Whitsundays

Things to do in Whitsundays

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Whitsundays

View all Attractions
Great Barrier Reef
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Queensland

Great Barrier Reef

7.7
4.6/5
939 reviews
The Great Barrier Reef stretches along the northeast coast of Australia, extending over 2000 km. It is one of the world's largest and longest coral reefs. Composed of hundreds of coral reef islands of varying sizes, the Great Barrier Reef dazzles with vibrant colors and boundless beauty. Its heart-shaped coral reef island has become a signature attraction of the Great Barrier Reef. 1. Attraction overview The Great Barrier Reef is home to vast coral kingdoms and countless marine creatures, as well as deep underwater cliffs, tunnels, and caves. Whether you admire the coral formations from a helicopter or dive deep into the ocean, you can truly appreciate nature's marvels. At the Great Barrier Reef, you can sign up for diving or semi-submersible boat tours to explore the underwater world. Of course, if you want to experience sailing, you can rent various vessels (from speedboats to catamarans) to ride the waves. You can also board a cruise, choosing based on your time and preferences. For a more flexible ocean experience, hop on a speedboat. In addition, taking a helicopter ride to overlook the Great Barrier Reef is one of the must-do activities here, offering an aerial view of the world-famous heart-shaped reef (Heart Reef); take a hot air balloon ride overAtherton TablelandOne experience of soaring to the sky and diving into the sea is never enough! 2. National parks There are many national parks near the Great Barrier Reef, in addition to theDaintree Rainforest, there are many secret gardens not to be missed waiting for you to discover slowly. At Cape Tribulation (Cape Tribulation) Explore wildlife sightings,Nara Inlet on Hook Island,Preserves the rock art left by the Ngaro people. Travelers can hire a specialized guide to take them into the rainforest and experience activities such as swimming and barbecuing in the national park. 3. Travel method To visit the Great Barrier Reef, you need to go out to sea, usually starting from Cairns or the Whitsunday Islands. The Great Barrier Reef is mainly divided into inner reef andOuter Barrier Reef, the inner barrier reef is close to the city,Outer Barrier ReefIt is farther from the city with less pollution, so carefully choose the area you want to visit based on personal needs.Australia · Cairns
Whitsunday Islands

Whitsunday Islands

7.3
4.6/5
66 reviews
Whitsunday Islands consist of 74 tropical islands scattered in the central waters of the Great Barrier Reef, part of Queensland, Australia. Most of the islands are national park protected areas, with only a few having resort facilities, including Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Daydream Island, and Hook Island. Each island has a unique style, with offerings ranging from family-friendly activities to relaxing vacations. The archipelago's iconic sights include Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. Heart Reef is a natural coral formation within Hardy Reef that is heart-shaped when viewed from the air. Because it is protected, it is inaccessible for swimming and can only be seen via helicopter or seaplane. Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island and is famous for its high-purity silica sand, which is white and fine. Hill Inlet at the northern end of the beach is a tidal inlet. At low tide, the white sand and turquoise water intertwine to create swirling patterns, which can be viewed from the lookout at the end of the trail. Almost every island is surrounded by fringing reefs, allowing for close encounters with coral and schools of tropical fish through near-shore snorkeling; scuba diving usually takes place further out at the outer Great Barrier Reef. Sailing cruises are a popular way to experience the islands, and many boats are equipped with viewing facilities on the deck and at the bottom of the boat, allowing those who do not want to enter the water to view the underwater coral and fish through the transparent bottom. Winter is a dry and comfortable time, and humpback whales also pass through nearby waters during this period.Whitsundays · 22.1 km from downtown
Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island

