Whitehaven Beach Tours and Activities

Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach


Stroll along this famous beach on Whitsunday Island to experience its dazzling white sands and gently lapping waters in different hues of blue and green.

Subtropical Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is the most famous beach in Queensland and consistently ranks high among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stroll along the beach, dive in for a swim and let the beauty of the beach rub off on you.

The pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach stretch undisturbed for nearly 5 miles (7 kilometers). It is part of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays and a designated national park.

At low tide the beach expands and shows more of the fine, white sand it is so famous for. This almost pure silica sand doesn’t retain the heat, so take your shoes off and feel its cool, powdery sands under your toes. Dip your toes in the lapping water or wade in for a refreshing swim. Wear a full-body “stinger suit” in summer, provided by most tour operators, to protect yourself from harmful jelly fish.

For something more energetic, jog or walk the length of the beach to the Hill Inlet at its northern edge. From the lookout at Tongue Point, watch the swirling sands and waters below, a breathtaking fusion of white sands and emerald and turquoise currents. You may even see green sea turtles and brown stingrays swim by.

Arrange a guided bush walk to learn all about the unusual history, flora and fauna of Whitsunday Island. You may also camp on Whitehaven if you prebook this with an operator from Airlie Beach. Bring your own food and water supplies and repellent against sandflies.

To get to Whitehaven Beach, take the ferry across from the Port of Airlie or book a Whitsunday Cruise package tour to sail to Whitehaven Beach via Hamilton Island in one day, with lunch included. Upon arrival, little tender boats transport you safely to shore. To speed things up, you can also book a power boat from Airlie Beach or a half-day excursion from Hamilton Island, which has accommodations. For the ultimate views, explore the beach via a helicopter or book a seaplane. There are airports on Hamilton Island and in Proserpine on the mainland.

Whitehaven Beach has basic toilets and a picnic area on its southern end, where many boat tour operators drop off their passengers for a swimming break.

Plan a trip to see Whitehaven Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Freedom Shores
 Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat
Azure Sea Whitsunday Resort

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Top Whitehaven Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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Papillon, Papillon on Hamilton Island

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La Bella Waters 1 Wide Ocean Views

La Bella Waters 1 Wide Ocean Views

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North Cape 5, North Cape 5 on Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island
North Cape 5, North Cape 5 on Hamilton Island
Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island

Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island

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Bluestone, Bluestone on Hamilton Island
Bella Vista East 5

Bella Vista East 5

4 out of 5
1 Coral Sea Ave, Whitsundays, QLD
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Bella Vista East 4

Bella Vista East 4

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Cooinda Gardens 4, Cooinda Gardens 4 on Hamilton Island

Cooinda Gardens 4, Cooinda Gardens 4 on Hamilton Island

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Cooinda Gardens 4, Cooinda Gardens 4 on Hamilton Island
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is a must-visit destination, offering stunning scenery and a variety of fun activities. Enjoy island camping on its pristine shores, take a thrilling helicopter tour for breathtaking views, or indulge in day sailing to explore the surrounding waters. Whether you're relaxing on the beach or seeking adventure, Whitehaven Beach promises an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, the Airlie Beach Market, located 32.2km away, offers a vibrant public market experience. For a wider selection, head to the Whitsunday Shopping Centre and Whitsunday Plaza, both 21 and 37.0km away, featuring family-friendly entertainment and diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the Hamilton Island Golf Club, where you can play on a stunning golf course surrounded by breathtaking scenery, just 14.5km from Whitehaven Beach. For relaxation, indulge in soothing treatments at Spa Wumurdaylin, located 11.3km away, or visit the Daydream Island Rejuvenation Day Spa, 22.5km away, for a tranquil escape.

Adventure

The Turtle Boardwalk is a scenic hiking trail located 33.8km from Whitehaven Beach, offering stunning views and an adventurous atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the thrill of hiking amidst lush surroundings and vibrant wildlife.

Nightlife

For a fun night near Whitehaven Beach, check out the Hamilton Island Bowling Alley, an arcadeAdventureZone offering family-friendly vibes just 11.3km away. Alternatively, enjoy a cultural experience at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, a theatre located 49.9km away, perfect for a romantic evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays offers stunning scenery and outdoor experiences. Explore the famous Whitehaven Beach and nearby Whitsunday Island, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the pristine sands. For a taste of local life, head to Airlie Beach, the gateway to these natural wonders, and discover marinas and bays that enhance your tropical getaway. Whether relaxing on the beach or taking in the breathtaking views, there's something for every traveller.

  • Catseye Beach: Located 11.3km from Whitehaven Beach, Catseye Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and swimming. With its gentle waves and soft sand, it's an ideal spot for families and those seeking a peaceful beach vibe.
  • Hamilton Island Marina: Also 11.3km away, Hamilton Island Marina is a hub of adventure. You can explore water sports, dining options, and outdoor activities while soaking in the vibrant marina atmosphere, perfect for those looking for excitement.
  • Hill Inlet: Just 1.4km from Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet is renowned for its stunning scenery. The breathtaking views and unique swirling sands create an unforgettable backdrop for swimming, hiking, and photography enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Whitehaven Beach

The best time to visit Whitehaven Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Whitehaven Beach falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Whitehaven Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.6°F (27.0°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
February80.8°F (27.1°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March80.1°F (26.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
May73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June70.2°F (21.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August69.4°F (20.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September72.1°F (22.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October74.8°F (23.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Whitehaven Beach

To save money on your trip to Whitehaven Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of March, May, or August, while avoiding peak times like April and the December-January period. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance often yields the best rates, and Saturday is typically the least expensive day to stay. Use Expedia to compare prices and take advantage of last-minute deals or package offers that bundle flights and activities. Don’t forget to explore free activities like beach walks and snorkelling to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Whitehaven Beach are March, May and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Whitehaven Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Whitehaven Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Whitehaven Beach is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by bundling your hotel stay at Whitehaven Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.