Located on the east coast of Australia, the Whitsundays is actually a paradise consisting of 74 islands of various sizes. Located in the Australian state of Queensland, these islands are one of the places where the world’s eyes are turned because they are located right next to the Great Barrier Reef. In this respect, the Whitsundays have an incredible underwater life. There are many spots in the region where you can dive and discover aquatic life. However, the white beaches on most of the islands, the sea with every shade of blue, and a sunny sky are some of the words that can be used to describe the Whitsundays. Among the most famous islands of the Whitsundays are Hamilton, Daydream, Hayman, and Long Island. However, the city center, located on the mainland of the region, is one of the must-see places. Among the most famous islands of the Whitsundays are Hamilton, Daydream, Hayman, and Long Island. However, the city center, located on the region’s mainland, is one of the must-see places.
Places to Visit in Whitsundays
If you love summer and sea holidays, Whitsundays is one of the best places in the world to visit. Although summer vacation is a typical holiday, there is lovely weather in the Whitsundays 12 months of the year. Since the region is made up of 74 different islands, you can guess that most of the places you must visit are stunning beaches. Here are the must-see places in the Whitsundays.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, considered the most important natural beauty in the world, is right next to the Whitsundays. The barrier is visible even from space, consisting of approximately 900 islands and 2900 reefs spread over a width of 2600 km. More than a million sea creatures are thought to live on the Great Barrier Reef, discovered in 1770 by the famous explorer James Cook. The Whitsundays, the official gateway to the reef, is, therefore, a place where the eyes of the world turn. During your Whitsundays vacation, you should definitely visit the great barrier reef with snorkeling or scuba diving. Exploring the colorful underwater life is one of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Hayman Island
Hayman Island is the northernmost island of the Whitsundays. Also, Hayman is the closest island to the Great Barrier Embankment. One of the most essential features of Hayman Island is that it is a frequent destination for those who love extreme luxury on holiday. Having many luxury hotels attracts world-famous rich people to Hayman Island. One of the best aspects of exploring the region on Hayman Island is helicopter or seaplane trips. This way, you can see both the area and the Great Barrier Reef from the sky. As you can imagine, all four sides of the island are covered with stunning beaches. Apart from that, you can play golf on Hayman Island and explore the shores by kayak or sailing.
Hamilton Island
The beauty, nature, beaches, or fun activities will not be the first thing you will surprised by when you step on Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is a car-free island. This makes a whole different experience. However, you can have fun on the go-kart track if you want. Watch your surroundings while on the island, as there may be Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, or Kookaburras. There are many activities you can do on Hamilton Island. One of them is walking. To discover the island’s beautiful nature, you can go exploring by choosing one of the many hiking paths. You can also race on the go-kart track if you want. You can play golf, take an art class surrounded by lush green nature, or enjoy the sea at one of the famous beaches.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is truly a pure white paradise. It is one of the places you must see when you go to Whitsundays. This whiteness that will catch your eyes is due to the sand structure of the beach. The beach is also considered the brightest or whitest beach in the world. 97% of the sand on the beach is pure white silicon. This feature makes the beach so white and creates a soft, touchy feeling. When you step into Whitehaven Beach, you will feel as if you are walking on tons of flour, not on a beach. There is also a camping area on the south side of the beach. You can rent a tent or bungalow here and spend the night on the beach if you want.
Eungella National Park
Whitsundays is more than just sandy beaches and deep blue seas. Almost all of the islands in the Whitsundays have eye-catching greenery. Eungella national park is one of them. The national park, which is a quiet rainforest, has breathtaking mountain views and colorful volcanic stones. One of the things you must see in the national park is the Aurelien and Wheel of Fire waterfalls. You can spend the day having fun and swimming under the waterfalls. There are many hiking paths in Eungella National Park, including the Wheel of Fire Walk. You will come across many rock pools along the hiking path. It is free to swim in these pools, which are a natural beauty hidden in deep blue among its greenery. Be careful while hiking because you may see the unique to this park, Eungella Honey Eater birds. By joining the regional helicopter or plane tours, you can see the national park bird flight and take great photos.
Whale Watching
Whitsundays is a place that can be visited not only in summer but also in winter. Moreover, considering that the average winter temperature of the region is 23°C, you can be sure that you will not feel cold. One of the best things about going to the Whitsundays in winter is seeing the whales. Humpback whales come to the Great Barrier Reef in winter to give birth. Humpback whales are also creatures known for their playful personalities. That’s why you can see them jumping, squirting, or hitting their tails repeatedly in the water. It is even possible to see newborn calves.
Best Hotels to Stay in Whitsundays 🏨
Whitsundays is genuinely a nature and holiday paradise. When this is the case, there are many hotels where you can stay in the Whitsundays. Many options are available, from numerous luxury resorts to adult-only hotels and resorts. However, there are many affordable and cheap hotels. You may find it challenging to choose among the many hotels that appeal to you. Here are the best places to stay in the Whitsundays islands.
