Information For Chinese Travellers Visiting The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays is a beloved and highly popular destination among Chinese travellers, welcoming large numbers of visitors each year. Statistics show that Chinese tourists are among the largest demographic of visitors to Australia, with over one million arrivals last year!
Home to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and tropical island experiences, it's no wonder the Whitsundays is especially appealing to travellers seeking natural beauty, safety, and easy-to-book tours. Below you can find the best information for Chinese families and travellers visiting the Whitsundays.
Popular Whitsundays experiences for Chinese travellers
Visit Whitehaven Beach
Where: Whitsunday Island, QLD
How to get there: A day tour or overnight sailing tour
Best for: First?time visitors, photography, families, a fun beach day
Why people like it: Whitehaven Beach is a world-famous award-winning beach, famous for its white silica sand. It is easily accessible via one of the many boat tours departing from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island, and offers iconic views from Hill Inlet Lookout.
Traveller notes: Whitehaven Beach is on Whitsunday Island, off the coast of the mainland. It is only accessible by boat or by helicopter.
Scenic flight to Heart Reef
Where: The Great Barrier Reef
How to get there: A scenic flight from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, or the Reefworld Pontoon
Best for: Couples, families with older kids, luxury travellers
Why people like it: A scenic flight over heart reef, either by plane or helicopter, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Traveller notes: Flights operate daily from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. Taking to the skies is the only way to clearly see this unique heart?shaped coral reef.
Overnight sailing tours
Where: Sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and sometimes out to the Great Barrier Reef
Departure Points: Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
Best For: Reef snorkelling, swimming, island hopping, more time to explore
Why people like it: An overnight sailing tour is a great opportunity to spend more time exploring the Whitsundays. Plus, it includes accommodation, meals, and crew guidance.
Traveller notes: Overnight sailing tours will be operated by an English?speaking crew and require at least a basic swimming ability.
Popular Overnight Sailing Tours in the Whitsundays...
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak English?
Whitsunday tours operate in English. Therefore, it is essential that you have a basic understanding of English before boarding a boat tour to ensure you can follow safety instructions.
What food you will find on board Whitsunday boats?
The type of food served on board a Whitsundays boat can vary depending on your chosen tour. Meals typically include tasty breakfasts, fresh lunches, and Australian?style dinners such as barbecued meats, salads, pasta, and fruit. Dietary requirements should be advised in advance.
To see what a particular boat serves, you should check out their Sailing Whitsundays page. If you are concerned about your suitability to the food served on board, most boats will allow you to bring personal snacks on with you.
Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, vegetarian options will be available when dietary needs are advised in advance.
Is it safe to swim in the Whitsundays?
Yes, it is safe to swim in the Whitsundays! From October to May the waters in the Whitsundays are visited by jellyfish. But not to worry! You can stay safe and protect yourself from the jellyfish by wearing a stinger suit when entering the water. All vessels provide you with stinger suits onboard any trips in the Whitsundays.
During the cooler months (June to August) you can also wear a wetsuit which will keep you warm and protect you from the sun.
Do I need to be able to swim on Whitsundays boat tours?
Yes, it is essential that you have a basic swimming ability on boat tours in the Whitsundays. All vessels carry lifejackets and floatation pool noodles or rings that can assist you when you're in the water. However, you still need to know the basics of swimming before leaping into the water as the ocean can be unpredictable, no mater where you are.
If you don't feel comfortable in the water, there are plenty of other options where you can experience the best of the Whitsundays. You could spend a day on an island, take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, or hop aboard a glass bottom boat tour.
Where to stay in the Whitsundays
With so many accommodation options from resorts to apartments, it is in your best interest to contact our travel experts at Sailing Whitsundays so they can assist you in booking into the best suited hotel or resort. You can get dorm accommodation included with the tour booking if you are a really tight budget. For the best holiday experience, we suggest something with ocean views.
Reach out to our team who can assist you with your accommodation needs!
Getting to the Whitsundays
The best and cheapest way to get to the Whitsundays is by flying to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast Airport). From here, you are just a $20 shuttle transfer from the main Airlie Beach town centre.
Check out our full guide on getting to the Whitsundays here for more information.
The Whitsundays is an ideal destination for Chinese travellers seeking iconic Australian scenery, organised tours, and safe coastal experiences. With clear transport options, guided activities, and world?class natural attractions, it is easy to explore and enjoy!