5.5
4.9/5
105 reviews
Hamilton Island is located in the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia, situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and is often called the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands consist of over 70 islands scattered between the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef, most of which remain uninhabited national parks. Hamilton Island is one of the few inhabited islands in the archipelago, with well-developed resort facilities and its own airport, making it the main gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Cars are prohibited on the island, and colorful golf buggies are the primary mode of transport, cruising along palm-lined paths between resorts and beaches, where the pace of life naturally slows down. Activities on the island extend from the sky to the water. Take a helicopter or scenic flight out to sea to view the naturally formed Heart Reef from the air; this heart-shaped coral reef is considered a romantic symbol of the Whitsunday Islands. Take a cruise around the islands to visit the famous Whitehaven Beach, where stretches of pure white silica sand and turquoise waters create an iconic scene of this region. For those wanting to explore underwater, you can join a day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef to snorkel near the floating pontoons, or observe coral and tropical fish up close through underwater observatories or semi-submersibles. For land-based travelers, you can take a short ferry ride to nearby Dent Island to play a round at the golf club nestled between the mountains and the sea. The main beach on the island is Catseye Beach, which is suitable for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities. In the evening, head up to the One Tree Hill lookout, a classic spot on the island to enjoy the sunset, where many people bring a drink and wait for the sun to sink into the sea. From June to September each year, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Whitsunday Islands, and you often have the chance to encounter them while out at sea.Hamilton Island · 98m from downtown
Whitehaven Beach
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach

4.9
4.6/5
112 reviews
Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island in Queensland, Australia. It is famous for its crystal clear white sand and turquoise water. Visitors can arrive by boat, seaplane or helicopter from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. Barbecue and camping facilities are available on the beach, and camping must be booked in advance. The sand at Whitehaven Beach contains 98% pure silica, which is fine and difficult to retain heat, so you can walk barefoot on the beach even in midsummer. Dogs and smoking are prohibited on the beach to maintain its environmental friendliness. It has been rated as the cleanest beach in Queensland. The Beach Swim is a 2-kilometer open water competition that has been held at the beach every November since 2009 and is also part of the Hamilton Island Triathlon. In 2018, the local government invested in improving walking trails and camping areas to enhance the visitor experience. The unique sand quality and beautiful scenery of the beach attract many tourists and locals to swim and sightsee.Whitsundays · 29.7 km from downtown
Airlie Beach Lagoon
No. 12 of Family-friendly Attractions in Queensland

Airlie Beach Lagoon

4.4
4.5/5
43 reviews
The Lagoon (Airlie Beach Lagoon) in the center of Airlie Beach is the focal point of the town. At one end of the lagoon is a shallow sandy shore area with a children's pool, creating a safe environment for young families. You can also find a shady and quiet place to read in peace by yourself. Airlie Beach Lagoon is also a swimming pool, next to the sea, palm trees are planted by the lake, and the swimming pool is divided into 2 areas for adults and children. Surrounded by grassy hills, it is ideal for sunbathing.Airlie Beach · 86m from downtown
Ocean Rafting

Ocean Rafting

4
5.0/5
3 reviews
This is a water sport where visitors can ride on a raft to feel the rough waves and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.Airlie Beach · 751m from downtown
Hill Inlet

Hill Inlet

3.9
4.5/5
12 reviews
The Whitsunday Islands are located in the center of the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands are the larger islands in the Whitsunday Islands. Hill Bay on the island and the famous scenic spot Whitehaven Beach in the south are far away. Participate in a local tour group. If Tongue Point and Hill Bay are included in the itinerary, you can  take a mountain road to reach the viewing platform of Hill Bay, this viewing platform It can be said that it is a good place to enjoy White Paradise Beach from the land. The white sand beach at the mouth of the river is combined with the blue water, like a sand painting, and the scenery is more beautiful when the tide is low.Whitsundays · 27 km from downtown
ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour

ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour

3.2
Airlie Beach · 800m from downtown
One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill

3.1
5.0/5
17 reviews
Standing on One Tree Hill on Hamilton Island, you can enjoy the best views of the Whitsundays. Looking east is Catseye Bay to Whitsundays. From the west, you can see Dent Island (Dent Island), Henning & Plum Pudding Island (Henning & PlumPudding Island) to the Holy Spirit Waterway, and Long & South Molle Island (Long & South Molle Island), until the land of Australia. This place is a great place to watch the sunset, when you arrive at the island, you can come here to see it, the sun goes down, drink a cocktail, and enjoy the view and sunset in the lonely woods.Hamilton Island · 1.4 km from downtown
Catseye Beach

