
Things to do in The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
Welcome to The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
With sun-bleached sands, lush eucalyptus forests, and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Great Barrier Reef right on the doorstep, the Whitsunday Islands are among the highlights of Australia's tropical north. Sprinkled along Queensland's Coral Sea coast, the 74 idyllic islands are reachable by boat from Airlie Beach, and are a popular destination for half-, full-, or multi-day island-hopping cruises; sailing adventures; and other tours. The largest of the islands is Whitsunday, where highlights include the world-famous Whitehaven Beach—a pristine expanse of sugar-white sands—and the Hill Inlet Lookout, which offers dramatic views over the surrounding islands. North of Whitsunday, the waters around Hook Island and Hayman Island are a feeding ground for dolphins, manta rays, and humpback whales. Meanwhile, to the east, Chalkies Beach on Haslewood Island—fringed by vibrant coral reefs and teeming with marine life—offers spectacular snorkeling. Farther south, the luxurious resorts of Hamilton Island draw a steady stream of holidaymakers. The most built-up of all the islands, Hamilton has a bustling marina, lively beach resorts, and an 18-hole golf course. The biggest draw is Catseye Beach, where thrill-seekers can enjoy water sports such as waterskiing, kayaking, rafting, and Jet Ski tours. However, the walking trails of Passage Peak are one of the best places to soak up the island's natural beauty.
Top 9 attractions in The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
Explore The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island by interest
Trip ideas
Top activities in The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island
People Also Ask
September and October are the best months to visit the Whitsundays. The skies are typically clear, and you are likely to experience warm weather and low humidity. These months are also the peak times for visitors, so to avoid the crowds (particularly during a school holiday), consider a November visit.
...MoreYou need between three and five days in the Whitsundays to visit different islands and beaches and to try out as many adventures as possible. Tours to places such as Whitehaven Beach typically take at least half a day, and you’ll want to set aside some time to simply relax.
...MoreYes. The Whitsunday Islands boast some of Australia’s best beaches and swimming, snorkeling, and diving spots. Many snorkeling and sailing tours offer guided trips. However, you do need to be aware of jellyfish and should consider wearing a stinger suit (similar to a wetsuit) for protection in the warmer months.
...MoreThe Whitsunday Islands are renowned worldwide for white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests, as well as opportunities for island-hopping, sailing adventures, and water sports. Behind their aesthetic beauty, the islands are rich in the history of the Ngaro Aboriginal people and in wildlife diversity, including rare and endangered species.
...MoreYes. Box jellyfish, Irukandji, bluebottles, and other jellyfish species can be found in the Whitsundays. While a rare occurrence, a sting can cause a severe, even fatal, reaction (especially from an Irukandji), so it is important to treat it properly. Stinger season in the Whitsundays is late October through May.
...MoreHamilton Island is one of Australia’s most visited islands, boasting pristine white beaches and a bounty of coral and marine life. The island’s infrastructure includes a commercial airport, as well as resorts, golf courses, and other comforts. Many visitors use it as a base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
...MoreThe Whitsundays & Hamilton Island information
Number of Attractions | 9 |
---|---|
Number of Tours | 22 |
Number of Reviews | 153 |
Currency | AUD |
Trending attractions
- Colosseum
- Eiffel Tower
- Hoover Dam
- Statue of Liberty
- Sagrada Familia
- Burj Khalifa
- Louvre
- Acropolis
- Road to Hana (Hana Highway)
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
- Molokini Crater
- Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi)
- Na Pali Coast
- Blue Lagoon
- Tower of London
- Stonehenge
- Milan Duomo
- Ellis Island
- Great Barrier Reef
Popular on Viator
- Statue of Liberty Tours and Tickets
- The White House Tours and Tickets
- Antelope Canyon Tours and Tickets
- Hoover Dam Tours and Tickets
- Alcatraz Tours and Tickets
- Stonehenge Tours and Tickets
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets
- Beverly Hills Tours and Tickets
- Colosseum Tours and Tickets
- Washington Monument Tours and Tickets
- San Diego Zoo Tours and Tickets
- Space Needle Tours and Tickets
- Eiffel Tower Tours and Tickets
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets
- Empire State Building Tours and Tickets
- Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets
- Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets
- Blue Lagoon Tours and Tickets
- Burj Khalifa Tours and Tickets
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets