Whitsundays Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

Visitors to Queens Beach like its beaches and restaurants, and Bowen Golf Course is a sight worth a stop.

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Location Location Location"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Airlie Beach Hotel
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is ₹20,644 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹20,644
₹22,841 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Beautiful short stay in a stunning location. Loved it and wish we could have stayed longer!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Reef View Hotel
Daydream Island Resort

Daydream Island Resort

4.5 out of 5
Whitsunday Islands, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is ₹15,760 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹15,760
₹17,530 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Whitsundays. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (802 reviews)
"As you are in an Island , you have to rely on their food options and restaurant, this would be shocking when you have a child and been told the food is finished or all the tables have been reserved! they should know how many guest on the Island to ensure the variety and enough food in reasonable ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (702 reviews)
"Wow what an amazing property. Stayed in a 2 bedroom ocean front apartment overlooking the water. The photos on their website don’t do justice to this stunningly huge modern apartment. It has the biggest open plan living, 2 massive bedrooms each with its own bathroom and a laundry. There are 3 pool ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,464 reviews)
"Stunning views to the reef"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Whitsunday Apartments
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (629 reviews)
"Fantastic apartment with the most amazing views, lovely hosts. Stunning infinity pool"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 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.

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