Luxurious Places to Stay in Whitsundays 💰💰💰
It’s no surprise that there are so many luxurious hotels and resorts in a such a paradise-like vacation area. If what the city has to offer is not enough for your holiday, if you are imagining yourself in wonderfully furnished rooms, spa centers, pools, and bars, or if these are indispensable parts of your holiday, Whitsundays has hotels just for you. These are the places to stay on Whitsundays islands if you are looking for luxurious hotels.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, an IHG Hotel 🔗
A dreamlike hotel awaits you in a dreamlike geography. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Whitsundays with its private beach, lush green gardens with palm trees, and stunning rooms. There are five different restaurants within the hotel. You can enjoy excellent Mediterranean dishes in the Italian restaurant, taste the flavors of Asian cuisine blended with different spices, or try local examples of Australian cuisine. The hotel also has unique dining options for couples. It is possible to have a romantic picnic in the hotel’s garden or dine against the sea view at sunset. One of the most popular aspects of the hotel is the spa center. You can relax, unwind and rejuvenate at the spa center. You can leave the exhaustion of daily life behind by taking advantage of facial and skin care services. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is one of the best places to stay on Hayman Island.
at Marina Shores 🔗
Your dreams will come true at Marina Shores, a luxury beachfront hotel with a private beach for its visitors on Airlie Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the region. The hotel also has a variety of suites. You can have a private holiday in suites with views of Abel Point Marina, the Coral Sea, or the Whitsundays Islands. at Marina Shores is a great place to pamper yourself with its own spa suites and penthouse options. Moreover, it has a breathtaking sunset view. The rooms of the hotel are very spacious and bright. It has a 30-meter hot water pool. If you ask yourself, “where should I stay when visiting Whitsundays” at Marina Shores is a great option.
Pinnacles Resort 🔗
A hotel with a spa bath, hot tub, balcony, and view of the Coral Sea in every suite may not be possible. But Pinnacles Resort is just such a place. Pinnacles Resort offers its visitors an unforgettable holiday experience right next to Airlie Beach city center. If you get bored of the sea, you can enjoy your holiday in the hotel’s 20-meter endless pool with an ocean view. You can also relax and be alone with your thoughts in the sauna at the hotel. Pinnacles Resort is a magnificent place to stay on Whitsunday island.
Beach Club 🔗
Located in the best area to stay on Hamilton Island, Beach Club offers an unforgettable experience for its visitors. In the hotel, where only adults can stay, everything has been thought for you to pamper yourself. You can do many water sports, including windsurfing or diving, with the free equipment that the hotel offers to its visitors. The golf course within the hotel is an excellent escape for golf lovers. Beach Club is like a corner of paradise with its infinity pool located right across the sea, restaurants, and bars located at various points of the hotel. You can try mouth-watering Australian delicacies in the restaurant.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay on Whitsundays 💰💰
If luxury hotels are too much for you, or if you like to explore the surroundings instead of staying at the hotel where you’re going, budget-friendly hotels are the place for you. Hotels that offer many services but do so more affordably than luxury hotels abound in the Whitsundays. If you are looking for affordable hotels where to stay when visiting Whitsundays these are the best ones.
Airlie Beach Hotel 🔗
Ideally located on Airlie Beach, the hotel offers much more than expected from an affordable hotel. Airlie Beach Hotel is one of the best choices with its air-conditioned, spacious and sea-view rooms, outdoor swimming pool, and advantageous location. The Pub restaurant, located on-site, is known for its bistro-style dishes. You should definitely try the pizzas cooked in the wooden oven in the restaurant. Airlie Beach Hotel is a great place where to stay on the Whitsundays.
Reef View Hotel 🔗
Located on Hamilton Island, Reef View Hotel, as you can understand from its name, has a beautiful view. Even the lush gardens of the hotel have breathtaking sea views. The Pool Terrace Restaurant, located within the hotel, overlooks the 35-meter outdoor swimming pool of the hotel. The hotel restaurant offers excellent local cuisine and an outstanding selection of beers and wines. Reef View Hotel is the best place to stay on Hamilton Island, with an immersive view.
Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays 🔗
If you are wondering what it is like to stay in an art gallery, then you should spend a few days at Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays. This hotel is designed by Australia’s famous designers and architects and has a very different structure. Located on the edge of Airlie Beach, there are many restaurants, cafes, and bars around the hotel. The most important feature of the hotel is the art gallery on the top floor. This kind of art gallery is not something you will always see in the heart of the place where lush green and dazzling blue meet.
Elysian Retreat 🔗
Elysian Retreat is a hotel with many villas. The hotel has three different types of villas: standard, super, and with a swimming pool. Located between the lush green forest and the deep blue sea, Elysian Retreat offers its visitors an unforgettable experience. There are bungalows on the private beach that visitors enjoy. The hotel has an excellent spa center and restaurant on site. It is possible to have skin therapy, massage, facial treatment, or reflexology massage at the spa center. Elysian Retreat is one of the great places where to stay in Whitsundays.