The Whitsundays
The world-famous Whitsunday Islands float between the central Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef. The area is legendary with keen yachties, and has been voted as one of the world’s most beautiful sailing destinations – boasting sheltered coves for mooring, pristine beaches and stunning reefs in which to snorkel. The Whitsundays is dotted with idyllic islands, which once formed a mountain range on Australia’s mainland. Today, there are 74 islands to explore, and only eight of these are inhabited, including Hamilton Island.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects the surrounding reef, and 32 of the islands are protected by the Whitsunday Islands National Park, including the pristine Whitsunday Island.
What you’ll love about the Whitsundays:
Picture-perfect sailing
The clear, protected waters of the Whitsundays offer some of the best sailing in the world, and you could spend weeks happily cruising around the islands, coves and sandy beaches. You can charter a yacht from Hamilton Island, or skipper yourself.
Endless ways to explore
Hamilton Island offers a huge range of ways to explore the Whitsundays and is particularly ideal if you’re wanting accommodation options or hotels near the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the waters just off Hamilton Island by going windsurfing, sea kayaking, diving or snorkelling. You can also hire a dinghy or yacht, or venture further afield with a spectacular seaplane trip, helicopter ride, tour on a high-speed catamaran, and much more. Simply ask the Hamilton Island Tour Desk which options are best for you.
Unforgettable scenery
With its iridescent, warm turquoise waters, plethora of dotted islands and white, sandy beaches, the Whitsunday region offers some of the most beautiful and tranquil scenery in the world. You can experience it up close, or take a scenic seaplane or helicopter flight to enjoy a bird’s eye view.
Pleasant weather, all year round
The Whitsundays typically enjoys mild temperatures and clear skies throughout the year, from summer to winter; meaning any time is a perfect time to visit.