TripOZ TravelThe Whitsunday Islands represent a group of 73 continental islands of different sizes located in the central coastal area of Queensland, Australia. The northernmost Islands are situated onshore from Bowen and the southernmost Islands are off the coast of Proserpine.
The islands are located in Whitsunday Island and the commercial center is Hamilton Island. The traditional owner of the area is Ngari & Gian. The Juruko tribe has one of the most legally recognized native lands in Whitsunday County. The Island is situated in the Whitsundays area and the local government Whitsunday region.
Islands in the Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands are a major tourism region in Queensland, Australia.
The islands were originally a large mountain range formed as a result of volcanic activity.
With the end of the last glacial period about 30,000 to 50,000 years ago, the sea levels rose and all that remained above the water were the higher coastal peaks.
About the Whitsunday Islands
The islands are named after Captain Cook’s misnomer that their ship passed through the region on Whitsunday, the Sunday of the feast of Whitsun.
The islands were originally a large mountain range formed as a result of volcanic activity.
Hamilton Island
Hamo is the Hugh Jackman of islands – easy going and easy to get to.
Sailing – sailing trips leave from Airlie beach and usually include meals and activities.
Ferry – Cruise Whitsundays is the main ferry operator running transfers in Whitsundays, providing transfers between Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, and Airlie Beach (on the mainland).
Buggy Rental – On Hamilton Island, you can rent buggies to get around.
What to do on Hamilton Island
Stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and snorkeling are among the many water-based activities available on Hamilton Island.
There are also a number of affordable activities that families can enjoy such as sailing or camping.
For budget-conscious travelers, there are a variety of ways to see the Whitsundays without breaking the bank including ferrying from Airlie Beach and staying in a hotel or Airbnb.
You can spend a luxury budget of 505 AUD per day on activities on Hamilton Island.
You can participate in any tour you want, including sailing trips, flights over the Heart Reef, and dives.
This price point allows you to do what you want! Prices are in Australian dollars.
Accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions are all priced in AUD.
The backpacker cost is for sailing only, while the mid-range and luxury costs include both sailing and land activities.
Where to stay on Hamilton Island
Qualia is a luxurious resort on Hamilton Island. For a more family-friendly location, we’ve put together the definitive guide to the best family accommodation on Hamilton Island.
You can’t go past the Reef View Hotel or opt for a more affordable Reef Family Room at The Reef View Hotel.
You’re looking at incredible activities (tube riding, wakeboarding, or water skiing), a beautiful view of the Coral Sea, and a Pool Terrace restaurant serving up an epic buffet breakfast.
For upmarket apartments, The Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas are just the ticket, right on the water at Marina with views over Dent Island they have their own lagoon pool and come with full kitchens if you want to make a meal without having to take the short stroll to Marina’s restaurants and cafes.
The Edge is a collection of holiday apartments on the island’s western tip, just a short walk from Front Street with cafes and restaurants.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a mainland center that has been mellowing out and leading a more sophisticated way of life.
There are a few places to stay at Airlie Beach that are highly recommended, including Mirage Whitsundays and Island Gateway Holiday Park.
Airlie Guest House offers beautiful rooms with ocean views for a reasonable price, as well as shared lounge space and the ability to arrange Whitsunday tours through the hotel.
What to do on Airlie Beach
- Visit Whitehaven Beach
- Visit Hill Inlet Lookout
- Rent a car
Where to stay on Airlie Beach
Camping grounds are the luxurious accommodation on this island.
Whitehaven Beach’s campground has very limited facilities, but you’re out there to be one with nature, right?
Located right at the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef, you’d be out of your mind not to pack your snorkels and flipper fins.
Rent a car and head down Shute Harbour Road towards Mount Rooper (only a ten-minute drive). Get out and hike to the top for views of the incredible Whitsunday Passage. Down below the lookout, you can find your way through the coastal rainforest to a hidden beach.
Skydiving is a big thing in this area of Whitsundays. Head up in the plane to go across the islands and free-fall into a gorgeous beachside drop zone.
Whitsunday Island
Whitsunday Island is the largest of the Cumberland Islands and lies 6 miles off the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia in the Coral Sea.
It measures 12 by 8 miles (19 by 13 km) and has an area of 42 square miles (109 square km).
The island is accessible from the mainland by launch. The island once supported a timber industry but it is now a national park and resort accessible from the mainland.
Whitsunday Island is one of the Cumberland Islands in Queensland, Australia. The island is known for its natural beauty and pristine environment.
Whitsunday Island is a popular tourist destination, with attractions including beaches, rainforest, and coral reefs.
The island has a population of around 2,500 people who live in two villages: Green Hill and Wickham Park.
There are several lodges on the island that offer accommodation and activities such as horseback riding, golfing, tennis, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing
What to do on Whitsunday Island
What is included in a sailing trip around the Whitsundays? What to do on Whitsunday Island? What are some cheap activities to do on Whitsunday Island?
