School Holidays in the Whitsundays
A school holiday in the Whitsundays combines natural beauty, adventure, relaxation, and tropical scenery that is perfect for travellers of all ages. So if you're looking for the perfect Australian holiday destination to celebrate your time off work or the kids' time off school, head up to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands!
Planning Your School Holiday Trip To The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays have everything you need for your school holidays getaway. No matter what time of year or the ages of you and your family, this tropical destination has warm weather and activities to suit all types of travellers.
With Airlie Beach's 'village town' feel, beautiful weather and endless activities, the area is perfect for families wanting to escape and get some sunshine. On the Airlie Beach mainland, there are many things to do with endless beaches, camping locations, rainforests and bushwalks, swimming spots, and park facilities.
And, you just have to book a convenient day trip, overnight boat, or tour package to see the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands! Stunning locations like the Outer Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hamilton Island are like heaven for families hoping to have fun in beautiful destinations. Here are some tips for planning your excursions to these amazing Whitsunday locations!
Try these family friendly boat charters for your next holiday!
How far in advance to book a school holiday in the Whitsundays?
School holidays are a very popular time to travel in Australia, so you'll want to book your Whitsunday adventure at least a few months in advance. Flights into Proserpine Airport or Hamilton Island Airport are plentiful, though they may be more expensive during school holidays. But you can save money with family packages which gives you a bigger budget to spend on flights! Tours and accommodations may fill up as well so try to book everything well in advance.
Where to stay on a family holiday in the Whitsundays
Airlie Beach is the perfect place to find accommodation for your family holiday in the Whitsundays. You can find holiday rentals, resorts, hotels or motels, and entire apartments that will suit you and your family. Find spacious rooms and units that have great facilities and are within walking distance of downtown Airlie Beach.
Some of the top accommodations to choose for a family holiday in the Whitsundays include:
Do I need to rent a car for a family holiday in the Whitsundays?
If you are staying in the heart of Airlie Beach, you don't need to rent a car for your school holiday in the Whitsundays. All the best restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, and tours are within walking distance of the Airlie town centre. You can also get taxis if the kids are tired after a long day out on the water, and many tours offer complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off. For airport transfers, Heart of Reef Shuttles offers the most convenient transport to your Airlie Beach accommodation.
However, if you are staying further out of town or you would prefer to hire a car for your family, you can hire a car in Airlie Beach to make life easier. Airlie Beach is a popular tourist town and you can find everything you need here for your family holiday!
Where to eat during school holidays in the Whitsundays
Airlie Beach is full of family-friendly eateries that are perfect for school holidays in the Whitsundays. If you are visiting Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays during school holidays, you may want to book your tables in advance because it can be busy around town. Or just call the venues ahead of time to ensure there is space! If you're on a day trip, overnight tour, or private charter, meals are catered for as well.
Check out these guides to plan your meals in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays:
- Best coffee in Airlie Beach
- Best food in Airlie Beach
- Best smoothies in Airlie Beach
- Where to eat on Hamilton Island
- Best cocktails in Airlie Beach (for the parents only, of course!)
Family Friendly Day Trips In The Whitsundays
While visiting the Whitsundays on school holidays, here are the best day trips to consider for you and your family!
- Reefworld: Visit the Outer Reef pontoon on a large powerboat
- Whitsunday Bullet: Fast catamaran to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout with snorkelling
- Ocean Rafting: Fast, fun powerboat to Whitehaven Beach with snorkelling
- Camira: Sailing catamaran tour to Whitehaven Beach
- Hamilton Island Freestyle: A flexible day on Hamilton Island for all ages
- Thundercat: Fast, power catamaran to Whitehaven Beach with snorkelling
- Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Adventure from Airlie Beach: Snorkel in the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Providence: Authentic sailing tour on a beautiful sailboat
Family Friendly Overnight Trips In The Whitsundays
These overnight Whitsunday tours will give you and your family a multiday sailing adventure and an immersive island experience!
- Prima: 2 day/2 night sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands
- On Ice: 2 day/2 night sailing trip on a comfortable catamaran
- Whitsunday Adventurer: 2 day/2 night sailing trip with water toys and snorkelling
- Reefsuites: Great Barrier Reef Adventures: Sleep overnight on the Great Barrier Reef
- Waltzing Matilda: An iconic sailing vessel offering 2 day/1 night tours for ages 7+
- Summer Jo: A newly renovated mega yacht with multiple tour lengths for ages 12+
Certain age restrictions may apply on certain trips. Please ask our friendly travel staff.
For more info on family-friendly activities during the school holidays, check out our family activities article!
Other Family Friendly Activities in the Whitsundays
In addition to sailing tours, school holidays in the Whitsundays are the perfect time to try other fun activities. A private charter is a great way to get out on the water with your family, have the boat to yourself, and curate your own itinerary. You can also try a scenic flight and soar over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef for a view your family will never forget! Or try wildlife tours, waterfall tours, sunset cruises, fishing tours, and more for the family trip of a lifetime!
