THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN WHITSUNDAYS REGION: THE ULTIMATE WHITSUNDAYS GUIDE
LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN WHITSUNDAYS REGION? WE'VE BROKEN DOWN THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE WHITSUNDAYS FOR THE ADVENTURE SEEKERS, SUN-SOAKERS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
Like many Australians, you might be planning a holiday or getaway at home this year. We're fortunate enough in Australia to be surrounded by beautiful scenery and some of the most untouched, pristine beaches in the world. Now is the best time to explore our Australian backyard, and it's super easy when we are surrounded by beautiful locations such as the Whitsundays. We couldn't think of anything better to do on vacation than visit the Whitsundays, enjoy the island life and explore other things to do in Whitsundays. While enjoying the scenery may sound enchanting enough; you might be wondering exactly what to do in Whitsundays Australia.
Wings Adventures are a multi-award-winning charter vessel operator which provide liveaboard tours, private skippered charters, sailing and snorkelling and other activities in Whitsunday Islands. We operate the best charter in the Whitsundays, and we've got a pretty good handle on things to do in Whitsundays and how to do the Whitsundays to maximise the enjoyment of your holiday.
WHITSUNDAYS THINGS TO DO
Now that you've booked your flights, you might be wondering what to do in Whitsundays. We've put together the 10 best activities in Whitsunday Islands.
Our suggestions below are separated and will take you through Whitsundays things to do that will help you to relax, as well as what to do in Whitsundays Australia if you're looking for a more action-filled holiday. We've got something to suit every traveller in the Whitsundays – regardless of what kind of holiday you're after, your bound to love these local suggestions on exploring one of the great wonders of the world.
So, what are the best things to do in Whitsundays?
HOW TO DO THE WHITSUNDAYS FOR A RELAXING HOLIDAY
Kick back and relax, because we're here to take you through how to do the Whitsundays in a way that will help you to relax in your time off.
If you're someone who can't keep still, this might not be for you. We recommend scrolling down to the ‘Action Packed Activities in Whitsunday Islands' section for more things to do in Whitsundays.
1. EXPLORE THE ISLANDS
The Whitsundays are made of the 74 island wonders. That’s 74 blissful islands that are begging to
be explored. It’s no surprise that exploring these islands and their beautiful scenery is
something that we often hear are on visitor’s bucket lists for some time.
The Whitsunday Islands are completely uninhabited and untouched, with plenty of desolate coves
that will make you feel like you’re in a completely secluded spot.
The best way to explore the islands is to experience it from the turquoise, sparkling waters. You
can take a Whitsundays boat tour around the islands which will allow you to sail through the
crystal clear blue water at a relaxing pace.
This option is best suited for solo travellers or those who are looking for some extra
information from the boat tour from the guide provided. It’s one of the best things to do in
Whitsundays.
Alternatively, if tours aren’t your preference, you can opt to take control of your adventure.
Explore the Whitsundays on your terms, at your pace, according to your personalised itinerary and
with people of your choice. Be the captain of your ship with a private bareboat charter
Whitsundays adventure.
The best bit? It doesn’t even require you to have your boat license. We provide a private skipper
who can give sailing advice as you adventure through the Whitsundays.
This option is best suited for large groups or those who prefer to be in control of their
adventures.
No matter which way you choose to have your adventure, exploring the 74 idyllic islands must be
on the top of your Whitsundays things to-do list.
2. Stay In A Luxury Resort
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or simply a relaxing sanctuary from busy family life,
there is no shortage of 5-star retreats located in the Whitsunday region. You don’t have to be
constantly on the go to enjoy all the things to do in Whitsundays. Sometimes, it’s just better to
allow yourself to fully relax and take in the beautiful surrounds.
Go on, treat yourself.
3. Cruise to Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a coastal town located in the heart of the Whitsunday Region and is known as the
gateway to the Islands. It has a permanent holiday vibe, which is irresistibly charming and super
relaxing.
It is surrounded by dense, tropical, luscious rainforest and is famous for its pristine beaches
and tall palm trees that outline the border from the rainforest to the sand. Given the
destination, the water is warm and safe to swim in all year round, so you can be sure to enjoy as
many swims as you please at any time of the year.
Given it’s proximity to the water, there is an abundance of marine life that can be spotted from
Airlie Beach. The best way to explore this region is by boat. Exploring Airlie each by boat will
allow you to get close to the abundance of marine wildlife, and find your way to secret coves
that you might not otherwise know about, nor know how to get to.
For a relaxing and enlightening adventure through the waterways, we recommend an Airlie Beach cruise, sunset sail or
private charter yacht. If you’re coming from an island and are
interested in joining the rest of civilisation in Airlie Beach for a couple of nights, it will be
no issue to return to the islands at a later date with a Whitsundays charter from Airlie Beach.
