Top 10 Things To Do On Whitehaven Beach
On Whitehaven Beach tours from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, or Daydream Island, you'll likely have free time on the beach. Beautiful pure white sand and sparkling turquoise water - there is no question why Whitehaven is Australia’s best beach. But once you’re done flooding your Instagram account with a million new photos, what else is there to do at Whitehaven Beach?
Top 10 Things To Do At Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays
The top things to do at Whitehaven Beach include swimming, hiking, exploring, and more! There is more to this gorgeous location than meets the eye. From the hilly outcrops and secret bays of North Whitehaven Beach, to the vast silica sands of South Whitehaven Beach, this massive beach on Whitsunday Island has much to offer.
Most travellers will be getting to Whitehaven Beach via tours from Airlie Beach. You can also hire a private charter if you don't feel like joining a group tour! However, there is no public ferry, so Whitehaven Beach tours from Airlie Beach are the most popular and affordable option.
Once you arrive, here are the top 10 things to do at Whitehaven Beach in the glorious Whitsunday Islands!
1. Immerse yourself in the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea
There is no better place to take a dip in the Whitsundays than Whitehaven Beach. Even on a rare overcast day, the clear turquoise water and its year-round balmy temperature are too good to resist. Spend some time swimming and floating around these dreamy waters!
2. Experience the views at Hill Inlet Lookout
The Hill Inlet Lookout at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is only a short 1km return walk from Tongue Bay and well worth every step. With three viewing platforms, the view from the top of Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and the surrounding islands that will take your breath away.
Many Whitehaven Beach tours will visit at mid to low tide for the ultimate WOW factor as the outgoing turquoise water filters through the tidal lagoons of Hill Inlet and creates huge swirling patterns in the pure white sand. This is a natural phenomenon you don’t want to miss!
3. Spot marine life and wildlife
Baby shark do do do do do do - apart from being insanely beautiful, Hill Inlet is also a well-known nursery for all kinds of marine life. Baby stingrays and lemon sharks are easily spotted from the shore in the clear water of the tidal lagoon and many small fish dart around your feet. Also, while hiking to Hill Inlet or exploring the nearby campgrounds and picnic areas at South Whitehaven Beach, you can often spot goannas, rainforest birds, and more.
4. Find Betty’s Beach
The hidden gem of Betty’s Beach is a quiet and picturesque place to escape the crowds at Whitehaven Beach. Follow the shoreline around the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and over the rocks and you will find yourself in a secluded spot perfect for a refreshing swim or a spot of sunbaking.
5. Picnic in heaven
Who doesn’t enjoy a good picnic (and maybe a glass of bubbly!)? Whitehaven Beach is an idyllic setting to sit back, relax and enjoy the view while snacking on your favourite foods. Take a water taxi or private charter at sunrise or sunset and you may even have the beach all to yourselves! Alternatively, if you would prefer someone else to take care of the arrangements for you, there are some great Whitehaven Beach tours available that feature a gourmet picnic lunch.
6. Experience Whitehaven Beach from the air
There is nothing quite like the view of Whitehaven Beach from the air on a scenic flight - stunning coastline with towering hoop pines, swirling white sand and the clearest blue water you have ever seen surround you at every turn. You might even opt to land on the beach in a helicopter! An aerial view of Whitehaven Beach is truly impressive.
7. Try paddleboarding
Many Whitehaven Beach day tours or overnight tours will provide paddleboards for guest use. Hop on a board and enjoy a leisurely cruise around the turquoise waters. The calm, flat waters at Whitehaven Beach create the perfect conditions for paddleboarding!
8. Play Beach Sports
The southern end of Whitehaven stretches over 7 km long, making it perfect for organising a group of people for a riveting game of footy or beach cricket. Tours like Chill & Grill and some overnight charters even bring sporting equipment along to take the hassle out of it for you!
9. Watch the sunrise or sunset
An early morning or late afternoon visit to Whitehaven Beach provides the perfect opportunity for a romantic picnic in an idyllic setting. As a bonus, taking a private charter or water taxi at these times will mean there are a lot less, if any, people on the beach! Kick back and enjoy those surreal views.
10. Camp in Paradise
The ultimate Whitsunday experience has to be waking up with the velvety white sand of Whitehaven Beach at your feet. If you love the outdoors and would like the pleasure of having the beach all to yourselves, camping on Whitsunday Island is an opportunity too good to miss. With only basic amenities, such as picnic tables and hybrid toilets, this is a rustic and unique way to experience the beauty of the Whitsundays.
