, even if it's through another travel agency.
I hope I explained myself well. Let me know if not. Hope this helps a bit.
Big hug, and enjoy the Whitsundays. Ah! And if you'd like, let me know how your experience went when you get back. I'm sure other travelers will appreciate it (myself included). Until next time. 🙂
Thank you so much for your time and info! All your feedback is super valuable. The truth is I'm looking for both. Partying at night and also snorkeling.
I wanted to ask you 3 things if possible.
1) If I'm already going snorkeling in the Whitsundays, is it worth going to Cairns to do it or would it be more of the same? Did you go to the Daintree Rainforest? If you did, what did you think?
2) Is Noosa worth it? For Fraser Island, the 4×4 excursion was recommended to me, and from what I saw I liked it, but I don't necessarily have to go to Noosa to do it since there are tours from Brisbane
3) What would you recommend I do in New Zealand for 5 days? I was told about Rotorua and Coromandel
Thanks again, and of course I will share my experiences after the trip.
Cheers, Lucas
Hi Lucas! So glad I can help. If you're looking for parties and snorkeling on a sailboat, you've got it easy! That's the most common type of boat. 🙂
Let me try to answer your questions:
1) Snorkeling is SPECTACULAR if you do it on the outer barrier reef, meaning the outer reef. It doesn't matter if you're off the Whitsundays or Cairns, you can reach the real reef from both spots. Snorkeling right within the Whitsundays archipelago itself is nice, but it's not on the same level. So, whether Cairns or Whitsundays, make sure your tour goes to the outer barrier reef—this is the most important thing! During our stay in Cairns, we saw the outer reef with the company CDC; here's the link in case you haven't seen it yet. So, in the Whitsundays, we focused purely on exploring the archipelago, we didn't head that far out. Plus, from there we were heading to Lady Elliot, so we still had plenty of outer reef ahead of us. We didn't make it to Daintree Forest, ran out of time! But I'm sure I would have loved it. If you like, you can see exactly what we did in the post detailing our full road trip through Australia.
2) As for Noosa, I can't give you any recommendations. We didn't even stop by Fraser Island; I left that on the wish list for the second trip, just like the Daintree Forest. 🙂
3) Well, I haven't visited New Zealand yet, but my sister spent 1.5 months on vacation there, so I asked her for suggestions for you. Here's what she told me:
– She prefers the South Island. If she had to pick just 1, she'd skip the North Island.
From south to north on the South Island:
– She would do the Milford Sound cruise again.
– In Queenstown, she'd hike the trail to Ben Lomond from the gondola.
– Then she'd take the highway heading north along the west coast of the South Island and stop along the way to see Fox Glacier or Franz Josef (they're similar, 1 is enough).
– Kahurangi National Park is beautiful for a trail.
– If she had time, she'd then cross over to the North Island and see Tongariro National Park and Coromandel.
– Coromandel is gorgeous but also very touristy. If she had to cut something, she'd leave this out.
Just to give you an idea of my sister's tastes and whether they match yours: she is very active and athletic. She loves trekking (like me) and climbing (me, not so much…)
Well, I think you've got a tough selection process ahead, too many wonders packed into so little time!
It'll be awesome to hear about your adventures when you get back. Thanks!
Big hug and have a great trip! (I'm so jealous!) 🙂
Celi
We are a couple from Argentina, thinking about spending 1 or 2 days on Hamilton Island. We have a flight back from Proserpine (PPP) to Brisbane and we have 3 days total. Our question is whether it's better for us to spend more days on Hamilton and go directly from there to Proserpine, or make another stop in between
Thanks,
Hi Yanet,
If you have 3 days in total, I would take the opportunity to discover the Whitsundays area and the outer reef near the archipelago in more depth. That's my recommendation, but you already know I prefer enjoying 1 place unhurried rather than rushing through 2 different destinations. Here are some examples of what I'd do in your shoes:
You have the option to spend all 3 nights on Hamilton Island and do day trips around the archipelago right from the island, booking various tours. Maybe 1 to Whitehaven Beach and another to the outer reef (the reef is much more spectacular the farther you get from the mainland coast). If this is the only stop you make on the Australian Great Barrier Reef, I recommend taking a tour like this. You won't regret it (unless you get seasick on boats!). You can check out many of the tours available from Hamilton Island itself here.