4. Visit Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven beach is famous for the brightest white sands, which consists of 98% pure silica sand
which was brought to the shoreline over millions and millions of years. It’s one of the whitest
beaches in the world, and it’s one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
The beach stretches across 7km of Whitsunday Island and can be accessed by boat, helicopter, or
seaplane from Airlie Beach. You can stay overnight (or for a few nights if you’re well prepared)
at Whitehaven beach, by booking a campsite in the national park on the southern end of the iconic
destination, or you can anchor your boat overnight.
Enjoy the serenity of the iconic white sandy beaches and the luxuriously warm water suitable for
year-round swimming. Wings operate and provide a number of award-winning Whitehaven beach charters.
5. Take a Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef
Heart Reef is a well-known and popular destination for those visiting the Whitsunday region. It
is a naturally occurring accumulation of coral which happens to be in the shape of a perfect
heart.
To fully appreciate the effect of the heart-shaped coral reef, it does need to be viewed over the
top of the section of the reef by air. It can be reached by seaplane or through a helicopter
tour, or you can view it remotely through a drone. A scenic flight is also one of the best ways
to really grasp the sheer beauty of the Whitsundays region.
It’s a fitting collection of coral considering its part of the popular honeymoon destination of
the Whitsunday region.
6. Watch the Sun Set from Passage Peak in Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is one of the most popular islands in the Whitsunday region, and for great
reason. This pristine, car free island is mostly covered by bushland, with an abundance of
Australian wildlife to be spotted throughout the island.
There are hiking trails that lead up to Passage Peak, which is a beautiful spot to watch the
sunset over the Hamilton Island and the surrounding islands.
It’s fine to visit Hamilton island all year round, and if you’re looking for a luxurious holiday,
there’s plenty of beautiful accommodation options.
Action-Packed Activities in Whitsunday Islands
Now that we’ve taken you through some of the more relaxing things to do in Whitsundays, we’re
going to take you through the action-packed activities in Whitsunday Islands.
7. Snorkel Through the Great Barrier Reef
It wouldn’t be a trip to this part of Queensland without a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. The
Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem and stretches across over 344,000
square kilometres.
There is ample marine wildlife that can be spotted in the reef, including more than 1,500 species
of fish, 134 species of sharks and rays, countless sea turtles, and more than 30 species of
marine mammals.
The best way to experience the reef is by boat. Wings Great Barrier Reef Charters depart from Airlie Beach and run
daily. It’s the best way to experience the wildlife closely and immerse yourself in one of the
great wonders of the world.
8. Scuba Dive at the Great Barrier Reef
Although snorkelling through the Great Barrier Reef is always a great idea, scuba diving is the
best way to truly immerse yourself in your surrounds. With over 2,900 individual reef ecosystems
to explore throughout the Great Barrier Reef, it is one of the best ways to discover and explore
the marine life and plants.
As well as sea creatures, the Great Barrier Reef is home to an abundance of algae, seagrasses,
411 types of coral and one-third of the world’s soft corals. At 35m deep on average, and as far
as 200m deep in some parts, diving is a great way to explore every corner of the area. Not only
is scuba diving a surreal way to experience marine life as you’ve never seen before, but it’s
also actually essential if you want to truly explore the depths of the mysterious marine
ecosystem.
9. Go Turtle Spotting
Green sea turtles are native to the Whitsunday region, and you can find an abundance of them
between seaweed, corals and seagrass. They are known to inhabit sub-tropical coastal waters,
which makes the ever-warm Whitsundays a perfect location for them to habituate.
Their diet mainly consists of seagrass, which gives them their beautiful olive colouring. The
plentiful seaweed and seagrass that can be found in the reefs of the Whitsundays region are a
perfect location for the sea turtles to breed.
Sea turtles aren’t the only variety of turtle you can find at the Whitsundays; however, the
green sea turtle is the most common. They are a protected species due to their endangerment, so
don’t miss an opportunity to spot the turtles while they still habituate the Whitsunday region
in abundance.
10. Rent Jet Skis
If you’re more of a thrill-seeker and are looking for fast-paced action through the Whitsundays, we recommend renting some jet skis to go exploring. There are plenty of locations that you can rent jet skis for a specified amount of time from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, whichever is more convenient.
And there you have it! Wings expert opinion on 10 things to do in Whitsundays.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure holiday or a super lavish and relaxing retreat, the Whitsundays Region has something for every type of adventure.
Wings are a multi-award-winning charter vessel operator providing tours and charters for every type of holidaymaker and are experts on what to do in Whitsundays Region. We’ll tailor your experience to the individual requirements. Experience the best activities in Whitsunday Islands with Wings Whitsundays Adventures.
