The Difference Between North And South Whitehaven Beach
North Whitehaven Beach provides access to Hill Inlet Lookout and Betty's Beach, whereas South Whitehaven Beach has miles of untouched white sand and remote bushwalks and campgrounds. But both North and South and Whitehaven Beach are definitely worth visiting!
Australia is known for its sheer number of incredible beaches. Of the 10,000 pristine beaches Down Under, Whitehaven Beach is one of the most famous, and the most beautiful! It is a true gem of the Whitsunday Islands in Tropical North Queensland.
About Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach, located on the largest island, Whitsunday Island, lies within the Great Barrier Reef National Marine Park and is a protected World Heritage Site. Though this is one of the most popular destinations in Australia, you can visit this slice of paradise without suffering through many crowds. Tour operators who take guests over to Whitsunday Island stagger their timings so you have plenty of room with over 7 kilometres of pure white sand stretching along the island.
There are two distinct sections of Whitehaven Beach, often referred to as the northern end and southern end. Some tours take guests to one or the other, and many take guests to both. Both have their perks!
Let's take a closer look at the difference between North Whitehaven Beach and South Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.
North Whitehaven Beach
The most notable landmarks at North Whitehaven Beach are Hill Inlet Lookout, Betty's Beach, and the famous driftwood tree. Here is a quick summary of each landmark, all of which are within walking distance of the gleaming white sands at North Whitehaven Beach.
Hill Inlet Lookout
When you hear the name Whitehaven Beach, the first image to pop to mind will likely be the swirling turquoise waters and varied shades of white sand of the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. This is the money shot. Boats with permits to anchor at Tongue Bay access Whitsunday Island by beach drop offs, usually in a smaller inflatable motorboat. From here, it is a short 20 minute bush walk to the lookout, with 3 separate viewing platforms to get that perfect photo. Be sure to stop and smell the roses on the bush walk, as there is plenty to see.
Betty's Beach
Another highlight of visiting North Whitehaven Beach is Betty's Beach. Technically a separate beach from Whitehaven, this tiny secluded cove is just a 5-10 minute walk around the headland from North Whitehaven. Most tours allow for about an hour of free time at Whitehaven, leaving plenty of time to go for a stroll and enjoy the pristine beauty of Betty's Beach.
The famous driftwood tree
In the shallow waters at North Whitehaven Beach, you'll find this iconic piece of driftwood. The giant tree lying horizontally on the beach has become a famous landmark because it commonly features in photos and videos of Whitehaven. Travellers flock here to pose on or next to the huge piece of driftwood!
South Whitehaven Beach
South Whitehaven Beach is certainly not without its charms. This section of Whitehaven Beach is known for its lengthy strip of silica sand that is perfect for lazy beach days, as well as its bushwalks and campgrounds.
Here Are Just Some of the Tours That'll Take You To South Whitehaven Beach
7km of white silica sand
South Whitehaven Beach consists of the 7km stretch of gleaming white sand. Made up of velvety silica, the sand here is incredibly fine and gorgeous. You can use the silica sand to polish jewellery, and it doesn't retain heat so you can walk on it barefoot even on the hottest of days. South Whitehaven Beach is perfect for intimate strolls with no one else around, flying drones, and enjoying family beach days.
Bushwalks
From South Whitehaven Beach, you can access some incredible bushwalking trails that wind through the lush rainforest on Whitsunday Island. Including the Chance Bay Track and the Solway Circuit Track, these hikes are the perfect place to escape the crowds, get some exercise, immerse yourself in nature, and earn some epic views of Whitsunday Island.
South Whitehaven Beach Campground
There is also a small camping site at South Whitehaven Beach for those who wish to extend their stay. You can book your campsite online with national parks or through Scampers island transfers.
Camping on Whitehaven is arguably one of the coolest experiences on offer in the region. Imagine waking up and having Whitehaven completely to yourself, or walking along the white shoreline under a full moon! There is no running water on the island, and campfires are strictly prohibited, so be sure to prepare accordingly if you’re planning to stay overnight.