Camping is also possible, but you need to have all your own gear. On a “luxury” budget of 505 AUD per day or more you can participate in just about any tour you want.
Prices are in Australian dollars. There is no food or drink available on the island.
Transportation to and from the island is required.
The average daily cost for backpackers (sailing) is $125-$150
The average daily cost for mid-range travelers is $275
The average daily cost for luxury travelers is $505
Where to stay on Whitsunday Island
It’s illegal to camp on Whitehaven Beach.
There are campsites available that are better than camping on Whitehaven Beach.
Camping is not allowed in Whitsundays National Park, which includes Whitehaven Beach.
Hayman Island
Hayman Island is a luxury resort located in Whitsundays, which reopened in July 2019 after a $100 million renovation.
The island is popular for its natural beauty and for activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing, golfing, hiking, and massages.
Guests can also enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants on site.
What to do on Hayman Island
Hayman Island is an all-around getaway island that is being mentioned as a target for a massive, 6-star, world-class resort to be built in the coming years. Hayman Island is a popular tourist destination in the Whitsundays.
The island has many attractions, including beautiful beaches and walking trails.
Activities & Things to do:
- 20-minute walking track
- Living Reef outdoor aquarium
- Mini golf
- Rainforest walks
- Off-shore snorkeling
Easily accessible and developed with an ideal combination of relaxation and activities in mind, Daydream Island – part of the Molle Group of islands and previously known as West Molle Island before its current re-brand – is a tiny island that makes up for its lack of size with what it offers in terms of facilities.
There are plenty of activities and things to do for kids, including a walking track, an aquarium, a mini-golf, and more.
Accommodation options on Hayman include Qualia Resort, Beach Club Hamilton, Reef View Hotel, Hamilton Island Holiday Homes, Whitsunday Apartments, Palm Bungalows.
- Hayman Island is a small, tropical island in the Whitsundays chain. It’s known for its luxury resorts and all-inclusive activities.
- Hayman Island is one of the most developed islands on the Whitsundays chain, with a variety of attractions and activities to choose from.
- Hayman Island is a popular tourist destination. Hayman Island offers a variety of activities, including golfing, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- Hayman Island is popular for day trips from other nearby islands. Hayman Island is a luxury island resort with many amenities and services.
It was hit hard by Cyclone Yasi in 2011 but has since been renovated and upgraded. It is the northernmost of the main Whitsundays chain and has undergone extensive recent renovations and investment.
Hayman Island is a self-contained resort with only the bare necessities for commercial purposes. Hayman Island has lush forests and stunning views of surrounding islands.
The majority of activities on Hayman Island involve walking through dense eucalyptus forests.
Hayman Island is the largest and second-most populous of the Whitsundays Islands. Hayman Island is known for its expansive size, dense greenery, and wild surroundings.
There are a number of activities to do on Hayman Island including camping, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. The island is also home to various camping grounds perfect for those looking to get back to basics. Hayman Island is a popular snorkel and dive destination.
It is damaged by Cyclone Debbie, but the Palm Bay Resort remains open. The island has plans to become a major tourist destination.
Hayman Island is a small, tropical island off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
The best way to see Hayman Island is by bike. There are many activities on Hayman Island that can be done by bikes, such as hiking, swimming fishing, and birdwatching.
The island has a variety of accommodation options. Hayman Island is reachable via transfers from Airlie Beach.
Hayman Island is located approximately 30 kilometers from the mainland. It takes approximately two hours to travel to Hayman Island from Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia.
Hayman Island is a great place for people who want to relax and get away from it all.
Where to stay on Hayman Island
Hayman Island is surrounded by bushland, so hiking isn’t a bad idea.
The Whitsundays are named for uninhabited Whitsunday Island, the largest in the group, which is home to famed Whitehaven Beach.
Despite being the most populated of the Whitsunday Islands, 70% of Hamilton Island is a national park, offering natural beauty and good scenic walks.
Daydream Island is a haven for wildlife lovers, where it’s possible to hand-feed stingrays, sharks, and fish, and where it’s not unusual to see dolphins and turtles in the nearby waters.
Palm Bay is one of its secluded delights, showing off the Whitsundays at their very best.
Airlie Beach is a great option if you’d rather stay in a local community rather than at a resort, while still having the Whitsundays at your fingertips.
Daydream Island
Daydream Island is a family-friendly island that is popular with day-trippers.
The resort reopened in 2019 after an extensive facelift.
There are plenty of facilities on the island, including a spa, sparkling lagoon-style pools, a kids’ club, and an aquarium.
The Whitsundays have several different types of hotels and all offer shuttle services to pick up guests upon arrival.
The Reef View Hotel is a beautiful hotel located on Daydream Island in the Whitsunday Islands.
The hotel includes free transportation to and from Hamilton Island Airport. The hotel has a wonderful view of the gardens or the Coral Sea from each room.
