Where is the Whitsundays?
Updated 19/01/22
Dreaming up a tropical escape to the Whitsundays, home to the pure silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and abundance of calm, turquoise lagoons?
The Whitsundays is situated in the heart of the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef, located along Queensland’s central coast, approximately 1100 kilometres north of Queensland’s capital city Brisbane, and 600 kilometres south of Cairns. The region offers kilometres of picturesque coastlines and calm waters, that are easily accessible from the relaxed, coastal townships of Airlie Beach and Bowen.
Located a short boat trip away are the 74 tropical islands of the Whitsundays, eight of which are inhibited and boast unique fringing reef ecosystems to explore, world-class accommodation options, and multitudes of dining and drinking venues.
Nestled off Queensland’s central coast is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island, a luxe laid-back tropical destination largely sought over by local and international travellers alike. After spending a day or two exploring the lively, coastal hub of Airlie Beach guests can travel by ferry to Hamilton Island within an hour.
The equally idyllic shores of Daydream Island, Hayman Island, and Long Island are additionally a short ferry trip away from the mainland of Airlie Beach. Popular amongst couples and small groups, as well as international film crews and celebrities, the Whitsunday islands are a beloved tropical destination for everyone needing a dreamy escape!
The natural wonder of Whitsunday Island, the largest of Whitsunday’s 74 tropical islands, is a popular destination amongst travellers eager to experience the 98% pure silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and mirage of swirling turquoise lagoons from Hill Inlet Lookout. A vast majority of day and overnight boat tours sail to Whitehaven Beach, with a variety of tour options available to suit the desires of families, friends, couples, and solo travellers!
It is recommended that travellers eager to tick the Whitsundays region off their bucket lists leave enough time to truly explore all the region has to offer, from the coast to hinterland, and have a day or two to sit back, relax, and take it all in!
Getting to the Whitsundays is easily accessible by both air and major highways. However, travellers often mistake the time needed to travel to the region from Queensland’s major cities, along the thousands of kilometres long Eastern coastline. Let the locals recommend the most convenient air travel options to either Proserpine or Hamilton Island Airport, highways to the region’s coastal townships, and ferry options to luxe islands of the Whitsundays!