Catseye Beach

3.1
4.3/5
27 reviews
Cat's Eye Beach is a good place for tourists to relax and have fun. Walking on the beach or jumping into the sea for snorkeling is a good choice. When the sun sets, and when the tide ebbs, you can walk directly down to see the vivid corals in the sea. . All guests staying at the hotel on the island can use the free non-electric equipment on the beach, such as boating, snorkeling, windsurfing and so on.Hamilton Island · 533m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Whitsundays

Featured Day tours in Whitsundays

View all Day tours
Whitsundays Hardy great barrier reef 1-day tour - Hamilton/Airlie beach/helicopter
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 124 booked
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
137 travellers saved
FromCAD 317.46
Lazy Cat Travel Airlie Beach Lightning Cat Whitehaven Beach Snorkeling English 1-day Tour with Lunch Hill Inlet
󱌍
4.8/5
· 4 reviews· 77 booked
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
72 travellers saved
FromCAD 253.41
OR Whitsunday Islands Whitehaven Beach south route speedboat/north route speedboat/Heart Reef scenic flight 1-day tour
Trip.Select
󱌍
4.0/5
· 2 reviews· 105 booked
Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
148 travellers saved
FromCAD 233.74
1-day tour to Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays - Optional speedboating on north/south routes + scenic flight to see Heart Reef
󱌍
4.5/5
· 8 reviews· 158 booked
Duration: 5.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
247 travellers saved
FromCAD 248.76
Whitsundays Whitehaven speedboating + Heart Reef flight 1-day tour [north-south route · optional includes meal]
󱌍
4.8/5
· 45 reviews· 775 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
95.6% of travelers recommend
FromCAD 232.68
OceanRafting Whitsunday Islands Heart Reef sightseeing/South route/North route 1-day tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 378 booked
Duration: 8.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
700 travellers saved
FromCAD 226.92
Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach free time half-day tour departing from Airlie Beach/Hamilton Island
󱌍
4.8/5
· 4 reviews· 224 booked
Duration: 5.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
180 travellers saved
FromCAD 152.73
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise
󱌍
4.8/5
· 1.6k reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
96.3% of travelers recommend
FromCAD 250.12

Featured Outdoor experiences in Whitsundays

View all Outdoor experiences
60-minute scenic flight over Heart Reef and the Whitsunday Islands with Ocean Rafting
󱌍
5.0/5
· 8 reviews· 266 booked
Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
223 travellers saved
FromCAD 314.83
Whitsunday Islands 1 hr scenic flight [See Heart Reef at Great Barrier Reef/Whitehaven Beach/Hill Inlet]
󱌍
3.7/5
· 11 reviews· 756 booked
Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
479 travellers saved
FromCAD 309.89
1-day/half-day tour to the Whitsunday Islands Airlie Beach Whitehaven Beach [optional cruise/sailing boat/speedboat]
󱌍
4.5/5
· 2 reviews· 131 booked
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
62 travellers saved
FromCAD 147.86
Scenic flight to the Whitsundays to see Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet (departing from Hamilton Island)
󱌍
4.5/5
· 4 reviews· 109 booked
Duration: 50 mins
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
133 travellers saved
FromCAD 414.08
Cruise Whitsundays 1-day tour to Whitehaven Beach + Hill Inlet
Trip.Select
󱌍
5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 155 booked
Duration: 8.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
270 travellers saved
FromCAD 265.10

Free things to do in Whitsundays

More ways to travel from Whitsundays

Whitsundays Cruises

See all cruises

Group Tours in Whitsundays

View More Group Tours in Whitsundays

What travellers say about Whitsundays

user-avatar
azicat2014October 7, 2026
4.0
As for snorkeling, the Great Barrier Reef is truly lacking. The corals are poor, the water visibility is poor, and there are numerous restrictions. You can't swim on the corals. It's incomparable to the Maldives. The highlight is the helicopter tour of the Great Barrier Reef, which is undoubtedly a World Heritage-level landscape.

