Can you anchor on Whitehaven Beach?
Whitehaven Beach is world-famous, known for its white silica sands and crystal clear waters. People travel from near and far to see the sandy shores for themselves. You can land in a helicopter on the beach, plan proposals, or spend a day picnicking with friends and family on the swirling sands. Whitehaven Beach is so incredible that even Hollywood blockbusters have been filmed there. Pirates of the Caribbean and Fools Gold are widely known for showcasing Whitehaven but most recently, Ticket to Paradise used the beach as a set! The 2022 romantic-comedy drew stars Julia Roberts and George Clooney to our stunning Whitsunday Islands.
The popular beach is located on Whitsunday Island which is a National Park and part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The government grants 24 hour access to the beach so to answer the main question here, yes, you can anchor on the shores of Whitehaven Beach. Each day, tour boats hurl in bucket-loads of visitors and pull up right onto the beach, allowing easy access for all ages to step foot on the silica sands. The tour groups generally stick to the same parts of Whitehaven so if you’re lucky enough to have your own boat, you can escape the crowds and anchor on Whitehaven.
Where can you anchor on Whitehaven Beach?
If you have your own vessel or have chosen to hire one, you are permitted to anchor anywhere along Whitehaven Beach. The beach is literally your oyster! If you’re wanting a little more privacy, choose a spot where there aren’t other boats anchored. Just ensure you are mindful of any unsuspecting bommie’s (mounds of coral) that could damage your boat upon arrival. If you’re planning to stay overnight on Whitehaven, you can moor at Tongue Bay, which is right around the corner.
What can you do on Whitehaven Beach?
The list of things to do on Whitehaven is extensive. If you are on a day tour, it’s likely you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Hill Inlet lookout. The walk to the lookout isn’t difficult and is suitable for all ages. The view from the summit is picture-perfect with views of Whitehaven’s swirling silica sands - definitely bring your camera along! Even if you're on your own, you still have access to the tracks and hikes along the island. You could also look for Betty’s Beach, a secluded bay where you can escape the frenzy of the tourists.
If you've chosen a half day, full day, or overnight day tour you might be able to hire or use kayaks, paddle boards, or even sporting equipment like cricket sets or a soccer balls (if available). You could also enjoy a picnic on the sand, get your tan on and sunbathe, explore the marine sanctuary that is home to baby stingrays and lemon sharks, or simply swim in the clear, turquoise waters.
For more information on what you can do, read through our Top 10 Things to Do on Whitehaven article.
How far away is Whitehaven Beach?
Generally, you’ll be travelling to Whitehaven from Airlie Beach, the heart of mainland Whitsundays. The journey from Airlie directly to Whitehaven Beach is 33km by boat. However, depending on the weather conditions and the tides, travel times can change. If you’re on a fast boat, it takes approximately 1 hour. If you’re sailing, it’s usually around 2 hours from Airlie.
Alternatively, you could book a helicopter tour from Airlie and fly 15 minutes before you land in absolute style on the stunning beach. Helicopter tours can only take up to 3 passengers which means it would be the perfect option if you wanted to take your partner or two best friends on a once-in-a-lifetime getaway! The views of Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Islands from above is spectacular.
If you’re looking for ways to get to Whitehaven from Airlie, there are a few full or half day tours that are perfect if you don’t have a whole lot of time to spare. Ocean Rafting is an adventurous fast boat that will satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie. Opposite to Ocean Rafting is Camira, an 85-foot luxurious catamaran you can book a tour on to sail your way through the islands to Whitehaven. Otherwise, if you want to combine socialising, adventure and sight-seeing with an overnight trip, Atlantic Clipper 2D2N is for you!
Can you camp on Whitehaven Beach?
You can camp on Whitehaven Beach! Take in the serenity and feel in touch with nature when you camp on the white sand. Picture waking up to the sounds of the waves splashing the shoreline and the chirping birds, without the noise of the tourist masses. Grab your friends or family and check out the Whitehaven Beach camping areas. You will need to book your campsite in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.
If you don’t have any camping gear, Scamper can help you out. Scamper is a company that hires out camping gear including tents, swags, chairs and basically anything you need to spend a night on an island. They not only supply everything, but they drop and pick you up too! Which means you don’t have to worry about being deserted on an island. Sleep under the stars and admire the clear night sky above you, tell camp tales between friends, and enjoy the peacefulness of the beach without the crowds!
