Top 10 Things To Do In The Whitsundays
Planning to set off on your dream Whitsundays holiday, but not quite sure where to start? You've come to the right place. Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays is a picture-perfect tropical destination, promising visitors adventure, relaxation, and entertainment.
In this guide, we’re counting down the top 10 things to do in the Whitsundays - must-dos, hidden gems, and experiences that’ll have you planning your next trip before the first one’s even over!
Top 10 Things To Do In The Whitsundays
With 74 dreamy islands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, world-famous white sands, and colourful reef sites, this marine playground offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you're keen to kick back and relax, get out and immerse yourself in nature, or a little bit of both, the Whitsundays delivers the very best. Read on for our top recommendations.
Check out our most popular Whitsunday tours!
1. Visit Whitehaven Beach
Without question, the number one thing to do in the Whitsundays is to visit the world-renowned Whitehaven Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the world! The 98% white silica shorelines and jewel-coloured lagoons can be found on Whitsunday Island. Sink your toes into the calm waters, and splash in the shallows for a once-in-a-lifetime tropical experience! Visit Whitehaven during one of our most popular day trips, an action-packed overnight sailing expedition, or while island camping!
2. Snorkel Fringing Reefs
The 74 Whitsunday Islands are surrounded by vibrant arrays of fringing reefs, which boast numerous snorkelling and diving locations for all levels of experience! The serene, protected lagoons are bustling with diverse species of marine life that you can snorkel amongst during your day or overnight tour of the Whitsundays!
3. Try Scuba Diving
Try out scuba diving in the Whitsundays and experience the diverse underwater ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park! Whether you're a first-timer or a certified diver, scuba diving in the Whitsundays is an activity you can't miss.
Keep an eye out for friendly sea turtles, as well as unique hard and soft corals, vibrant fish and elusive stingrays! The calm coves and bays of the island create ideal conditions for divers to explore the breathtaking natural environment! If you fall in love with scuba diving while you're visiting the Whitsundays, why not get certified while you're here? Come back home from your iconic holiday with unforgettable memories - and bragging rights!
4. Sail The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are known world-wide as a sailor's paradise! The idyllic islands, powdery, white beaches and calm anchorages create the perfect atmosphere for the sailing trip of a lifetime. Choose between monohull, maxi yachts and catamarans that boast both day and overnight sailing options, and experience the thrill of sailing the Whitsundays!
5. Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef
Treat yourself to a scenic flight over the islands, beaches, and reefs of the dreamy Whitsundays. After exploring the natural wonders of the Whitsundays from both the land and sea, take in breathtaking sights such as Heart Reef from above! You can choose from a seaplane, or signature helicopter flight to soar over the Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and the heart-shaped formation of coral located in Hardy Reef!
6. Visit Hill Inlet Lookout
The breathtaking panoramic views from Hill Inlet Lookout overlook the ever-changing fusion of turquoise lagoons below, and white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach. As one of the most photographed destinations in the world, it is the ideal location to get your camera out and grab that unique group or couple shot for all your family and friends back home!
7. Swim With Amazing Marine Life
The Whitsundays Islands are home to thousands of rare and unique species of fish, turtles, stingrays, corals and more! Be sure to put on a snorkel during one of our day or overnight tours and experience the flourishing underwater marine ecosystem for yourself! Or check it out from above on a paddleboard or kayak!
8. Visit A Luxe Island Resort
The Whitsundays is home to an array of luxe islands resorts including Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island and Long Island, where you can opt to spend the night - or in some cases, just a simple day out! Grab a cocktail by the pool, take in the swaying palm trees, and lapse in the tropical sun during your next island escape!
9. Hang Out With New And Old Friends!
Overnight sailing trips are the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded travellers! There is an ideal trip for everyone, no matter what type of traveller you are or length of time you are spending in the Whitsundays. Choose from a variety of 1, 2, and 3 night sailing trips, where you will make friends from all over the world!
10. Skydive Over The Whitsundays
For the ultimate thrill, make sure you try skydiving during your getaway to the Whitsundays! There is no better experience than free-falling above one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Choose from a variety of jump heights, depending on how long you want to free-fall. After the initial jump, enjoy the calm parachute descent and take in the breathtaking view of the Whitsundays from above!
Ready to plan your Whitsunday getaway? Take a look through our most popular tours to get started!
