Travelling over Christmas And New Years In The Whitsundays

Updated Mon 01 Dec 2025

This guide tells you when and why the Whitsundays get busy at Christmas/New Year, which tours tend to book out first, and our top tips for last-minute planning.

Quick things to know about Christmas in the Whitsundays

Temperature: High 20s C to Low 30s °C (Low 80s to Low 90s °F)

Weather: Wet season! Expect tropical showers and some storms

Water: Due to the rain, water visibility can be affected, but it's very warm!

Two girls sunbathing on the beach at Christmas

Christmas and New Year's are some of the busiest and most fun times of the year in the Whitsundays. Full of activities, parties, and events, the islands and nearby Airlie Beach are highly popular holiday spots for people all over Australia and beyond. For this reason, it's important to book ahead and make a plan before coming to the Whitsundays for the festive season.

What should I book ahead?

If you're planning on spending Christmas or New Years in the Whitsundays and are hoping to book a boat tour, it's better to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Overnight boat tours tend to book up first, making it a little challenging for those who hope to book last minute. Day tours tend to have more availability as the holidays get closer, giving visitors a better chance of enjoying a day out in the Whitsundays.

What if I leave it last minute?

You can always ask to see what is available, but below are some boats that tend to be available last minute that will still ensure you have an amazing time in the Whitsundays.

Which boats are available in December in the Whitsundays?

Whitsunday Bullet

Whitsunday Bullet is one of the speediest day boats in the Whitsundays and is the only day catamaran to offer a stop at Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. It's a great option that gives guests the chance to see all the best of the Whitsundays in a single day. This trip is ideal for families or those who are looking for a stable ride on the water.

Whitsunday Bullet boat in the Whitsundays

Why should you book the Whitsundays Bullet?

Spend ample time visiting both the Northern and Southern ends of Whitehaven Beach
Cruise along at a speedy 25 knots, maximising your time to explore
Visit the famous Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Delicious buffet lunch sourcing the very best of local ingredients
Wetsuits, snorkel gear, and paddle boards are all-inclusive
Price per person: From $219
Tour duration: 9am - 5pm, 8 hours

Ocean Rafting: Northern Exposure & Southern Lights

Hit all of the bucket list items of the Whitsundays in just a day on this lively and fun trip out to Whitehaven Beach and the reef! Sink your toes into the dazzling sands, take a dip and dive in for a snorkel over rainbow coral gardens like a real island local!

Ocean Rafting boat Whitsundays with a turtle surfacing

Why should you book Ocean Rafting:

Southern Lights: More beach time

Travel at high speeds to get from one destination to the next
Exclusive access makes Ocean Rafting the only boat permitted to go inside Hill Inlet's swirling sands
Soak up the sun and relax at the beautiful Whitehaven Beach
Make a splash at two snorkel sites and spot vibrant marine life
Prices start at $199 per adult
Tour duration: 6.5 hours

Northern Exposure: More snorkelling

Travel at high speeds to get from one destination to the next
Exclusive access makes Ocean Rafting the only boat permitted to go inside Hill Inlet's swirling sands
Soak up the sun and relax at the beautiful Whitehaven Beach
Make a splash at two snorkel sites and spot vibrant marine life
Prices at $199 per adult
Tour duration: 6.5 - hours

Camira Sunset & Day Sail

Renowned for her famous lilac paint job and as the largest catamaran in Airlie Beach, you can't miss the magic of Camira! With a capacity of 72 people, this boat offers two different tours. You can opt to sail to Whitehaven, snorkel in exquisite reef spots, and indulge in an authentic Aussie BBQ with the Camira day tour, or kick back and relax on a cruisey sunset sail complete with a bottomless bar!

If you're hoping to enjoy New Year's Eve in style, Camira is also offering a special NYE tour that will set off from Airlie Beach just in time to catch the fireworks. What a way to ring in 2026!

Camira Sunset Sail

Why go on the Camira Day Sail?

Camira is one of the fastest sailing catamarans in the world
Sail directly to the gorgeous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
Enjoy a generous Aussie BBQ lunch
ALL drinks, including beer, wine, cider and soft drinks
Explore the National Park and snorkel in colourful coral reefs
Prices start at $239 per adult
Tour duration: 9.5 hours

Why go on the Camira Sunset Sail? Late November to early February only due to the timing of the sunset

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour sunset sail along the Airlie Beach waterfront
Large spacious 85-foot catamaran
All-inclusive alcoholic beverages - beer, wine, cider & sparkling
Generous charcuterie - no one will leave hungry
Beautiful views of the harbour, bay and township
Prices start at $109 per adult
Tour duration: 2 hours: 6 - 8pm

Big Fury

Big Fury is another fast day trip throughout the Whitsundays Islands onboard a rafting-style boat. This tour offers guests the chance to visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and one of the many stunning reefs surrounding the Whitsunday Islands.

Whitehaven Beach with a group of travellers on the shores

Why you should go on Big Fury:

Visit iconic locations in the Whitsundays including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet lookout
Travel at high speeds on a custom-designed 900-horsepower vessel
Spend ample time relaxing on Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef
Ideal for adventure enthusiasts, families and backpackers!
Prices start at $209 per adult
Trip duration: 7 hours

Cruise Whitsundays - Whitehaven Beach Chill & Grill

Kick back, relax, and let someone else cook Christmas lunch this year on Cruise Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach Chill & Grill tour. Pack a bag full of beach clothes and toys, and spend the day relaxing on Whitehaven Beach - both north and south - before tucking into an Aussie BBQ feast on the white silica sand!

People playing cricket on Whitehaven Beach at Christmas

Why you should go on Whitehaven Chill & Grill:

Enjoy a full day at Whitehaven Beach - explore both the north and south
Experience the beauty and the view from the famous Hill Inlet Lookout
Take a scenic bushwalk at Chance Bay and spot the fauna
Feast on a classic Aussie BBQ with scrumptious burgers
Enjoy fun beach games, stand-up paddle boarding and more
Prices from $269 per adult
10.5 - 11 hours

The Whitsundays is a top destination with many people booking their trips months in advance. As a result, many top tours will be booked out many weeks and even months ahead of their departure date. However, this doesn't mean that those booking last minute are not still able to have an amazing time in the Whitsundays.

With day tours, scenic flights, and plenty to do in Airlie Beach itself, visitors to the Whitsundays will definitely have the ultimate Christmas and New Years' celebration.

FAQs

Do tours sell out at Christmas and New Year’s?

Yes. Overnight sailing tours (especially 2–3 night trips) reach capacity first, usually well before December. Larger day tours like Camira or Thundercat may still have seats, but they fill fast in holiday week.

Can I get a last-minute tour over New Year’s Eve?

Anything is possible! You'll have the best chance on the bigger catamarans or high-capacity day tours. Small-group or premium vessels are rarely available. Flexibility with dates and timing increases your chances.

Is Airlie Beach busy during this time?

Yes! Expect lively restaurants, long marina queues, full boardwalks and a festive, steamy, energetic atmosphere in the evenings.

Is the weather good at Christmas?

Generally warm, sunny and tropical. Average temperatures range from 24 - 31°C, with calm mornings ideal for snorkelling or sailing. Afternoon storms are possible, so early departures are common.