The Whitsunday Islands, a cluster of 74 mostly uninhabited islands off Queensland's central coast, sit within the Great Barrier Reef marine park, offering some of the most convenient access anywhere to reef snorkelling and diving, alongside Whitehaven Beach, whose sand (composed of over 98% pure silica) is soft and cool enough to walk on even in the height of summer sun.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach's silica sand, among the purest in the world, doesn't retain heat the way ordinary sand does, and its brilliant white colour against the turquoise water creates one of Australia's most photographed coastal scenes, Hill Inlet, at the beach's northern end, offers a swirling pattern of sand and water best seen from the lookout above.
Access is by boat only, typically as part of a day cruise or seaplane/helicopter tour from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island, the lookout hike to view Hill Inlet from above adds a worthwhile extra hour to any visit.
Reef and Island Life
The Whitsundays offer some of the most accessible Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving in Australia, with numerous fringing reefs around the islands themselves in addition to pontoon trips further out to the outer reef.
Hamilton Island, the most developed of the group, serves as a common base with its own airport, while other islands range from luxury resort destinations to completely undeveloped national park land accessible only by private boat or organised tour.
Recommended Stay · Whitsundays · Hamilton Island
qualia
An adults-only luxury resort on Hamilton Island's northern tip, with private pavilions overlooking the Coral Sea and direct access to reef excursions.
