Why choose the Whitsundays?

The Whitsundays sit in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, providing the perfect launchpad to explore nature’s most diverse marine playground. it is home to 74 unique and beautiful islands, making it a staple when exploring Australia. The islands are full of stunning marine life and laden with history and offer a unique view of Australia, providing visitors and locals alike the opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef firsthand. They are a must-see when visiting Australia - once you visit, you will never want to leave! 

Airlie Beach is the best place from which to discover the Whitsundays. Located just 30 minutes from Proserpine airport, it provides a diverse selection of accommodation, depending on how you’re travelling and what your budget is. Only a short boat ride from the diverse fringing reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is right on the doorstep of Airlie Beach.

From Airlie Beach, there are many different day and night trips you can jump on to explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Each tour is unique in itself, depending on the length as well as the tides and the weather, type of boat and accommodation. They range from short day trips, to lengthy romantic getaways to overnight backpacker boats. There is something for everyone to enjoy the Whitsundays. We recommend using Tour Chooser to see which one is right for you.

Day trips

Day trips are great if you’re short on time, working with a budget, or just don’t want to spend the night away from the comforts of home (or your hotel). There are tours that cater to those who want to spend time on the beach, or those who want to spend their time snorkelling; there are tours that allow you to do both in one day, and others that allow even more. There is a trip for any type of adventurer. There are jetski tours, as well as wildlife encounters, and some that stay in Airlie Beach or on the mainland. They are generally a less costly option than doing an overnight trip, unless you’re hoping to book an aerial tour (which are amazing).

Overnight trips

There are several types of overnight trips, also dependent on what kind of trip you’re looking to do. There are many overnight trips on a range of boats, as well as sailing and stay style trips, where you stay on land rather than at sea.

• Overnight sailing trips give you a unique opportunity to explore the Whitsundays and the reefs in depth. Generally ranging from 1-3 nights (some extend these times, such as Solway Lass, which offers a 6 night trip), they anchor in bays and coves around the islands, giving guests the perfect view to wake up to. All overnight trips allow you to snorkel at one or more locations and to also go to Whitehaven Beach, one of the world’s top beaches. They provide accommodation, meals, and a knowledgeable and friendly crew to help you navigate the wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef.

• You can also opt to sail by day and stay on land at night on a multi-day trip such as Ride to Paradise. This type of trip is ideal for those who wish to stay on land at night rather than on a boat, indulging in roomier accommodations and land beneath your feet. Ride to Paradise offers several types of accomodation from dorm style to roomy suites, making it ideal for any type of travellers. You can explore by boat during the day and see the beautiful Whitsundays, snorkelling, beach bumming and relaxing, before returning to land at night for more adventures. 

The Whitsundays really does have a trip for any type of traveller. Find your tour and come see one of Australia’s most beautiful places.