What to do on Daydream Island
Daydream Island Resort has 220 rooms available.
Graze, Infinity and Inkstone are the three new restaurants on the island.
Activities at the resort include jet-skiing, kayaking, rainforest walks, guided snorkel sessions, and more.
The resort offers fitness centers, yoga classes, trivial nights, and extra beach sports if you want to play volleyball, cricket, or touch footy.
Where to stay on Daydream Island
The Daydream Island Resort reopened in 2019 after a multimillion-dollar renovation.
There are 220 rooms available in the resort, including suites and family rooms.
Graze, Infinity and Inkstone are three new restaurants that opened on the island during the refurbishment.
Daydream Island is one of the smaller islands in the group and is close to the mainland.
Long Island
Long Island is a perfect back-to-nature getaway, sleek and slender Long Island.
It’s only 20 minutes by ferry from Shute Harbour.
Palm Bay Resort Whitsundays offers rare self-catering accommodation, so you can cook your own meals.
What to do on Long Island
Everything that you’ll want to do on Long Island is provided by the resorts and retreats.
You can also head out on pre-booked Heli-tours, day trips to other islands, and short cruises.
If you’re heading on the road, I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack.
For what to pack, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.
- Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while on the island
- Bring your own water filter
- Be aware of the dangers of swimming in closed-in areas, such as creeks and rivers
- Respect wildlife and do not feed them
Where to stay on Long Island
Palm Bay Resort is a family-friendly destination, while Elysian Retreat is for luxury seekers.
Bures (villas) is available at Palm Bay Resort, while accommodation at Elysian Retreat is in oceanfront villas only.
There are many activities available at both resorts – from day spa retreats to ocean rafting and kayaking/snorkeling.
Hook Island
Hook Island is a beautiful national park that offers breathtaking lookouts and bush walks. It is also a popular spot for fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The island is home to yachts and many picturesque beach campsites. Hook Island is a popular spot for camping and snorkeling.
Camping permits must be obtained in advance, and all campers should bring their own water supplies.
The best way to experience the park is to camp on one of the islands.
The island has a wide variety of coral reefs and is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
The island can be reached by boat or helicopter and offers plenty of activities for visitors, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing.
What to do on Hook Island
Hook Island is perfect for a day trip.
There are beaches perfect for snorkeling and fishing, as well as trails to hike.
The best way to experience the park is by camping on one of the islands. Camping permits must be obtained in advance.
All campers should bring their own water supplies. There is no camping on Hook Island.
Keep dogs on a leash when walking in the park to avoid getting them tangled up in wildlife.
Bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, as there is no food or drink available on Hook Island.
Respect the natural environment and do not litter or build fires in the park.
Where to stay on Hook Island
Hook Island is largely uninhabited, so the best place to stay is on a boat.
There are beaches perfect for snorkeling and you can also dock for fishing trips.
A true natural beauty, the Whitsunday Islands are nothing short of picturesque.
Hook Island is a great place for families to stay. There are many opulent homes on Hook Island.
The qualia estate is one of the most admired places to stay in Australia.
Lindeman Island
Lindeman Island is the largest island in the group.
Shaw Island is the second-largest island in the group.
Other Ann Island is the third largest island in the group.
Cole Island is a small, uninhabited island located off of Queensland’s Whitsundays coast.
Daydream Island is a small, uninhabited island located near Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Long Island and Base Point are two of the five main islands that make up The Whitsundays Group .
What to do on Lindeman Island
Lindeman Island is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There are many activities you can do on Lindeman Island, including hiking, swimming, and sailing.
Camping is also an option if you want to save money. If you have more money, there are many things you can do on Lindeman Island.
There are a few different ways to get to Lindeman Island, depending on your budget and needs.
Lindeman Island is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a stunning natural landscape. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including sailing, hiking, and birdwatching.
The average daily cost of living is relatively low when compared to other Australian cities, making it an affordable option for visitors.
Lindeman Island can be reached by ferry from the mainland or by air (depending on the time of year).
Please note that there is no medical facility on Lindeman Island – travelers should bring their own medications and supplies with them in case of emergency.
Where to stay on Lindeman Island
There are a few camping grounds on Lindeman Island.
Choose from resorts that are all-inclusive, family-friendly, eco-style, activity-based, dining-focused, or luxury treatment-focused.
The island resorts can organize for you to join in any number of activities ranging from sailing trips around the reef, coral diving, trips to other islands, and jet skiing around the island.
Brampton Island Resort is one of the larger islands and includes over 770 ha of National Parklands with 11km of walking tracks through hoop pines and tropical rainforest as well as coastal mangroves.
Hamilton Island Resort is one of the better-known Whitsundays Islands and offers over 80 activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy while staying on the island. It is permanently inhabited but keeps 70% of the island untouched, so you can enjoy the 20km of walking tracks and unspoiled coves.
Lindeman Island is home to Australia’s only Club Med resort and has over 13km of bushwalking tracks around it.
