5 Days In The Whitsundays For Under $1000

Updated Wed 01 May 2024

Hoping to spend 5 days in the Whitsundays for under $1,000? It's possible with this ultimate backpacker itinerary! Every backpacker knows that being budget-conscious is essential to a successful and action-packed trip around Australia. The Whitsundays are obviously a bucket list destination, boasting pristine beaches, fun overnight sailing tours and the stunning Great Barrier Reef. We’ve planned the perfect wallet-friendly trip for you to see it all in 5 days, and all for under $1,000!

backpackers posing at hill inlet lookout whitsundays

How to spend 5 days in the Whitsundays for under $1,000

Here is your ultimate guide to a budget-friendly Whitsundays adventure: 5 days of fun for under $1,000. Experiencing the beauty and culture of Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays is a must-do while backpacking Australia, and it's possible to do it cheaply. Check out our 5 day itinerary to see how you can enjoy the holiday of a lifetime without breaking the bank.

backpackers posing near tree on whitehaven beach

Day 1

Arrive in Airlie Beach and explore the town

Arrive in Airlie Beach off your Greyhound Bus and head to your accommodation at one of the hostels in town. Nomads is a favourite among backpackers, and prices start at around $60 per night.

From here, you can explore the quaint seaside village of Airlie Beach and do a bit of window shopping, or simply hop on the boardwalk that hugs the shoreline to take in the beautiful surroundings as you acquaint yourself with Airlie Beach. There are lots of free things to do, like sunbathing at Boathaven Beach or swimming in the Lagoon. You can also find some cheap eats around Airlie!

nomads

Prepare for tomorrow's boat trip

Since you’ll be preparing for your boat trip tomorrow, you’ll want to sort out your booze in advance. There are a few liquor stores in Airlie Beach where you can buy your drinks for the tour. Note, most tours don't allow glass bottles or red wine.

Day 1 cost estimates:
- Nomads accommodation: $60
- Alcohol for boat trip: $30
- Food throughout the day: 40
- Total: $130

shed bar pool

Day 2

Check in for New Horizon Sailing Tour

Grab some breakfast next door to your accommodation at Garuma where you can easily fill up for about $15. Once you’ve packed a light bag with all the essentials for your boat trip, check out of your room and head to Whitsunday Sailing Adventures on the main street to check in for your overnight trip on New Horizon (don’t forget to ask about their luggage storage if required, available for a small fee).

Once you’ve checked in, you might feel like a quick dip in the lagoon, and can easily grab some essentials for some sandwiches at Woolworths, and share a light lunch with friends at the local swimming hole, free for everyone!

new horizon sailboat on the water in the whitsundays

Head to Coral Sea Marina for the tour

Head down to Coral Sea Marina, where your action-packed, fun-filled adventure will begin! New Horizon is one of the best backpacker tours on the market, so get ready for an epic few days. All meals, snacks and drinking water are supplied, so make sure you bring a refillable water bottle with you.

Day 2 cost estimates:
- Breakfast: $15
- New Horizon tour: $629
- Total: $644

travellers swimming in the ocean in the whitsundays

Day 3

Explore the Whitsundays on New Horizon

Being one of the most popular tours on the East Coast of Australia, backpackers travel from all corners of the globe just to take part in this unequalled Whitsunday adventure that will have you laughing, exploring and making memories to last a lifetime! Over 2 days and 2 nights, you’ll get to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, visit the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, and have a blast on the waterslide.

The best part about this tour is the flexibility to do your trip, your way. While there are plenty of action-packed activities you are also welcome to relax on the deck and soak up the sun, and even lounge on beanbags in the air-conditioned movie room!

Day 3 cost estimates:
- $0

backpackers smiling at sunset in the whitsundays

Day 4

Return to Airlie Beach and have a fun day trip

Once you’ve had your fill of fun on New Horizon, sail back into Airlie Beach with your new mates, where you can keep the fun going on the mainland. After you’ve checked back into Nomads, grab some friends and rent a car for the day. With a group, you can all split the costs and have a more affordable day.

From here, grab some snacks and sandwich ingredients from Woolworths, and head for Cedar Creek Falls for the afternoon. Here you can swim in the fresh rain waterfall and hike up to the top for some incredible vantage points.

cedar creek falls

Hit the town

Back in town, hit the town for some dinner and a night of dancing or live music. There are lots of amazing venues around town such as Sandbar, Beaches, Boatys, or Magnums where you can find weekly specials and deals. After a long day of fun, sun and sailing, you’ll be sure to hit the pillow like a rock!

Day 4 cost estimates:
- Nomads accommodation: $60
- Rental car: $100 for 24 hours split between 5 people is $20
- Groceries: $20
- Dinner: $30
- Drinks on your night out: $30
- Total: $160

food, beaches

Day 5

Hike one of the Airlie Beach trails

Once you’ve checked out of your accommodation, grab a cheap and easy brekkie in town for around $10. You’ll still have your hire car for a couple of hours, so take advantage and explore the town a bit! You can even drive out towards Shute Harbour where you’ll find some awesome hiking and walking trails, such as Mt. Rooper and Coral Beach.

mount rooper walk, whitsundays

Sunset dinner with a drink

After returning your hire car, grab a towel and some sunscreen and head to a bar for sunset. Treat yourself to some drinks, food, and gorgeous tropical views before saying goodbye to Airlie Beach and hopping aboard your Greyhound bus onward to your next adventure!