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 tight budget – and you’re in luck because of the fact that our cheapest island is also home to our world-famous beach!

Whitsunday Island, taking its namesake from the region itself, is hands-down the cheapest island to visit and stay on. Boasting the beloved Whitehaven Beach – which is famous for its pure white silica sand and has been repeatedly voted as one of the best beaches in the world – it’s the perfect spot to stay. 

Cheap because of the fact that you have to pitch a tent and bring your own supplies, camping for a night (or two, or three) at Whitehaven Beach is the ultimate way to experience the region like a local. 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 logging 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 take all of your own food, water and supplies. 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.