Whitsundays

Travel Guide

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

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
The price is €115 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
€115
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Airlie Beach Hotel
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is €238 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€238
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
Whitsunday Apartments
Reef View Hotel

Reef View Hotel

4 out of 5
12 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
The price is €268 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€268
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"It was sublime. Coming back"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Reef View Hotel
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.
Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments

4 out of 5
14 Resort Drive, Whitsundays, QLD
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Whitsundays. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
Whitsunday Apartments
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Mirage Whitsundays
Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat

Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat

3 out of 5
2614 Shute Harboour Road, PO Box 562, Jubilee Pocket, QLD
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Jubilee Pocket. Enjoy free parking, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Port of Airlie ...
Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat
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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