07 4914 2425

Top 5 Things To Do On Whitehaven Beach

Updated Fri 21 Feb 2025

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?

girls relaxing on the shore of Whitehaven Beach


Top 5 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 5 things to do at Whitehaven Beach in the glorious Whitsunday Islands!

Check out our top Whitehaven Beach tours from Airlie Beach!


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. Swim, float, kayak or paddle - there is no shortage of ways to make the most of the water and many Whitehaven Beach tours will provide stand-up paddleboards or kayaks for free!

girl floating in a tube on a whitehaven beach tours from airlie beach


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! 

couple admiring hill inlet lookout on whitehaven beach tour


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. 

person paddleboarding on whitehaven beach


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.

bettys beach near whitehaven beach whitsundays


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.

couple clinking glasses at a picnic on whitehaven beach


Ready to start planning your trip to the gorgeous Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays?


Our local travel agents will get you out there in style! Live chat with us today to book your trip!

Jayme
Click To Chat

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

  • Our experts are Based in Airlie Beach
  • We can build packages to save you $$$
  • Whitsundays biggest boat cooperative

Quick Enquiry

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE