White-sand beaches, lush eucalyptus forests, year-round sun, and the Great Barrier Reef beckon travelers to the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island, highlights of Australia's tropical north. Sprinkled like precious gems along Queensland's Coral Sea coast, the idyllic islands are an adventurer's playground where things to do include island-hopping by yacht or catamaran, snorkeling around marine wildlife-filled reefs, bushwalking, kayaking, waterskiing, and soaking up the sun on Whitehaven, undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
With a year-round tropical climate and an average annual temperature of 80°F (27°C), the Whitsundays and Hamilton Island are great to visit year-round. September and October are the peak months, as this is when the skies are at their clearest, and the weather is typically warm but not humid. For similar conditions but without the crowds, consider a November visit.
Getting around the Whitsunday Islands requires traveling by boat. Overnight sailing trips and day cruises depart from Airlie Beach on the mainland and go from island to island. Travelers on overnight sailing trips typically explore the islands by day and sleep on the boats.You can also charter your own yacht or catamaran. Car-free Hamilton Island has its own airport—with direct connections to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—and can be explored on foot or by golf cart.
While cruising around the Whitsundays, snorkelers and divers can jump off and explore the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail, made up of six large metal sculptures inspired by marine life and installed at popular locations around the Whitsundays including Langford Island reef, Blue Pearl Bay, Manta Ray Bay and Horseshoe Bay. As well as creating a new attraction, the sculptures act as a new base for coral growth and as shelter for marine life.
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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.
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