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Home - Travel Destinations - Whitsunday Islands – The Best of this Beautiful Destination in Australia

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A Beautiful Place You Should Visit

The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 continental islands of various sizes. Of which he national park itself protects 32.)

Located off the central coast of Queensland, Australia, north of Brisbane.

Whitsunday Islands

What is it famous for?

Movie location:  Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island were connected to the production and promotion of the films:

  1. ‘Pirates of the Caribbean – Dead men tell no tales’ (with Johnny Depp as Captain Sparrow) 
  2. ‘Ticket to Paradise’ with (Julia Roberts and George Clooney) 

But we’ll tell you more about this later in the article…

Natural Beauty:

  • Whitsunday Islands are famous for their natural beauty, beautiful beaches like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, as well as the famous Heart Reef – a stunning composition of coral that has naturally formed into the shape of a heart. A highlight of any visit to the Whitsundays.
  • Furthermore, it is also home to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef – one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the largest living structure on Earth. It is part of the world’s largest living ecosystem.
  •  
Visit the Whitsundays Islands Things to do Where to stay Lux Accommodation Beautiful places to visit

Why should you visit Whitsunday Islands?

Apart from the luxury as well as beautiful resorts and absolute beautiful nature scenes, the islands also offer:

  • Many, and most of the islands offer ideal sailing and kayaking conditions as well as amazing snorkeling locations where you can enjoy the beauty of an abundant fish-filled world under the sea.
  • You’ll discover pristine reefs and abundant wildlife, like, turtles, reef fish, dolphins, manta rays, and humpback whales frolicking in the ocean (between June to September).  Although remember it’s not guaranteed with every trip.  Seasons change and so does the habits of the sea life.
  • Beautiful, secluded beaches and an amazing coastline.
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Ticket to Paradise | Official Trailer:

Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays Vacation ideas in Australia

Best islands to visit?

The Top 5 Whitsunday Islands – although most of the islands are not inhabited, there are a few that is worth spending a bit more time on:

  • Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is probably the most well-known as it is also one of the larger inhabited islands in the group of the 74 Whitsunday islands. The island is possibly the most popular holiday destination in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and the perfect place from where to explore the reef.
  • Hayman Island. A private island open to the public, and famous for its luxury resort accommodation.  (See below for fabulous suggestions on where to stay.)
  • Hook Island. The second largest island in the Cumberland group.  Only 58 square kilometers in size, but it has picturesque bays to enjoy.  This is worth a stop.
  • Daydream Island. Here you have something that memories are made of.  Stay on a tiny island (measuring only 1 km in length by 400 m in width) called Daydream Island, sip on your cocktails and make this daydream your reality. (see the link below for booking your stay) You can go on a day trip to Daydream island as well.
  • Whitsunday Island.  The biggest island of the group and home to the Whitsunday Island National Park, as well as Whitehaven Beach and the spectacular Hill Inlet (an amazing viewpoint and photo hotspot).

How many days do you need in Whitsundays?

  • The Whitsundays have so much to offer. We recommend a minimum of 4 days and if you would like to spend a little more time at your luxury resort, then definitely book for 5 days.
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What is the best way to see the Whitsundays?

  • The best way to see the Whitsundays is by water. Go on a boat tour. There are many day cruises and experiences you can easily book online to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island, and more.

What is the best time of year to go?

  • The best time of the year to visit The Whitsundays Islands is during spring.  The months of October and November have nice weather, but it is not yet that busy.  During the hot summer months of December and January, the place is busy, as it is a very popular tourist destination.  But there is a great vibe.
Most beautiful places to visit in Australia Whitsunday Islands

How do you get around the Whitsundays?

  • Easy water access to the islands is available by launch from Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island.  You can rent a car, hire a bicycle or scooter and the local bus service is also available.

How to get to Whitsundays?

  • You can fly to Whitsundays Coast Airport, Proserpine (PPP), which is approximately 40 minutes from Airlie Beach. Virgin Australia and Jetstar offer daily flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Are the Whitsundays worth visiting?

  • Yes, Yes, and definitely yes.  If you love the beautiful idyllic tropical beach look and want all your friends to be jealous of where you took those beautiful vacation photos, this is the place to go.

While you’re there,

  • Take a (60 min) passenger ferry trip from the Hamilton Island Marina to the beautiful and popular Airlie Beach.

You might like to read more about:  Australia’s Kangaroo Island.

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Where to stay

There are loads of beautiful places to stay.  (Featured on the photo below: The InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, an IHG Hotel)

Book your Accommodation

From luxury to family resorts - More than 400 places to stay.
Search and Book a place to stay anywhere on Whitsundays

WARNING:

Swimming around the Whitsundays is generally safe and well managed, especially in popular areas.

During the warmer months, marine stingers can be present, which is why many tours provide protective stinger suits and clearly marked swimming zones. Crocodiles live in northern Queensland waters, but sightings around the main tourist islands are rare, and local operators follow strict safety guidelines.

Stick to advised swimming areas, listen to local advice, and enjoy the water with confidence — thousands of visitors do so every year without issue.

Facts:
• Marine stingers appear seasonally, mainly October to May
• Stinger suits are standard practice, not an emergency measure
• Crocodiles exist in the region but are uncommon around island resorts

Film Location Details (Don’t go looking for a specific site):

“Ticket to Paradise”:

The movie was filmed in Australia, but most beach scenes people remember were not filmed on Whitehaven Beach itself. Some aerial shots and promotional footage were taken in the Whitsundays region, including around Hamilton Island, while many close-up beach scenes were filmed elsewhere in Queensland under controlled conditions.

Things to do while visiting Whitsunday Islands