Great Barrier Reef

user-avatar
coo***anJune 22, 2022
5.0
[Scenery] Sea Fever Sportfishing Whitsundays has a great sea view, and this Whitsunday Island is even better, with mountain views, one sea and one mountain, which is the most distinctive and popular attraction here [Fun] Don't miss the high-rise view

Whitsunday Islands

user-avatar
Lavender and SunSeptember 7, 2021
5.0
Good climate, blue water, beautiful beaches, desirable coral reefs, charming plants and animals, exquisite food, wine and colorful activities are almost too numerous to mention. Dent Island opposite Hamilton Island is an 18-hole green golf course with a beautiful sea view.

Hamilton Island

user-avatar
BbybellsMay 31, 2023
5.0
the best beach that I have ever visited - the swirling sands from the lookout is magical.

Whitehaven Beach

user-avatar
M22***63December 11, 2019
4.0
This beach is also one of the more famous tourist attractions in the area. Many people come here to visit. The environment is well protected, the sea water is blue and clear, the locals are very hospitable, and the consumption is not too expensive.

Airlie Beach Lagoon

user-avatar
_TI***y2September 8, 2026
5.0
Well coordinated day trip northern route with 2 great snorkel spots. Josh and Jonty were great hosts for our perfect day!

Ocean Rafting

user-avatar
多多November 16, 2020
4.0
We did a half day (morning) cruise with Expeditions. The boat is nice and clean, the crew is very friendly and efficient. The cruise will sail along Whitehaven Beach, but you don't actually visit the beach yourself. Instead, it visits the little bay, where a small caretaker will drop you off on shore. Next you will be guided up the hill until you reach an observation platform. The view from there is absolutely breathtaking. Overlooking the shallows, the sand and the colors of the sea, blue, turquoise, white,... The hike up and down is a bit strenuous but well worth it. Afterwards you will visit the bay's own beach, where you can swim if you want, but it is definitely the shallows that you should at least wade into. You will see many fish and we also encountered some stingrays.

Hill Inlet

user-avatar
WillSumFebruary 21, 2020
5.0
It can be regarded as the highest point on Hamilton Island. In addition to the beach, the mountain climbing activities here are also part of the natural leisure tourism of the entire island. Standing on the high ground overlooking the island's beach and blue water, the effect is very good

One Tree Hill

user-avatar
JQKABBQFebruary 21, 2022
5.0
Most of the hotels on the island are similar in condition. Reef View is conveniently located opposite Cat's Eye Beach. Parrots often come to you on the balcony of the hotel to ask for food, so cute. Opposite is Cat's Eye Beach, and there are lounge chairs on the beach. There is an activity center ahead of the beach. There is also a restaurant. "I basically have breakfast there. There are 2 swimming pools next to the restaurant, and you can find them by the pool. When I went there, the islands had not been unblocked yet, so there were few people on the island. So I feel that this beach is no different from a private beach, super cool! You can book various water activities at the activity center, Kayak and standing boat. As long as you provide the hotel room number, they are all free. -About travel. There are no private cars on the island. It is recommended to rent a buggy for a day. This way you can go around the island and see the scenery. There is also a bus around the island, which is free. About food and drink. There is an IGA supermarket and BWS on the island. So you can also come to the supermarket to buy things and cook them yourself~

Catseye Beach

Popular cities near Whitsundays

Frequently asked questions

You can give Half-day experience at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays [2 hours of free time with morning or afternoon tea] and 1-day tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from Airlie Beach with freshly grilled BBQ lunch a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Whitsundays Hardy great barrier reef 1-day tour - Hamilton/Airlie beach/helicopter, Lazy Cat Travel Airlie Beach Lightning Cat Whitehaven Beach Snorkeling English 1-day Tour with Lunch Hill Inlet, and OR Whitsunday Islands Whitehaven Beach south route speedboat/north route speedboat/Heart Reef scenic flight 1-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 18, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Whitsundays is around CAD 152.73 – CAD 317.46. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.