Which Whitsunday Island Is Cheapest?
Boasting some of the world’s most incredible sights, the Whitsundays is a one-stop-shop for your ultimate getaway. For scores of holiday makers – whether they’re families, couples or groups of friends – the Whitsundays is home to a never-ending array of exciting things to do and see. But for those visiting on a shoestring, you’re going to have to be a little more strategic! There is definitely a way to see the Whitsundays on a budget – and you’re in luck because our cheapest island to visit is also home to our world-famous beach!
Whitsunday Island, is hands-down the cheapest island to visit and stay on. That's because the only way to stay overnight is via a camping trip. Whitsunday Island boasts the world-famous silica sand Whitehaven Beach, stunning nature hikes, and clear, blue waters, but there's no infrastructure in sight. It's a real authentic island experience! If you're more in the market for the cheapest resort island, then your best bet is Hamilton Island or Daydream Island - but more on that later!
Where is Whitsunday Island?
Looking at a map of the Whitsundays, Whitsunday Island is the easiest to spot as it's the largest of the 74 islands. Its closest neighbours are Hamilton Island, North and South Molle Island, Haslewood Island, Hook Island, Dent Island, Henning Island, and Esk Island.
How to get to Whitsunday Island from Airlie Beach
Travelling from Airlie Beach - the closest town and the gateway to the Whitsundays - it takes about 1 hour to get to Whitsunday Island, depending on the type of boat you're heading out on. Most day tours and overnight tours will take guests to Whitsunday Island as part of their itinerary - after all, who doesn't want to spend some time on the magical Whitehaven Beach?
Want to visit Whitsunday Island? Take a look at these tours...
Before you start thinking about how you're going to get to the island itself, check out our jam-packed guide on how to get to the Whitsundays.
Can you stay on Whitsunday Island?
Yes, you can stay on Whitsunday Island! But you'll need to pitch a tent and bring your own supplies. One of the things that makes Whitsunday Island the cheapest island to visit, as well as the number of exceptional boat tours that take people there every day, is that there is nothing to spend money on when you get there! It's all natural, meaning no hotels, no accommodation, no shops, and no restaurants exist on the island.
If you want to spend the night on the island, you'll be camping for a night (or two, or three) at the one and only Whitehaven Beach. As the heat of the day begins to wear off and the flood of day-trippers begins to disperse, you’ll have the seven kilometre slice of paradise all to yourself. Swim, sunbake, SUP, explore and spot wildlife to your heart’s content. There’s no one else around, so why not make the most of it?
To camp on Whitsunday Island, you’ll need to get a permit from National Parks Queensland. You can do this by visiting their website online or calling 137468. The payment will be processed immediately and you’ll be given a reference number (which you must keep and display on your tent).
Coming in at around $6.85 per person per night, this is truly peanuts for a paradise like this! You’ll need to take all of your own supplies to camp on Whitsunday Island (as there is no infrastructure there – you can’t buy food or go out to dinner for example). If you don’t have your own tent, don’t stress! You’ll easily be able to hire one at Airlie Beach or buy one, too.
You'll also need to make your way to the island! One of the most popular ways for tourists to get out to the Whitsunday camping grounds is to book an island camping transfer. Don't forget to pack your own food, water and supplies too! The only facilities at the campgrounds are composting toilets, so make sure you’re comfortable with roughing it for a night in paradise. A word to the wise? Be sure to keep all of your food supplies locked up! It’s all too common for travellers to have their supplies raided by birds or goannas if it’s not tied down.
What other Whitsunday Islands can you stay on?
If camping on Whitsunday Island isn't remote enough for you and you'd like something a little more private, you can also camp on South Molle Island and Hook Island!
But for those who aren't too keen on tents and sleeping bags, you can find dreamy hotels on Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, and Long Island. While these hotels and resorts can be on the pricier side, the best way to get your money's worth is by booking an all-inclusive experience, like those offered at Daydream Island Resort on Daydream Island, or Qualia on Hamilton Island. Alternatively, there are plenty of reasonably priced accommodation options right here in Airlie Beach that offer easy access to day tours, overnight tours, scenic flights, or any other activities that take you out to the islands!