As you can see, 1 option is spending a night sleeping under the stars on a platform in the middle of the outer reef. This is something I didn't have time to do (nor did my wallet allow it), but I would've loved to try it.
You could also experience spending the night right on Whitehaven Beach, if there's still time to book the overnight permit there (here). If this option catches your eye, you'll need to hire a water taxi to take you. Specifically, this company also rents camping gear.
And if what you're craving is to relax, you can spend a whole day enjoying Hamilton Island's beaches, soaking up the sun and doing a bit of snorkeling right off the shore (though it'll be far less spectacular than the outer reef).
However, if you want to visit something different, I managed to see koalas on Magnetic Island and do a trip to the Whitsundays in 4 nights (I think you don't have that much time, but maybe I'm wrong). You can see how we did it in the article about our complete route along the Australian East Coast.
Either way, I'm sure you'll have a blast. Hope this cleared up some doubts, but if you still have questions, don't hesitate! Big hug and have an amazing trip to Australia!
Celi,
Good afternoon, how are you? We are a couple from Argentina planning a few days in the Whitsundays. Our idea is to camp 2 nights on Whitehaven, and the question is whether it makes sense to do 1 of the Ocean Rafting tours and then stay on the island to camp. How would we get back to Airlie Beach the next day? What is the most budget-friendly way?.
Thanks a lot in advance for the info.
Cheers!
Hi Valentín, thanks so much for your question.
If you're going to camp on Whitehaven Beach, I don't recommend heading there with Ocean Rafting. It would turn out very expensive and I don't think they offer that kind of service. The best option is to hire a water taxi company to the beach from Airlie Beach. There are several; I'm not sure which 1 is the most affordable. I took a quick look and found this one where they rent you the camping gear (if you want) and provide transport to the island as a water taxi ($155 round trip only per person). Don't forget to take everything you'll need during your stay on Whitehaven with you (water, food, etc.).
And even more importantly, you must get a permit and spot on the official Queensland National Parks website. Here you can find information about open camping right on Whitehaven Beach or others in the archipelago, as well as the links to book it. Do it well in advance, as spots are very limited (36 people per night on Whitehaven Beach).
I hope this info was helpful. Big hugs, and enjoy the wonderful Great Barrier Reef! (I'm dying to go back!)
Hi everyone,
A reader reached out privately to ask for more info about the Whitsundays and the surrounding area. With their permission, I'm posting the reply to their questions here in case it helps other readers. Let's dive in.
Question:
From Brisbane we want to go to Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
We want to spend the night at Whitehaven Beach.
What tours are there from Airlie Beach?
What options do I have on Hamilton Island?
What do you recommend?
Answer:
Well, if you want to sleep right on Whitehaven Beach, you'll have to camp, bring everything you need with you (water, food, etc.), and request a permit and spot. Here you can find the info you need about camping right on Whitehaven Beach or others in the archipelago, plus the links to book it.
If that's what you want, but you're not carrying camping gear with you on your trip, I found this company that might interest you. They rent you the gear and take you to the island like a water taxi ($155 just for the round trip to the island).
If what you want is to visit Whitehaven, but sleep in an apartment or hotel, you have both options:
Airlie Beach: it's cheaper, so if you're on a tight budget, this would be your best bet. If you're going to visit the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach, no doubt about it: you should book the tour with Ocean Rafting. They're the most fun, they get closest to the island, they spend the most time on the beach… I highly recommend them. If you want to spend a lot of time on Whitehaven Beach, go for the Southern Lights. If you prefer to do more snorkeling (less beach time), go for the Northern Lights.
Hamilton Island will be pricier: whether you arrive by plane or boat, transport will cost a bit more. And hotels/apartments on the island are around $200 per night/couple. But if you can afford it, go for it! It must be gorgeous, I haven't been. Here is the booking link in case you want to check out prices.
From there, you have a wide variety of activities to get to Whitehaven Beach and spend a few hours on the sand, you can check them out here.
What do I recommend?
– Camping is a very personal choice, a bit more rustic, but it must be a unique experience.
– If you're on a budget, Airlie Beach and Ocean Rafting are your best options.
– If you can afford it, treat yourself to Hamilton Island and make the most of it! 🙂
Question:
We're also going to the Gold Coast for 4 or 5 days, and we're planning things out. If you have any ideas, they're more than welcome!!
Answer:
Gold Coast is the perfect spot if you want endless miles of white sandy beaches and great surfing! I haven't been to that area, but if that's what you're after, you'll love it.
I don't know your holiday style, but if you like hiking and nature, Lamington National Park is fairly close to the Gold Coast, and I think it's well worth it. Though I didn't visit that area either.
Question:
One last thing, what does Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour include?
I mean the timing for each activity and what activities it covers.
We really appreciate your tips, thanks!!
Answer:
Well, the Southern Lights tour looks like this:
– It runs from 10:00 to 16:30, so it's 6.5 hours in total.
– You visit both Hill Inlet (where the lookout is, on the north end of the beach) and Whitehaven Beach (the south end).
– They give you about two full hours to enjoy Whitehaven Beach (south end).
– You get a snorkeling stop, lasting around one hour, around the island.
– It costs $155 and includes complimentary water.
– If you want, you can add the buffet lunch for $15 more.
– Extras: Wetsuit €8, sugary drinks or chocolate bars bought on the boat, around $3-5.
The main difference with Northern Exposure is that the northern tour doesn't visit the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, and therefore doesn't get those two hours of relaxing on the beach. Instead, it's more focused on snorkeling, with two snorkel stops instead of one.
Here is the official Southern Lights page.
And if you need more help choosing between the two, maybe this map will help.
My pleasure to help however I can.
Big hugs and happy travels!
Celi, it feels like our brains are connected!! I'm planning my trip to Australia and I'm literally following your footsteps!! Thank you so much for sharing all this info, it's a lifesaver. I'll be traveling with two kids and I always like to have everything pretty well planned.
Hi Emma! I'm so glad to help! I also like traveling with a fairly well-planned 'road map' (leaving a little room for spontaneity, of course). And that's precisely the main goal of this blog, to help others find all the info I had to piece together across tons of English websites. So, thanks for confirming that I'm achieving what I set out to do! Big hugs and happy trip planning (which is super fun too, right?).
🙂
Hi Celi! How are you? We're a couple from Argentina and we already have our flight from Sydney to Airlie Beach… I wanted to ask how many days you recommend staying here since we'll then continue on to the Gold Coast.
Hi Guillermina, thanks for your comment! Honestly, I'm so happy that my experience is helping you put together your adventure. 🙂
In Airlie Beach, the bare minimum you should spend is 2 nights, so you can make the most of a full-day tour to the Whitsundays and see Whitehaven Beach.
From there, though, you could easily spend a bit more time. Airlie Beach didn't seem particularly exciting to me, but it's the perfect launchpad to explore the archipelago. Besides Ocean Rafting, you've got lots of other options: guided jet ski tours, sailboats, trips to the outer barrier reef, or even spending the night on a reef platform (this was one I seriously considered, but in the end I swapped it for Lady Elliot Island).
If you're not going to visit the reef anywhere else on your trip, I'd take an extra day or two to head out to the outer reef. As long as you're into snorkeling, of course. 🙂
I hope that helps (or at least doesn't confuse you even more…). Big hugs and have an amazing trip.
Thank you so much Celi! Your blog has been super helpful! 🙂
Thanks so much Guillermina, my absolute pleasure! Happy travels. 🙂